Circunis receives funding for optimization

The University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) and the digital B2B marketplace Circunis want to find out how surpluses in the Swiss food system can be better utilized and kept in circulation. To this end, the FHNW began research work at the beginning of September to further develop and optimize the Circunis concept, Circunis reported in a press release. The project, which is supported by the Migros Pioneer Fund and the Seedling Foundation, is being funded by the Swiss Innovation Agency (Innosuisse). Co-founder Olivia Menzi is the CEO of Circunis. On its platform, businesses can offer their surplus food or search specifically for the fruit and vegetables they need. The research project will now evaluate the specific needs of companies in the food industry. Circunis intends to use the findings to integrate additional services, such as logistics, into its offering. Extensions of the platform to trade in side streams from food production as well as packaging or production materials are also being explored. The group of researchers led by Claus-Heinrich Daub, lecturer in sustainable management and marketing, and Aline von Jüchen, research assistant at the Institute for Corporate Management at the FHNW School of Business in Brugg-Windisch, are also interested in making the benefits from the utilization of surpluses measurable. The aim is to develop a framework that enables companies to quantify the impact of their commitment. ce/hs