Circularity in Europe strengthens the sustainability of the global food system

Redesigning the European food system on the basis of circularity principles could bring environmental benefits for Europe and the world. This study uses a biophysical optimization model to explore the effects of adopting three circularity scenarios in the European Union (EU) 27 + UK. Results indicate potential reductions of 71% in agricultural land use and 29% per capita in agricultural greenhouse gas emissions, while maintaining sufficient healthy food production within a self-sufficient European food system. Under global food shortages, land savings could feed an additional 767 million people outside the EU, reducing per capita greenhouse gas emissions by 38% but increasing overall emissions by 55% due to the increased population served. The transition towards circularity requires sequential changes across all food system components and offers significant potential for human and planetary health.

H. H. E. van Zanten, W. Simon, B. van Selm, J. Wacker, T. I. Maindl, A. Frehner, R. Hijbeek, M. K. van Ittersum, M. Herrero