Cycles create value: What connects cheese and textiles
At first glance, cheese specialties made from hay milk and sustainable T-shirts have little in common. But on closer inspection, it becomes clear: Both sectors face similar challenges – and at the same time offer great opportunities when it comes to closing the loop. [At the expert panel...] “Circular Solutions in Textile & Food” At the Salzburg University of Applied Sciences, WOERLE sustainability manager Diana Reuter spoke about experiences, solutions and future perspectives from the point of view of the food industry.
“When we talk about the circular economy, we have to start thinking in systems,” says Reuter. “It’s not just about individual products or materials, but about the interplay of all stakeholders – from production and trade to consumption.” This systemic perspective also shapes WOERLE’s sustainability approach: Under the motto WOERLE CONTINUES TO HAVE AN EXISTING EFFECT, the company has been focusing on holistic strategies that combine ecological and economic goals since 2019.
A concrete example of the balancing act between innovation and responsibility is the topic of packaging. "The biggest challenge lies in integrating circular solutions into existing processes without compromising quality or cost-effectiveness," explains Reuter. Therefore, WOERLE is relying on a gradual transformation process with pilot projects, strong partners, and dedicated employees. The goal is to establish recyclable materials that simultaneously guarantee the highest level of product safety.
Beyond packaging, new potential arises along the entire value chain: through the intelligent use of by-products, the utilization of agricultural residues, and measures against food waste. "Especially in the food sector, reducing losses is a key lever for greater sustainability – both ecologically and economically," says Reuter.
Digital tools are also playing an increasingly important role: "Transparent data standards and traceability are crucial for making circular economies efficient and scalable." For companies like WOERLE, this means establishing new forms of collaboration alongside technological solutions – with suppliers, research institutions and consumers.
Because the view of the market is also changing: “Every purchasing decision sends a signal – to companies, to markets, to politics. Consumers have the power to strengthen sustainable developments and drive innovation.” From WOERLE’s perspective, a key to transformation therefore lies in the conscious involvement of consumers – through communication, transparency, and a credible stance.
At the end of the event, Diana Reuter summed up the strategic ambition: “We can only reach the tipping point towards true circularity if we think about cycles holistically, network stakeholders and create scalable structures from pilot projects that are ecologically and economically sustainable.”
With this attitude, WOERLE positions itself not only as a quality supplier in the cheese market, but also as a pioneer for sustainable business practices – regionally rooted, internationally connected.
