LETTERS: MALAYSIA needs to reduce the 1.2 million tonnes of agri-food waste it generates annually to meet the global goal of halving carbon dioxide emissions by 2030.
However, traditional disposal methods have proven to be unsustainable.
Instead, upcycling discarded, or unwanted agri-food products into something new and of higher value or quality may present new economic opportunities.
This aligns with Malaysia's sustainability goals outlined in the 12th Malaysia Plan and United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12 (UNSDG12).
However, there is need for innovation in this area as the processes to mitigate food waste in Malaysia are rather limited.
For example, scientists from Singapore are developing food stabiliser from durian seeds.
Our entrepreneurs need to look into upcycling agricultural waste, particularly from fruits and herbs, into nutritional supplements and health products.
In recent years, the global food and beverage market has been transformed by factors such as conscious consumerism, zero-waste living and growing concerns over food security.
The movement towards sustainable food consumption and sustainability marketing has profound implications for a nation.
This is due to its triadic benefits of environmental (reducing waste, conserving resources, lowering carbon emissions); economic (cost savings, job creation in sustainable industries); and social (community engagement and empowerment through upcycling initiatives) impacts.
While initiatives to reduce the use of plastics — such as reduce, reuse, repair and recycle campaigns, and bans on straws and single-use plastics — have gained some momentum, the focus on sustainable food consumption in Malaysia has been less pronounced.
The business community should collaborate with local suppliers to develop innovative technologies that address such challenges.
The size and significance of the sustainable food market compared with the conventional food market warrant in-depth exploration towards a more sustainable Malaysian economic landscape.
The transformation of agri-food waste into valuable products will also contribute to the growth of entrepreneurial ventures, in line with the 17 "Big Bold Measures" in the MADANI economy about empowering micro, small and medium enterprises and social enterprises.
This initiative will address environmental issues and food security, create jobs and increase product innovations.
DR AQILAH YAACOB, DR KAREN TSEN MUNG KHIE & DR GAN JEN LING
School of Marketing and Management,
Faculty of Business and Law,
Taylor's University.
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times