Sustainability challenges in the bovine sector and the implementation of waste management policies within the EU framework

• The Circular Economy Plan drives sustainability in the agri-food sector. • Policy tools (CAP, Green Deal) enable circular waste-to-resource pathways. • Smart chemistry transforms bovine by-products into high-value resources. • Policy–science integration drives sustainable waste management pathways. • Bovine/dairy waste valorization advances EU bioeconomy and sustainability targets. Globally, the agri-food chain produces nearly 1.3 billion tonnes of waste each year, with the bovine sector being a major contributor. As meat production has soared by more than 40% since 2000, and animal products now provide around 40% of the world’s protein, livestock stands as both a cornerstone of global nutrition and a source of pressing environmental challenges. While existing EU waste policies often focus on volume reduction, a transition toward circular and sustainable waste management is essential to ensure long-term sectoral resilience. The Circular Economy Action Plan, a cornerstone of the European Union’s Green Deal, provides a framework for advancing sustainability and resource efficiency. Within this context, integrating advanced technologies such as such as artificial intelligence (AI), precision farming, and real-time data analytics offer pathways to reduce waste and improve resource efficiency. Their effective use, however, relies on interdisciplinary collaboration to improve efficiency, minimize waste, and strengthen productivity across the bovine supply chain. This report examines current gaps in both policy and practice within the bovine sector, highlights innovative smart farming solutions, and anticipates emerging sustainability challenges. It further identifies practical opportunities for enhancing circularity and resource efficiency, with implications exceeding beyond the bovine industry to the broader agri-food system.