The challenge timeline encompasses three key phases: Design, Produce and Showcase.
Challenge Phases
Aim: To understand circular design principles, collaborate with industry front-runners and create design ideas
With support from the Foundation and a bespoke Challenge platform, participants set out to design food products using circular design principles. At the end of this phase, participants were invited to submit up to five product ideas which were scored for alignment with the Circular Design for Food Framework. Products that successfully met the Challenge criteria were invited into the Production Phase of the Challenge.
Aim: Navigate the complexities of building a better food system by producing products that are in line with circular economy principles
Almost 60 organisations brought over 140 products to life in the Production Phase - explore the participants here. In this phase, participants worked to overcome barriers and setbacks as they created products in line with circular economycircular economyA systems solution framework that tackles global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution. It is based on three principles, driven by design: eliminate waste and pollution, circulate products and materials (at their highest value), and regenerate nature. principles and had the opportunity for retail discussions and storytelling. It also provided tools to support participants in strengthening relationships with suppliers and build greater understanding of the impacts of their ingredient choices. A selection of SMEs invited into the Production Phase were also invited to apply for a financial grant to support their journey.
Aim: Showcase the products that have successfully made it through the Production Phase, and provide the opportunity to bring them to supermarket shelves with supportive retail partners
This phase celebrates the products, participant journeys and the progress towards an industry where making food designed for nature to thrive is the norm. These products — branded with a ‘Nature in mind’ logo to help customers identify them — will now be showcased on our Nature in mind website and stocked at leading supermarkets Carrefour Brasil Group, Casa Rica, and Waitrose, as well as food retailers Abel & Cole, Cook, Fortnum & Mason and Quitanda, to inspire food businesses and retailers and demonstrate it’s possible to build a better food system based on circular economy principles.
