Taylor's University is proud to announce the pioneering of the first-ever food waste management hub on campus. This initiative brings together students and faculty from diverse disciplines, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and providing them with hands-on experience in waste segregation and management. By embedding sustainable practices into our classes, Taylor's University aims to cultivate responsible global citizens who champion the principles of circular economy.
As part of Taylor’s Purpose Learning Initiative, the Food Security & Nutrition Impact Lab has initiated the S.T.A.R. (Segregation-Track-Array-Reduce) programme to tackle the food waste challenge. The S.T.A.R. programme has been integrated into practical modules offered by Taylor's Culinary Institute (TCI), School of Food Studies & Gastronomy (SFSG) and School of Hospitality, Tourism & Events (SHTE). By engaging students in waste segregation and management, the programme instills a responsible and sustainable mindset.
The S.T.A.R. programme operates in four distinct stages. Firstly, food waste is meticulously segregated into plant-based and animal-based trims during food preparation in the kitchen, while leftovers and inedible food scraps are separated in the restaurant. This initial segregation step is fundamental to efficient waste management. In the next stage, the waste is closely tracked to gather crucial data on its quantity and quality. This data analysis enables the university to identify trends in waste generation and develop targeted strategies for waste reduction.
To further enhance its food waste management efforts, Taylor's University forged a strategic partnership with Entomal Biotech Sdn Bhd and Impact Circle Malaysia. Entomal Biotech Sdn Bhd is a Malaysia-based company that strives to create a circular food system by using Black Soldier Fly (BSF) technology, a solution for biowaste treatment while providing perfect sustainable protein, away from unsustainable protein sources that have severe impacts on our environment. Whereby, Impact Circle is a leading AgriFoodTech startups ecosystem builder and multiplier, dedicated to catalyzing sustainable innovation and collaboration for the food and agriculture sector in Southeast Asia that connects investments and power collaborations within the food and agricultural ecosystem and supply chain to catalyze profitable innovation, expand sustainability and environmental awareness, and bring greater impact on food and nutrition security.
This collaboration aims to establish a Mobile Bio-Conversion System on campus, leveraging the Black Soldier Fly larvae's incredible potential to decompose food waste effectively. The byproducts of this process, such as insect larvae and frass, hold immense value and can be utilized in various applications, including organic fertilizer, biofuels and even the protein alternatives.
The S.T.A.R. programme is in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), particularly SDG12: Responsible Consumption and Production. Food waste contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, making its reduction crucial for achieving a circular economy and mitigating the environmental impact of food production and consumption. By implementing the S.T.A.R. programme, Taylor's University is taking a proactive step towards a more sustainable future.
Taylor's University is proud to lead the way in sustainable practices and waste reduction. This groundbreaking project not only benefits the university community but also sets an exemplary standard for other educational institutions and establishments to follow. By embracing innovative solutions and fostering responsible consumption and production, Taylor's University is making significant strides towards a greener and more sustainable future.