Smart Net-Zero

February 25, 2024 | Journal of Cleaner Production | Source | 

Introduction: Global food loss and waste (FLW) represent significant challenges, affecting one-third of the world's food production and directly impacting 700 million individuals. Beyond social concerns, FLW incurs substantial economic costs and raises environmental and ethical issues. To address this, researchers from United Institute of Technology offer a comprehensive overview of food supply operations management, defining FLW, exploring its multifaceted impacts, and outlining strategies for reduction. 

Key findings: By examining various case studies from a hoslitic perspective, researchers have identified key challenges in FLW policy formulations, including measurement, interdependencies within the value chain, and conflicting objectives in food policy. Promoting a conducive business environment and government-led initiatives would need to address such challenges by standardizing data collection methodologies for targeted interventions. A rational approach to FLW reduction would need to balance benefits and costs in policy formulation, considering potential unintended consequences and trade-offs.

Figure | Simplified scenario depiction.