Defining Sustainability

The sustainability technology company Infine is leading the Food Data Finland development project, which aims to create criteria for sustainability. The project, carried out in collaboration with corporate partners and the Finnish Environment Institute (Syke), focuses on defining the boundaries and thresholds for sustainability, while also increasing the understanding of sustainability.

Sustainability is constantly evolving and requires an understanding of society's overall approach to it. Food plays a central role in the transition towards a more sustainable society. Infine’s sustainability analyses are based on a model of relative sustainability, in which a product is compared to functionally similar products, through various sustainability criteria.

Collecting sustainability data, keeping it up-to-date, and improving products based on sustainability insights takes time and resources from food manufacturers. Both retailers and manufacturers need assistance and tools in gathering and managing sustainability data. The project aims to develop Infine’s SaaS service, which will provide a comprehensive view of sustainability for thousands of products in a clear and fast manner.

The project also thoroughly examines upcoming EU legislation and the changes it will bring to food producers.

Project Goals

The objectives of the project are to define what food sector sustainability is and determine the boundary conditions. The project is carried out by:

  1. Improving the comparability of product sustainability values and compiling essential data into one place
  2. Enriching companies’ existing product data with relevant sustainability information from other sources
  3. Developing technology (Digital Link + Infine SaaS) and defining the essential sustainability criteria while taking into account the diversity of products and related legislation

Companies and Organizations Involved in the Project

Infine, the Finnish Environment Institute, Apetit, Fazer, HKFoods, Kesko, Leijona Catering, Olvi, Orkla, Snellman, and Sodexo

Project Timeline

9/2023–12/2024


 

Sign Up