Halal Science and Innovation: Driving Global Sustainability and Ethical Production

The Makkah Halal Forum continued its insightful discussions with a compelling panel on “Economic Sustainability Through Halal Science & Innovation,” featuring an engaging interview between Dr. Bandar S. Arab, Executive Director at Savola World Foundation, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Winai Dahlan, Founding Director of the Halal Science Center at Chulalongkorn University (HSC-CU), Thailand. The session explored how Halal science is transforming industries, ensuring product integrity, and contributing to global sustainability goals.

As the Halal industry continues to grow, with the global Halal market projected to reach $3.2 trillion by 2024, the role of science and innovation in maintaining Halal integrity and promoting ethical practices has never been more critical. Dr. Dahlan’s presentation highlighted Thailand’s pioneering efforts in Halal science, demonstrating how non-Muslim majority countries can play a significant role in advancing Halal research and innovation.

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the key insights and takeaways from the panel:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Winai Dahlan began by sharing the story of Thailand’s Halal Science Center, the first of its kind in a non-Muslim majority country. Established to address Halal integrity issues, the center has become a global leader in Halal research, education, and collaboration.

Key Achievements of the Halal Science Center:

• Research and Development: The center conducts cutting-edge research to ensure the integrity of Halal products, from raw materials to finished goods.
• Halal Standardization Systems: Development of the Halal-Q system, a comprehensive standardization framework that ensures Halal compliance across production processes.
• Education and Training: The center provides Halal literacy programs and training for workers in non-Muslim countries, ensuring that Halal standards are understood and implemented at every level.

Dr. Dahlan emphasized that Halal science is not limited to Muslim-majority countries. Non-Muslim countries like Thailand can play a pivotal role in advancing Halal research and innovation, contributing to the global Halal ecosystem.

One of the most exciting aspects of Dr. Dahlan’s presentation was his discussion of innovative applications of Halal science. He shared examples of how the Halal Science Center is turning waste into valuable resources, aligning with global sustainability goals.

Innovative Projects:

• Used Coffee Grounds for Mushroom Farming: The center has developed a method to use used coffee grounds as a substrate for growing mushrooms, reducing waste and creating a sustainable food source.
• Animal Feed from Agricultural Byproducts: By converting agricultural waste into nutritious animal feed, the center is promoting sustainable farming practices and reducing environmental impact.

These innovations demonstrate how Halal science can contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by promoting ethical and environmentally friendly production practices.

Dr. Dahlan underscored the broader impact of Halal science on global sustainability. He explained that Halal principles align closely with sustainability goals, emphasizing ethical production, environmental responsibility, and social equity.

Key Contributions of Halal Science to Sustainability:

• Ethical Production: Halal science ensures that products are produced in a manner that respects animal welfare, environmental conservation, and fair labor practices.
• Environmental Responsibility: By promoting waste reduction and resource efficiency, Halal science contributes to a circular economy.
• Social Equity: Halal literacy programs empower workers and communities, fostering inclusivity and economic growth.

Dr. Dahlan’s insights highlighted the potential of Halal science to drive positive change beyond the Halal industry, contributing to a more sustainable and equitable world.

The panel concluded with a powerful call to action for greater collaboration between Muslim-majority and non-Muslim majority countries in advancing Halal science and innovation. Dr. Dahlan emphasized that Halal science is a global endeavor that requires shared knowledge, resources, and commitment.

Key Takeaways:

1. Non-Muslim Countries as Key Players: Non-Muslim countries like Thailand have shown that they can play a significant role in advancing Halal research and innovation.
2. Sustainability Through Halal Science: Halal science contributes to global sustainability by promoting ethical and environmentally friendly production practices.
3. Collaboration for Growth: Building a robust Halal ecosystem requires collaboration between governments, research institutions, and industries worldwide.

The Halal industry is not just a market—it’s a movement. As consumers worldwide become more conscious of ethical and sustainable practices, Halal science has the potential to lead the way in promoting responsible production and consumption. The insights from the Makkah Halal Forum panel provide a roadmap for leveraging Halal science to achieve global sustainability goals.

By fostering innovation, collaboration, and adherence to Halal principles, the industry can contribute to a more equitable, ethical, and sustainable future.

The Makkah Halal Forum continues to serve as a platform for thought leadership and collaboration, driving the Halal industry toward a future that is not only profitable but also principled. As Dr. Dahlan aptly demonstrated, Halal science is a powerful tool for addressing global challenges and creating a better world for all.

Stay tuned for more updates from the Makkah Halal Forum as we explore the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the Halal industry.