At Eisberg, we approach the circular economy from field to packaging. Because, for us, responsible handling of food begins with the respectful use of raw materials – and does not end with production. As part of the Bell Food Group, we pursue a clear aim: Our operations-related food losses are to fall below 1% by the end of 2026. The basis for this is a systematic approach along the entire value chain, from planning through production to the sensible utilisation of residual materials.

Avoid: Accurate planning and modern technical service

For us, the most effective lever is reducing production surpluses. With our improvement system “Top Excellence” (TopX), we continually optimize demand planning and reduce the gap between ordered and produced quantities – a challenge, as we manufacture many fresh products before we even receive the order in order to guarantee short delivery times. The result is less overproduction, greater ERP transparency, and significant annual cost savings.

Rescue: Cooperation with social organisatios

Where surpluses arise despite optimized planning, we prioritize saving food over disposal. In Switzerland, in 2025, we passed on more than 6,800 kg of products to organisations such as “Tischlein deck dich” or the “Schweizer Tafel”. In Austria, an additional 48,000 kg of finished products were distributed to social markets as well as to our employees. In this way, we help support local supply and ensure that good food reaches those who need it. At the same time, the numbers speak for themselves: Operations-related food losses in the Eisberg Group amounted to only 0.33% in 2025.

Utilise: Keep residual materials in circulation

If food surpluses cannot be avoided or donated, we ensure that any remaining residues are put to meaningful use. In German-speaking Switzerland, we operate our own biogas plant, which uses food-preparation waste to generate heat and electricity via a combined heat and power plant – either for the Dällikon site or for feeding into the grid. In Western Switzerland, we collaborate with specialized external partners. In Austria, over 97 tonnes of used cooking oil were collected and processed into biodiesel in 2025; from 2022 to 2025, we thus returned a total of nearly 450 tonnes of used cooking oil to the cycle.

Partnership in the supply chain: Greater appreciation for the harvest

To make the most of the harvest, we work closely with our suppliers and customers. One of our established tools is our tolerance sheets for salads and vegetables, which have been in use for around two decades. They define clear tolerance ranges and make it possible to approve natural products that visually deviate slightly from the norm, thereby helping to ensure that valuable raw materials are not left in the field.

For us, it is clear: Food Waste can be reduced at every stage. We take responsibility for our part by digitalising processes, training employees right from the start, and driving technical innovation to prolong shelf life. In this way, many individual measures become an effective contribution to genuine circular economy.