Energy Systems in the Food Supply Chain and in the Food Loss and Waste Valorization Processes: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The intensity in energy consumption due to food production systems represents a major issue in a context of natural resources depletion and an increasing worldwide population. In this framework, at least a third of global food production is being lost or wasted. Moreover, about 38% of the energy embedded in total food production is being lost. Consequently, the assessment of energy consumption in food systems, and in food loss and waste valorization systems, is an increasing trend in recent years. In this line, this work presents a systematic review, selecting 74 articles from a search of 16,930 papers regarding the key words “energy assessment food”. The aim was to determine the current and historical trends in this field of research. Results pointed to a worldwide acceleration in trends since 2014, standing out in China and other Asian countries. Concerning the topics of the publications, energy consumption in the food sector is a research field which has existed since 1979. Moreover, the study of energy valorization systems using food loss and waste is an increasing trend since 2010. Additionally, publications focused on the water–energy–food nexus appeared firstly in 2014 and have grown exponentially. Moreover, life cycle assessment highlights as the most widespread methodology used.

Designing healthier and more sustainable ultraprocessed foods

“…These goals could be achieved by formulating UPFs from ingredients that have a lower environmental impact, such as replacing animal‐based ingredients with those obtained from plants, insects, or microbial fermentation (Kumar et al., 2023b; McClements, 2023a). In addition, food processing operations could be optimized to reduce energy and water use, decrease waste, reduce pollution, and convert byproducts into value‐added ingredients (Hoehn et al., 2022; Iriondo‐DeHond et al., 2018; Nikmaram & Rosentrater, 2019; Sharma et al., 2022). Consequently, it is important when reformulating UPFs to also consider the sustainability and environmental impacts of the ingredients and processes used.…”

Does an Alternative Local Food Network Contribute to Improving Sustainable Food Security?

“…One of the efforts made was to optimize the alternative local food network. Optimizing the food network aims to reduce distribution costs, reduce carbon emissions during the distribution processes, mitigate food loss and waste during the logistics processes, and optimize added value and profits obtained by food network actors [45][46][47][48]. In addition, logistics governance is essential as part of an alternative strategy to improve food security and optimize food distribution networks sourced from local products [49].…”