A Systematic Review of Factors Affecting Food Loss and Waste and Sustainable Mitigation Strategies: A Logistics Service Providers’ Perspective

Abstract

This study investigates the causes of food loss and waste (FLW) from the perspective of logistics service providers (LSPs) and provides sustainable options for the Chinese market. To this end, this study reviews the literature on FLW and cold chain logistics published from 2008–2021. Until recently, little attention has been paid to understanding FLW drivers from the LSP perspective. This critical systematic literature review (SLR) aims to identify the potential drivers of FLW and provide a coherent and integrated knowledge base regarding these factors. A configurative SLR was performed, and after a filtering process, 43 articles were analyzed. Potential factors were identified and categorized into four groups: (i) poor management, (ii) inappropriate operational practices, (iii) high cost, and (iv) restrictions. The results reveal that technical inefficiency and facility costs are the most serious risks, and the lack of legislation and standards constitutes the second most serious risk for FLW. Sustainable solutions are recommended to address these risks. Finally, the study findings provide guidance for LSPs to achieve sustainability in social, economic, and ecological dimensions.

Performance of cold chain logistics service providers in the fast-moving consumer goods industry in Nigeria: a systematic review

“…The warehouse operator is expected to provide refrigerated warehouses, to store temperature-sensitive products at specified temperatures while the transporters or carriers are responsible for physically transhipment of temperature-sensitive products from the supply origin to the desired destinations, including distribution centres, retailers, and end consumers. The logistics service providers also play a critical role in ensuring the safe and efficient transportation, storage, and handling of temperature-sensitive products throughout the cold value chain [5][6][7], [60], [63][64][65][66].…”

“…A study by [70] suggests that improving the cold-chain logistics system through use of intelligent methods. Furthermore, the studies of [71], [24], [72], [7], [73], and [74]. examined the challenges of logistics service providers in providing effective services to consumers and suggested that meeting regulatory requirements, demands, proactive compliance strategies, continuous training programs, and having effective communication with service stakeholders will alleviate these challenges.…”

“…The category of these FMCGs varies from agricultural fresh food products such as vegetables, fruits, and dairy products to other products which include; cosmetics, pharmaceuticals products, electronic products, beverages, personal care, household goods, and pet supplies [3]. However, the supply of quality products in the fast-moving consumer goods industry is largely dependent on the services of cold chain logistics service providers [4][5][6][7]. The role of cold chain logistics service providers spans from the process of planning, implementing, and controlling the flow and storage of perishable goods, temperature control, information management to improve -customer value and ensure quality service delivery [8].…”

“…Hence, the role of cold chain service providers is very vital towards ensuring that cold chain products have safe quality handling, packaging, storage, and distribution through ambient controlled temperature required so as to offer consumers with quality products at all times in the FMCGs in Nigeria. Similarly, according to [5][6][7] cold chain logistics service providers are saddled with the responsibility of coordinating and responding to process requirements and customers' feedback in order to enhance operations and service efficiency and effectiveness. Furthermore, [15] argued that to achieve effective and efficient service delivery in today's contemporary market space cold chain logistics service providers have to be innovative in their service delivery in order to remain competitive.…”

Circular economy and food waste in supply chains: a literature review

“…Poor design of logistics networks can be a cause of FW (Balaji and Arshinder, 2016;de Moraes et al, 2020;Magalhães, Ferreira and Silva, 2021), since it can lead to hold-ups in logistics and SC aging, where products spend most of their shelf lives in the SC instead of in retails or consumers' homes (Göbel et al, 2015;Akkas, Gaur and Simchi-Levi, 2019;Turan and Ozturkoglu, 2021;Yan, Song and Lee, 2021). FW caused by logistics issues is increased by the lack of adequate infrastructures, such as refrigerated storage facilities and vehicles, or good roads, with this lack eventually leading to cold chain inefficiencies or interruptions (Bilska et al, 2016;Canali et al, 2017;Diaz-Ruiz et al, 2018;de Moraes et al, 2020;Magalhães, Ferreira and Silva, 2021).…”