- Baking Europe
- Jul 1
- 2 min read
The European Commission has commissioned ten independent experts to evaluate Food 2030, its flagship research and innovation framework for sustainable food systems. Their findings will shape future regulations, funding opportunities and industry requirements that directly impact industrial baking operations.
Industry Impact
Food 2030 serves as the EU's research and innovation policy framework supporting the transition towards sustainable, healthy and inclusive food systems that respect planetary boundaries, directly influencing the regulatory environment in which manufacturers operate. The expert review will determine how €228 million in existing research funding translates into practical industry requirements.
Current Research Investment.
The report highlights 102 ERC-funded projects with combined funding of €228 million spanning FP7 (2007-2013) and H2020 Framework Programme periods. New funding is available for transnational initiatives focused on sustainable and innovative food systems, presenting collaboration opportunities for companies seeking to develop sustainable production methods.
Regulatory Changes Ahead
The recommendations will influence upcoming EU regulations already affecting manufacturers. The five-year transition period leading up to the 2030 recyclability target offers a window of opportunity for testing, adaptation and investment. Companies will face significant changes in packaging requirements, as new EU regulations announced in April 2024 address concerns surrounding packaging by prioritising recyclability, minimising harmful substances, reducing unnecessary packaging, increasing the use of recycled materials and improving collection and recycling processes. These regulations include restrictions on packaging containing per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) if they exceed certain thresholds.
The regulatory changes extend beyond packaging to supply chain management. Ingredient manufacturers must collaborate with suppliers to ensure that their products are compatible with sustainable packaging requirements. This development will significantly affect sourcing decisions and supplier relationships, requiring careful evaluation of existing partnerships and potential new arrangements.
Research Funding Opportunities
Transnational initiatives focused on sustainable and innovative food systems offer manufacturers opportunities to participate in research collaborations. The Commission's substantial investment in food systems research creates pathways for industry participation in developing next-generation production technologies.
Expert Review Process
The Commission selected specialists to conduct comprehensive evaluation across three areas: impact assessment of current initiatives affecting food manufacturing, structural analysis of the framework's effectiveness for industry collaboration, and strategic recommendations for future programme design.
Following the established Pathways for Action structure, the panel has identified critical gaps and opportunities within EU food systems research policy that will determine future regulatory priorities.
Timeline and Next Steps
The recommendations will guide the Commission's future food research strategy, directly affecting manufacturing through new sustainability standards for production processes, revised ingredient sourcing requirements, updated packaging compliance obligations and enhanced food safety protocols. The timing coincides with broader discussions about research funding priorities under Horizon Europe, meaning manufacturers should monitor developments closely to understand upcoming regulatory changes and funding opportunities.
Companies should engage with these developments now, as the findings will establish the regulatory framework governing European food manufacturing for the next decade.