GIANT LEAPS Policy Brief 9 Circularity in alternative protein production

The GIANT LEAPS project assessed circularity potentials of alternative protein sources, revealing untapped potential in valorising biowaste into nutrient-retaining feedstocks, which can reduce GHG emissions, land use, and import dependency while fostering resilient regional value chains. This policy paper, initiated by the Horizon Europe GIANT LEAPS project (grant no. 101059632) and informed by alternative protein producers and the GIANT LEAPS sustainability and circularity assessments, offers three recommendations: (1) incentivise transparent circularity assessments with nutrient metrics and open data platforms; (2) support eco-design and regional waste to-protein partnerships; (3) enable tiered, risk-proportionate innovation for new substrates via streamlined authorisations.