Digital marketplace for bio-based side streams
About this good practice
In many industries, such in agriculture and the food industry, side and waste streams are generated, but the potential of these streams is not utilized sufficiently. Effective use of side streams has been hindered by challenges such as profitability and logistics. For example, on one farm, the amounts of side streams may be small and/or seasonal and no suitable buyers have been found.
To solve the challenge, the Central union of agricultural producers and forest owners (MTK) founded the KiertoaSuomesta.fi service which is a sales channel aimed at farmers, forest owners and industry. It connects sellers and buyers of materials and creates business opportunities for unused side streams.
The digital platform is aimed at bio-based side and waste streams generated and utilized in agriculture, forestry, industry and municipalities. Applications include for example biogas plants, bio-based fertiliser manufacturers and biorefineries, which are byers or recipients of materials on the marketplace.
Wider use of the platform is also planned, it can be used to list contracting services and feed markets. The goal is to create new business opportunities to primary producers. Cooperation and small-scale industrial symbiosis are also promoted.
More efficient utilization of side streams enables saving virgin raw materials, reducing waste and replacing fossil natural resources with renewable ones.
Expert opinion
Resources needed
MTK launched the marketplace in 2019 with 22,000€ from the Rural Development Programme, but its potential was not fully realised. Additional expenses: platform design, marketing and communications. In 2022, redevelopment began through the TREASoURcE project, funded by Horizon Europe.
Evidence of success
After the redevelopment work by the TREASoURcE project (2022-2026), the platform was relaunched in mid-2023. There are currently 26 posts in the marketplace. The newsletter has 80 subscribers and social media accounts altogether 678 followers.
The development was done in broad cooperation with various stakeholders, such as farmers, companies, the public sector and students. Farmers provided valuable insights into their needs and wishes.
Potential for learning or transfer
With the help of the platform, it is possible to reduce waste and emissions, keep natural resources in use for as long as possible and increase the value of materials. The site also helps to create local symbioses that connect agriculture, industry, public authorities and consumers. At the same time, the marketplace promotes cooperation between rural and urban areas.
The platform is a practical tool for primary producers to engage in the circular economy. It enables farmers to find new partners and customers, utilize underused biobased resources more efficiently, and create potential income streams through the sale or exchange of these resources.
The service also tackles nutrient recycling challenges. By facilitating exchanges of nutrient-rich biobased materials, such as manure between livestock and crop farms, the platform helps reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers, enhances fertilizer self-sufficiency and promotes a more even distribution of nutrients.