Resource efficiency measures encompass a spectrum of strategies, ranging from water and energy conservation to material efficiency, with the dual objective of reducing environmental impact and enhancing economic viability. Notably, these efforts are estimated to result in an annual production cost savings of €3.4 million for the participating companies.

Ms. Alessia Squarcella, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Lebanon, underscored the significance of promoting resource efficiency and cleaner production as fundamental strategies for sustainable industrial development. She emphasized, “The capacity to make better use of limited resources, including financial resources, is key for achieving long-term resilience within the industry.”

The MED TEST III project involved close collaboration between UNIDO, the Ministry of Industry, the Ministry of Environment, and industry associations. Together with the 15 companies, the project identified resource efficiency measures that have the potential to save 28,000 cubic meters of water, 22,700 megawatt hours of energy, 256 tons of materials, and 9,556 tons of CO2 equivalent every year.

“The SwitchMed program in Lebanon has supported industries from various sectors, identifying over 250 resource efficient and cleaner production measures. UNIDO, with our partners, will continue to support the resilience of the industrial sector and contribute to Lebanon’s economic recovery through such initiatives that will further mainstream sustainable and circular business models, to create a more sustainable and inclusive development” said Mr. Emmanuel Kalenzi, UNIDO Representative to Lebanon, Jordan and Syria.

The MED TEST III project also catalyzed innovation in the dairy sector through a whey valorization initiative. Whey is the liquid byproduct generated during cheese and Labneh production, and many dairy companies discharge whey without adequate treatment, resulting in pollution.

In collaboration with two Lebanese dairies, international experts, and Lebanese universities, the whey initiative developed three new whey-based products ready for the market, offering cost-effective alternatives for Lebanese dairy companies. This accomplishment showcases how innovative resource-saving approaches can significantly impact a particular sector. The outcomes of this project were shared through a virtual regional seminar with attendees from Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Tunisia, and Egypt. This has created a ripple effect, inspiring more companies to develop innovative solutions for whey, and dairies in the region are now building on the pilot project’s success to develop their products from whey.

For more information on the results from the MED TEST III project in Lebanon, click here.