Circular Design for a Sustainable Food Future

Whats the project  about?

In a sustainable development we must redesign the way we produce, consume and recycle. From a global perspective, we must develop innovative systems and ideas for a sustainable food system. Here, circular design strategies could meet a need in society and make a difference in the future food industry, and in this context creativity is important. 

This project explores how circular design principles can address sustainability challenges in the food sector. It aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 (Zero Hunger) and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), providing students with the opportunity to create innovative solutions for a sustainable and circular food system.

Using design thinking, students will collaborate across disciplines to conceptualise ideas that promote sustainable behaviour and systems. They will create and present a circular design concept with the aim to change attitudes and behaviour regarding sustainable consumption and production for a sustainable future food system. These may include solutions like reducing food waste, integrating circular economy principles into food supply chains, or designing innovative food tech solutions. The project involves both physical and virtual components, ensuring an interdisciplinary and problem-solving approach.

Study Areas for the project

We welcome participants with multiple disciplines to join the project. Study areas below are examples of areas that could benefit the project.  

If you are interested in environmental sciences, to understand the mechanisms of environmental change and its impact on sustainable food systems, this may be the project for you. Another important study area is social sciences, including to analyse the societal changes needed to foster sustainable consumption and production. We also need students that study business and economics to be able to develop circular economy models tailored to the food industry. Last but not least, we need students that are interested in design and creativity and want to develop and apply creative methods to develop impactful solutions.

Our Project Team
Relevant skills for students to be in this project are: creativity, curiosity, teamwork, openminded, enthusiastic and corporative. The following skills are needed for our project to be successful:

-          Students that understand the mechanisms of environmental change and its impact on sustainable food systems including

-          Students who want to go out and talk to local people and explore issues in the food area with an aim to understand their problems and challenges.

-          Students who want to create novel ideas and designsolutions like  circular economy models that can help transform society for a better future.

Students that are good communicators and can understand and explain challenges and how they can be solved.

Contact

Karina Göransson, Mid Sweden University

Nevil Walsh , Atlantic Technological University