Consumers expect product availability as well as product quality and safety in retail outlets. When designing or re-designing fruit and vegetables supply chain networks one has to take these demands into consideration next to traditional efficiency and responsiveness requirements. In food science literature, much attention has been paid to the development of Time-Temperature Indicators to monitor individually the temperature conditions of food products throughout distribution as well as quality decay models that are able to predict product quality based upon this information. This chapter discusses opportunities to improve the design and management of fruit and vegetables supply chain networks. If product quality in each step of the supply chain can be predicted in advance, good flows can be controlled in a pro-active manner and better chain designs can be established resulting in higher product availability, higher product quality, and less product losses in retail. This chapter works towards a preliminary diagnostic instrument, which can be used to assess supply chain networks on QCL (Quality Controlled Logistics). Findings of two exploratory case studies, one on the tomato chain and one on the mango chain, are presented to illustrate the value of this concept. Results show the opportunities and bottlenecks for quality controlled logistics depend on product—(e.g. variability in quality), process—(e.g. ability to use containers and sort on quality), network- (e.g. current level of cooperation), and market characteristics (e.g. higher prices for better products).
DOCUMENT
Analyse the results from a representative selection of the supply chain studies for school feeding programmes in Kenya, Ghana and Mali, and make specific suggestions for interventions that can efficiently include SHF in the supply chains.
DOCUMENT
From the article: "Abstract Maintenance processes of Dutch housing associations are often still organized in a traditional manner. Contracts are based on lowest price instead of ‘best quality for lowest price’ considering users’ demands. Dutch housing associations acknowledge the need to improve their maintenance processes in order to lower maintenance cost, but are not sure how. In this research, this problem is addressed by investigating different supply chain partnering principles and the role of information management. The main question is “How can the organisation of maintenance processes of Dutch housing associations, in different supply chain partnering principles and the related information management, be improved?” The answer is sought through case study research."
DOCUMENT
Within the framework of resource efficiency it is important to recycle and reusematerials, replace fossil fuel based products with bio-based alternatives and avoidthe use of toxic substances. New applications are being sought for locally grownbiomass. In the area of Groningen buildings need reinforcement to guarantee safetyfor its users, due to man-induced earthquakes. Plans are to combine the workneeded for reinforcement with the improvement of energy performance of thesebuildings. The idea is to use bio-based building materials, preferably grown andprocessed in the region.In this study it is investigated whether it is feasible to use Typha (a swap plant) as abasis for a bio-based insulation product. In order to start the activities necessary tofurther develop this idea into a commercial product and start a dedicated company,a number of important questions have to be answered in terms of feasibility. Thisstudy therefore aims at mapping economic, organisational and technical issues andassociated risks and possibilities. On the basis of these results a developmenttrajectory can be started to set up a dedicated supply chain with the appropriatepartners, research projects can be designed to develop the missing knowledge andthe required funding can be acquired.
The Netherlands must build one million homes and retrofit eight million buildings by 2030, while halving CO₂ emissions and achieving a circular economy by 2050. This demands a shift from high-carbon materials like concrete—responsible for 8% of global CO₂ emissions—and imported timber, which inflates supply-chain emissions. Mycelium offers a regenerative, biodegradable alternative with carbon-sequestration potential and minimal energy input. Though typically used for insulation, it shows structural promise—achieving compressive strengths of 5.7 MPa and thermal conductivities of 0.03–0.05 W/(m·K). Hemp and other lignocellulosic agricultural byproducts are commonly used as substrates for mycelium composites due to their fibrous structure and availability. However, hemp (for e.g.) requires 300–500 mm of water per cycle and centralized processing, limiting its circularity in urban or resource-scarce areas. Aligned with the CLICKNL Design Power Agenda, this project explores material-driven design innovation through a load-bearing mycelium-based architectural product system, advancing circular, locally embedded construction. To reduce environmental impact, we will develop composites using regional bio-waste—viz. alienated vegetation, food waste, agriculture and port byproducts—eliminating the need for water-intensive hemp cultivation. Edible fungi like Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) will enable dual-function systems that yield food and building material. Design is key for moving beyond a singular block to a full product system: a cluster of modular units emphasizing geometry, interconnectivity, and compatibility with other building layers. Aesthetic variation (dimension, color, texture) supports adaptable, expressive architecture. We will further assess lifecycle performance, end-of-(service)-life scenarios, and on-site fabrication potential. A 1:1 prototype at The Green Village will serve as a demonstrator, accelerating stakeholder engagement and upscaling. By contributing to the KIA mission on Social Desirability, we aim to shift paradigms—reimagining how we build, live, grow, and connect through circular architecture.
Lichtgewicht voertuigen voor stadsdistributie bestaan voor een belangrijk deel uit vezelversterkte kunststoffen zoals carbon fiber reinforced polymers. De productie hiervan is tijdrovend en recycling is maar beperkt mogelijk. Het realiseren van zero-emissie stadsvervoer in 2025 wordt met de bestaande technologie duur en niet circulair. ModuBase beoogt een nieuw recyclebaar polymeer in combinatie met een Added Manufacturing platform (3D Printen) te ontwikkelen. Hiermee wordt het mogelijk om volledig recyclebare kunststoffen 3D te printen dichtbij de montage van de voertuigen. Supply chains worden zo korter, gebruikers en ontwerpers krijgen meer ontwerpvrijheid en de grondstof is (oneindig) recyclebaar. Dit consortium maakt gebruik van een nieuw ontwikkeld thermoplastisch polymeer en gaat dit voor het eerst toepassen in 3D printing. Hiervoor is een consortium voorzien met de materiaalexpertise (DSM), 3D Printexpertise (CEAD) en werktuigbouwkundige ontwikkelexpertise (Fontys). De materialen worden uitvoerig bestudeerd voor automotive toepassingen, ontwerpregels worden opgesteld en eerste werkstukken worden geprint. Materiaaleigenschappen en recyclebaarheid na het printen worden in testopstellingen ge-evalueerd. Resultaat is een proof of concept van een vezelversterkt 3D print platform. Het betrokken industriële (automotive) cluster van Brainport wordt geïnteresseerd om met de nieuw ontwikkelde 3D printkennis prototypes voor Light Electric Vehicles onderdelen te gaan ontwikkelen en onderzoeken.
