Applying blockchain technology to improve sustainability in agri-food industry

Blockchain technology is considered as a type of disruptive technology and as one of the first tools of Industry 4.0 today. It is evolving in its applications and, due to its features, it is adapting to increasingly diverse business processes ranging from cryptocurrency to business transactions, from supply chain control to customer communication. Its introduction in companies has brought profound changes in their business models. The blockchain can be a strategic lever in the agri-food supply chain, for the reduction of food waste and for a greater awareness of what is consumed, since higher quality products positively impact the health of consumers and the quality of their life. The purpose of this research is to analyze the use of blockchain in the traceability of the agri-food chain in order to ensure transparency, to offer a secure way to track and transfer resources through supply chains, as well as to limit the risks of food fraud and security. It is important to consider that its introduction has not simply resulted in a technological innovation. It is a real business model that influences the whole life of a company and it is used in various production sectors. It increases the effectiveness and efficiency of company policies on sustainability, helping even smaller companies to communicate directly with all the actors in the production chain. For the demonstration of these hypotheses, we will use representative case studies located in the Apulian territory. The companies are treated as best practices, in fact thanks to these technologies they have innovated their products and increased their markets at National and international level.