Trade Council of Denmark signs strategic partnership agreement with Food & Fibre Gippsland
Food & Fibre Gippsland and The Trade Council of Denmark in Australia and New Zealand recently formalised their relationship, by signing a strategic partnership agreement which will support Gippsland’s Regional Circular Economy Plan.
Representatives from Sustainability Victoria, Gippsland Climate Change Network and the Latrobe Valley Authority attended as advisors to the signing, which took place at Ellinbank Research Park on 24 October.
Danish industry leaders have made several trips to Gippsland over the past 18 months, including a circular economy feasibility study tour. Following these visits, specific areas of opportunity were identified between parties, with a vision to utilise the best of Danish technology in order to support our members in achieving energy, waste and production efficiencies.
Danish Trade Commissioner, Ulrik Dahl, noted the partnership’s potential for positive environmental outcomes.
"We look forward to the mutual benefit of this collaboration with Food & Fibre Gippsland, as we continue to actively support Australia's green transition and contribute to the global reduction of CO² emission," Mr Dahl said.
Within the dairy industry, whey from the production of cheese and yoghurt is currently underutilised. Whey contains functional nutrition and is enjoyed as a base for beverages in many parts of the world. The agreement will lead to the exploration of value-adding possibilities for turning whey waste into a revenue stream for Gippsland dairy producers.
Additionally, the partnership will explore opportunities for cooperation and supporting the Victorian Government’s circular economy and waste-to-energy initiatives by:
introducing best-practice environment protection
creating ways to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill
identifying solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (i.e. green transition, renewable energy)
sharing knowledge and case studies on energy and water efficiency
assisting economic development through circular economy principles
Food & Fibre Gippsland Acting CEO, Ben Gebert, said the partnership will benefit Gippsland in multiple ways.
"This agreement will pave the way for Danish innovation to be used in minimising and repurposing waste streams from dairy industries, while supporting circular economy principles," said Ben.
"In a region renowned for its high-quality dairy products, it makes economic and environmental sense to be using whey byproducts for new and emerging opportunities, essentially value-adding and reducing waste in the process."
Food & Fibre Gippsland is committed to supporting the region’s $7 billion food and fibre value chain, as we move towards meeting our goals for sustainable development.
