Food waste is a significant global problem with extensive social, economic, and environmental impacts. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, food waste includes both edible and inedible parts removed from the human food supply chain. Despite substantial global food production, billion people face hunger, while food waste incurs considerable environmental, economic, and societal costs. Reducing food loss and waste is crucial for sustainability. Circular economy principles offer a promising approach to address this issue, as highlighted by the EU’s circular economy action plan, which aims to double circular material use and halve residual waste. The European Commission prioritizes prevention in its hierarchy of food surplus strategies, followed by recycling, recovery, and disposal. Adhering to this hierarchy helps stakeholders minimize waste and enhance resource efficiency. Implementing a circular economy framework and prevention strategies can significantly reduce food surplus while promoting sustainability. However, achieving these goals requires collaborative action, innovative solutions, and systemic changes in consumption and production patterns. This chapter reviews scientific literature to examine the impacts of logistics in the agri-food supply chain and identifies best practices and strategies for sustainable development. Addressing food waste is not only a moral and environmental necessity but also an opportunity to develop circular economy solutions that mitigate negative impacts and foster a sustainable future.
Cultivating sustainability: transforming food waste into circular economy solutions
Giovanni Ottomano Palmisano;Annalisa De Boni;
2024-01-01
Abstract
Food waste is a significant global problem with extensive social, economic, and environmental impacts. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, food waste includes both edible and inedible parts removed from the human food supply chain. Despite substantial global food production, billion people face hunger, while food waste incurs considerable environmental, economic, and societal costs. Reducing food loss and waste is crucial for sustainability. Circular economy principles offer a promising approach to address this issue, as highlighted by the EU’s circular economy action plan, which aims to double circular material use and halve residual waste. The European Commission prioritizes prevention in its hierarchy of food surplus strategies, followed by recycling, recovery, and disposal. Adhering to this hierarchy helps stakeholders minimize waste and enhance resource efficiency. Implementing a circular economy framework and prevention strategies can significantly reduce food surplus while promoting sustainability. However, achieving these goals requires collaborative action, innovative solutions, and systemic changes in consumption and production patterns. This chapter reviews scientific literature to examine the impacts of logistics in the agri-food supply chain and identifies best practices and strategies for sustainable development. Addressing food waste is not only a moral and environmental necessity but also an opportunity to develop circular economy solutions that mitigate negative impacts and foster a sustainable future.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
