Summary of the Discussion on Circular Transformation and Local Production
Tuesday, 16 July 2024, 11:00 to 12:45 at The Pod, Vivéa Business Centre, St Pierre
Moderator:
- Sonal Cheekooree
Panelists:
- Nivershee Theeroovengadum – Assistant General Secretary at Mauritius Chamber of Agriculture (MCA)
- Patricia d’Unienville – Head of Research and Development at Ingenia
- Mickaël Apaya – Head of Climate Resilience and Regeneration at ENL & Rogers
- Yovan Jankee – Sustainability and Communication Manager at Panagora
- Eric Corson – Managing Director at Plastic Industry Mauritius Recycling Ltd (PIM)
Introduction
The roundtable discussion began with an introduction by Sonal Cheekooree, emphasizing the crucial issues surrounding circular transformation in the local food production sector.
Food Statistics and Trends
Virginie Villeneuve from Analysis Kantar presented consumption trends among Mauritians, based on a market intelligence study involving over 1300 participants. She highlighted the evolution of food categories and average household spending, emphasizing the cultural importance of food in Mauritius and the trend towards healthier and more local food choices. “Mauritians are mindful of their spending, interested in local products, and attentive to environmental choices,” she stated.
Key points from the introduction:
- The average household income in Mauritius increased from Rs 29,000 in 2012 to Rs 55,000 in 2024, reflecting a real increase of 22% after accounting for inflation.
- Food and beverage expenses account for 25% of the average household budget.
- 85% of respondents felt an increase in food prices, with 9 out of 10 affirming that prices have significantly risen.
- Despite budget constraints, Mauritians exhibit sustainable and positive behaviors, showing interest in local products and growing their own vegetables.
What Does Circular Transformation Mean and Its Contribution in the Context of Local Production in Mauritius?
Nivershee Theeroovengadum from Mauritius Chamber of Agriculture (MCA)
Nivershee Theeroovengadum explained that “circular transformation involves rethinking the predominantly linear production model. It’s about valorizing waste and by-products to close the loop.” She illustrated this with the sugarcane industry, where bagasse is used to produce electricity and steam, and filter cake and vinasse are reused to regenerate soils.
Patricia d’Unienville from Ingenia
Patricia d’Unienville emphasized the importance of optimizing agricultural land and promoting a balanced development between green and urban spaces. “Monoculture must be avoided for sustainable development,” she insisted.
Yovan Jankee from Panagora
Yovan Jankee highlighted Panagora’s efforts to localize food production in Mauritius. “85% of our sales involve local products. To circularize the food system, we need to focus on two points: local production and recyclable packaging. Mauritius should prioritize bulk consumption and single-material packaging to facilitate recycling,” he explained.
Mickaël Apaya from ENL & Rogers
Mickaël Apaya noted that “the transformation of companies is often driven by reputation management or legal requirements, but the physical limits imposed by climate change also force this transformation.” He emphasized the importance of whether companies choose a reactive or proactive approach to transformation.
Eric Corson from Plastic Industry Mauritius (PIM)
Eric Corson mentioned that “the circular economy is still a relatively new concept in Mauritius, but it is gaining importance thanks to the environmental forums in 2019. At PIM, we are committed to reducing, recycling, and refusing certain products to promote the circular economy.”
Readiness of Mauritian Companies to Reduce Their Environmental Impact, Barriers, and Opportunities
Mickaël Apaya highlighted that companies are compelled to transform due to limits set by scientific reports and publications. Strategies must be found to reduce environmental footprints and foster collaboration across various departments within a company. “For example, environmental costs must be integrated into the sale price. There is no innovation without constraints,” he affirmed.
Role of the Mauritius Chamber of Agriculture in Transforming Agricultural Systems and Industry Urgencies
Nivershee Theeroovengadum described the three main components of agricultural transformation:
Role of the Mauritius Chamber of Agriculture in Transforming Agricultural Systems and Industry Urgencies
Nivershee Theeroovengadum from Mauritius Chamber of Agriculture (MCA)
Industry Urgencies Include:
- Water Management: With climate change, it is crucial to rethink water use in the agricultural sector.
- Labour: The agricultural workforce is aging and becoming scarce. There is a need to reignite passion among young people through technology and valorize the farming profession.
- Soil Diseases: Finding solutions to ensure the sustainability of agriculture in the face of pests and diseases.
- Reducing Dependency on Imports: Finding local alternatives to limit the importation of raw materials.
Achievements and Ambitions of Panagora in Terms of Circular Transformation
Yovan Jankee described Panagora’s initiatives to reduce food waste and promote recycling as part of its circular transformation ambitions. Since 2017, with initiatives like Manze Partaze and FoodWise, Panagora redistributes unsold food to schools and NGOs. “We have implemented several systems to rework all value chains, reducing our food waste to less than 1%,” Yovan Jankee noted. They have also installed solar panels and recycle paper and cardboard waste.
Yovan highlighted two important approaches an enterprise can adopt: the multisectoral and modular approaches. “No one in Mauritius can act alone; we aim for cross-sector collaboration,” Yovan stated. He concluded by suggesting the exploration of banana fibre as an avenue for entrepreneurs.
Ingenia’s Support in Transitioning to Circular and Responsible Practices
Patricia d’Unienville presented the goal of reducing chemical products by 30% by 2030. “We call upon external expertise and collaborate with institutions like the University of Mauritius and FAREI to develop solutions such as a vaccine against bacterial wilt,” she explained. “We also emphasize training and educating farmers.”
Evolution of Plastic Recycling in Mauritius and Challenges Faced by PIM Recycling Ltd
Eric Corson described the challenges of plastic recycling in Mauritius, including sorting and decontaminating plastics. “The investments required for recycling are high, and the market is limited. Partnerships with companies are needed to valorize waste,” he stressed. He also mentioned the significant water consumption in the recycling process as an additional constraint.
Vision for Mauritius’ Manufacturing or Agricultural Sector in 10 Years and Entrepreneurs’ Contributions
Mickaël Apaya expressed that “innovation must transform companies’ frameworks towards regenerative models. A resilient sector will be built through collaboration.”
Patricia d’Unienville encouraged thinking in 3D with sustainable and vertical farming, and valuing natural ecosystems, especially the EEZ, for self-reliance in food security.
Nivershee Theeroovengadum suggested the creation of a technical agricultural school to train young people. “In 10 years, we hope to have a community of farmers engaged in a multi-income agricultural system, including agroforestry and agrivoltaics,” she stated.
Yovan Jankee emphasized national collaboration: “We must act together for a common goal, share processes, and set aside egos.”
Eric Corson concluded by reminding “the social responsibility of every company in the face of climate change.”
This discussion highlighted the importance of innovation, cross-sector collaboration, and commitment to a sustainable future in Mauritius.
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