Unused Resources
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What are underused resources?
Underused resources refers to resources that have not been distributed in the market but discarded or left unused. In the food industry, representative examples are off-grade vegetables, processing by-products, thinned timber, and agricultural residues (stems, leaves, etc.).
Putting these to good use leads to reducing food loss, lowering environmental burden, and revitalizing regional economies, so they are drawing attention from an SDGs perspective as well.
The characteristics and background of underused resources
Definition: resources that were not distributed in the market and went unused
Background: the food-loss problem, growing environmental burden, the shift to a circular society
Characteristics: off-grade vegetables, by-products, agricultural residues, underused seafood, and the like
Benefits: reduced disposal costs, greater sustainability through resource circulation, new business opportunities
Trend: expanding use as material for upcycled foods and regional circular businesses
Examples of using underused resources at Agriture
Drying and powdering off-grade vegetables for reuse as OEM food ingredients
Converting by-products generated during processing (skins, leaves, etc.) into dried materials and functional food ingredients
Partnering with local farmers to build a circular business that puts underused resources to work
Product planning as sustainable gifts and environmentally conscious novelties
Related keywords
Related articles
The relationship between non-standard vegetables and food loss | Solutions and case studies
The potential of new businesses using unused resources, and 5 secrets to success
Notable upcycle food brands | A sustainable choice
FAQ
Q1. What are concrete examples of underused resources?
A. Off-grade vegetables, skins and stems produced during food processing, underused fish, wood chips, and the like.
Q2. What is the difference between underused resources and recycling?
A. The difference is that underused resources are "things that were never used in the first place," whereas recycling is "reusing something once used."
