A Conceptual Framework to Analyze Food Loss and Waste within Food Supply Chains: An Operations Management Perspective

Abstract

Alongside the development of the circular economy and sustainable food supply chains (FSCs), research on food loss and waste (FLW) reduction and prevention has drawn much attention from academia, practitioners, and governments. The significance of FLW has been highlighted in the literature due to its impact on society, economy, and the environment. We propose a conceptual framework to systematically examine FLW issues within FSCs in the field of operations management (OM). We discuss various types and distribution modes of FSCs where FLW occurs, definitions of FLW, the impacts of FLW, and measures to reduce FLW in the OM field. We further introduce the methodologies that have been applied in existing FLW studies. The contribution of this paper is threefold. First, it proposes a conceptual framework to identify FLW problems within FSCs. Second, it helps to comprehensively understand FLW occurrence and thus stimulate research focusing on FLW from different perspectives. Third, it motivates researchers to discuss FLW issues by applying different methodologies.

Importance of Agriculture in Creating Energy Security—A Case Study of Poland

“…References were made to the estimates found in the literature concerning the potential production of biomass in Poland. In order to demonstrate the purposefulness, originality, and a new approach to the problem identified and undertaken for research, the method of analysis and criticism of the literature (sources) was used as standard in the first stage of scientific cognition [33]. The manuscript uses the monographic method (allowing for inquiry regarding the essence of the phenomenon, taking into account, first of all, information in the qualitative form about individual types of renewable energy sources from agriculture) and case studies [34][35][36] (a method used to study a specific phenomenon or related process, usually not typical, to which individual types of RES in rural areasincluding: biomass (straw, agricultural gas), photovoltaics, and wind power), as well as tabular-descriptive and graphic forms of data presentation.…”

Metal-based nanoparticles, sensors, and their multifaceted application in food packaging

“…Additionally, nano-Ag has also displayed the property of a “two-layered barrier” toward water-borne pathogens in water treatment plants by showing antimicrobial activity and refining the water quality. As a result, commercial devices based on nano-Ag have been effectively utilized in ceramic microfilters against harmful pathogens in water purification systems [ 2 , 6 ]. Recently, a more detailed study was conducted on deciphering the antimicrobial mechanism of nano-Ag materials that revealed distinct mechanisms, such as blocking biochemical pathways, DNA damage, protein complexes, and membrane disruption [ 4 , 9 ].…”

“…In this context, the regulatory system is crucial to access the significant risks that emerge by the use of MNPs in the food sector [ 2 , 158 ]. According to European Commission regulation (ECR), number 2015/2285, the European food safety authority (EFSA) must confirm that for the association of engineered NPs in food safety assessment was carried out using the modern generation of analytic approaches.…”

“…Another regulation no. 133/2008 by European commission term “food additive and its composition” as evaluation mark, as a new and safe material before used commercially [ 2 , 3 ].…”

“…According to the FAO’s Food Loss Index (FLI), approximately 14% of the total food produced gets wasted in the post-harvest stage only. Furthermore, according to UNEP Food Waste Index (FWI) report 2021, more than 900 million tonnes of food waste were produced in 2016 with a maximum share of 61% from households solely [ 2 , 3 ]. Considering all these facts, the point is that substantial food stocks are not eaten by humans.…”