SUSTAINABILITY FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE February 2025 67 The economic benefits of circular practices are compelling. Transforming waste into feedstock reduces disposal costs and creates value from materials that would otherwise go unused. By implementing closed-loop systems, feed producers can mitigate reliance on volatile commodity markets. For example, a livestock producer using byproducts instead of imported feed ingredients can cut costs significantly while reducing the risks associated with fluctuating grain prices. A report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation emphasizes the vast economic potential of circular systems, projecting trillions of dollars in global benefits across multiple industries. Meanwhile, consumers are becoming increasingly discerning, favoring products with transparent, ethical production processes. Feed companies that adopt circular practices can differentiate themselves in the marketplace, building loyalty while meeting tightening regulatory standards. ENABLING CIRCULARITY WITH TECHNOLOGY Technology is playing a critical role in advancing circularity. Multi-enterprise supply chain platforms empower the animal feed and pet food industries to seamlessly implement circular economy principles across their operations. By providing end-to-end visibility into supplier networks down to the Nth tier, a platform like TradeBeyond enables companies to identify and integrate byproducts from agriculture, food processing, and other sources into their feed formulations. With AI-powered traceability tools, businesses can map their supply chains down to the raw material level and document the full chain of custody for every order. These features allow feed producers to align with regulatory requirements like the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive while enhancing transparency and building trust with environmentally conscious consumers. The platform’s real-time collaboration tools facilitate closed-loop supply chains by connecting feed manufacturers with suppliers, recyclers, and third-party partners. This connectivity streamlines the integration of waste-to-feed programs and ensures rapid adjustments to shifting market demands or regulatory changes. Additionally, TradeBeyond’s sustainability solutions track Scope 3 emissions, water usage, and other key performance indicators, giving businesses the data they need to optimize processes and reduce environmental impact. By leveraging these tools, companies can turn sustainability from a regulatory obligation into a competitive advantage. The adoption of circular economy principles is transforming the animal feed industry. Waste-tofeed innovations, sustainable sourcing, and closedloop systems are paving the way for a resource-efficient future. With technology at the center of this transformation, feed producers can achieve sustainability goals while enhancing profitability, proving that environmental stewardship and economic success go hand in hand. About Eric Linxwiler Eric Linxwiler is Senior Vice President of TradeBeyond. He has over 30 years of experience in enterprise software and cloud-based platform companies with a specialty in supply chain optimization and workflow management.
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