Conference Agenda
Overview and details of the sessions of this conference. Please select a date or location to show only sessions at that day or location. Please select a single session for detailed view (with abstracts and downloads if available).
Please note that all times are shown in the time zone of the conference. The current conference time is: 10th Sept 2026, 07:05:40pm CEST (Norway)
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Daily Overview |
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Circular economy and waste management Location: Auditorium L: Ingrid Simonnæs Session Chair: Luisa Lorè, University of Innsbruck | |
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From Plate to Bin: What Drives Belgians to Discard Food? Insights from a Mixed-Methods Approach 1: Uantwerpen, Belgium; 2: KU Leuven Food waste is a major global issue, with one-third of food produced for consumption—around 1.3 billion tons—discarded annually, contributing 6% to 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In Belgium, the average food waste per person is 37 kg, totaling about 240,925 tons, ranking it second in food waste per capita among EU countries in 2020. This study explores Belgian consumers' disposal decisions regarding cooking cream, incorporating stakeholder mapping, a referendum discrete choice experiment with 967 respondents, and policy workshops. Findings highlight a general aversion to food waste, with key factors being the best-before date, packaging type, and whether the product has been opened. Two distinct consumer profiles emerged: one group is more conscious of food waste and relies on sensory evaluation, while the other is more likely to discard products based on date labels and opening status, suggesting a need for targeted intervention. Policy recommendations emphasize raising awareness through tailored campaigns, clearer labeling, and retailer and school involvement. A multi-faceted approach targeting large families and younger populations, improving BBD understanding, and encouraging sensory checks is crucial, along with a dedicated food waste fund for long-term support. | |