What economic theory tells us about the impacts of reducing food losses and/or waste: implications for research, policy and practice

Rutten, Martine

doi:10.1186/2048-7010-2-13

Cited by 105 publications

(102 citation statements)

References 10 publications

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“…However, other research suggests there is not currently enough information to understand in detail the socioeconomic impacts of FLW (Rutten, 2013;Bahadur et al, 2016;Chaboud and Benoit, 2017). Reliable and consistent data on food waste is difficult to find and comparison between regions and countries is a challenge.…”

Section: Socioeconomic Impacts Of Flwmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Reliable and consistent data on food waste is difficult to find and comparison between regions and countries is a challenge. There is also debate as to the extent that investments to reduce FLW would outweigh the costs, which raises the question of how much "loss" could be accepted (Rutten, 2013;Bahadur et al, 2016;Chaboud and Benoit, 2017).…”

Section: Socioeconomic Impacts Of Flwmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Food loss and Waste Reduction as an Integral Part of a Circular Economy

Vilariño¹,

Franco

Quarrington

2017

Front. Environ. Sci.

202

108

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One-third of food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted globally, which amounts to about 1.3 billion tons per year. An updated review of global food loss and waste (FLW) is presented, as well as the related environmental, social and economic impacts, based on existing data and peer-reviewed literature. The authors reflect on the different food waste patterns and challenges faced by diverse regions around the world. The scale of FLW throughout the food value chain is analyzed, from agricultural production down to household consumption and disposal. FLW represent a waste of resources used in each production stage, such as land, water and energy; FLW also contributes to unnecessary increase of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The environmental and socio-economic impacts of FLW are analyzed based on reviewed life cycle assessments. Providing insights into key concepts around FLW, this article highlights the scale of the problem at a global and regional level. It also reflects on the main challenges for implementing strategies to reduce FLW and the implications for policy-making.

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Section: Socioeconomic Impacts Of Flwmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Socioeconomic Impacts Of Flwmentioning

confidence: 99%

Food loss and Waste Reduction as an Integral Part of a Circular Economy

Vilariño¹,

Franco

Quarrington

2017

Front. Environ. Sci.

202

108

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Therefore, the implementation of new technologies that potentially cause an increase in the waste of food staples, but reduce the use of other more costly factors and compensate additional losses with scaling production, may be perfectly rational for both the agri-food businesses and consumers: especially if they do not pay for the full environmental damages caused by FW [59].…”

Section: Fw Drivers Related To Collateral Effects Of Modern Technologmentioning

confidence: 99%

Food Waste Drivers in Europe, from Identification to Possible Interventions

Canali

Amani

Aramyan³

et al. 2016

Sustainability

164

224

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Abstract:The growing volumes of food globally lost or wasted and implications for food security and sustainability have raised the concern of researchers, governments, international organizations and grass-root movements. Much research and experiences investigating food waste causes and drivers focus on one specific segment of the food supply chain and limit the analysis to the situation of one or few countries, while the few studies of wider geographical scope also target other relevant and diversified objectives (e.g., food waste definition, quantification, environmental and economic impacts, and recommendations for interventions). This study, carried out by a network of European institutions involved in research and initiatives against food waste, focuses on the analysis of a broad area, Europe, through a wide and systematic literature review and consultation with stakeholders in international focus groups. The food supply chain was divided into seven segments and three main contexts were defined for the examination of food waste sources: Technological, Institutional (related to organisational factors, i.e., business management, economy, legislation, and policy), and Social (related to consumers' behaviours and lifestyles). Results suggest a wide and multifaceted problem, interconnected across all stages of the food supply chain, from primary production, to final consumption. Within each context, the identified drivers have been grouped according to the possibilities and the type of interventions for food waste reduction. A final cross-contextual prioritization distinguished food waste sources related to (A) inherent characteristics of food; (B) social and economic factors; (C) individual non-readily changeable behaviours; (D) other priorities targeted by private and public stakeholders; (E) diversified factors, such as mismanagement, inefficient legislation, lack of awareness or information; and sub-optimal use of available technologies, which could be more promptly changed. Such diversification of causes calls for specific monitoring systems, targeted policy measures, and actions of individual stakeholders at each stage of the food supply chain.

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“…A study by Rutten (2013) shows that reduction of FLW has potential to lower food prices particularly in favour of net food consumers but not net food producers. Similarly, FLW reduction efforts in developed countries might lower food prices in developing countries (Rutten et al, 2015), save resources that can be used to feed a hungry population and boost efficiency along their supply chains (Buzby and Hyman, 2012).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…From an economic point of view, initiatives that tackle food losses and wastes (FLW) are not only beneficial to those food producers aiming to sell more, but also to consumers who could save money as the available food becomes more affordable (Rutten, 2013), and enhance their energy and nutrient intake, when also quality losses in food would be addressed (Almdal et al, 2003;Barton et al, 2000;Edwards and Nash, 1999). A study by Rutten (2013) shows that reduction of FLW has potential to lower food prices particularly in favour of net food consumers but not net food producers.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Applying Value Stream Mapping to reduce food losses and wastes in supply chains: A systematic review

et al. 2016

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Abstract:The interest to reduce food losses and wastes has grown considerably in order to guarantee adequate food for the fast growing population. A systematic review was used to show the potential of Value Stream Mapping (VSM) not only to identify and reduce food losses and wastes, but also as a way to establish links with nutrient retention in supply chains. The review compiled literature from 24 studies that applied VSM in the agri-food industry.Primary production, processing, storage, food service and/or consumption were identified as susceptible hotspots for losses and wastes. Results further revealed discarding and nutrient loss, most especially at the processing level, as the main forms of loss/waste in food, which were adapted to four out of seven lean manufacturing wastes (i.e. defect, unnecessary inventory, overproduction and inappropriate processing). This paper presents the state of the art of applying lean manufacturing practices in the agri-food industry by identifying lead time as the most applicable performance indicator. VSM was also found to be compatible with other lean tools such as Just-In-Time and 5S which are continuous improvement strategies, as well as simulation modelling that enhances adoption. In order to ensure successful application of lean practices aimed at minimizing food or nutrient losses and wastes, multistakeholder collaboration along the entire food supply chain is indispensable.

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What economic theory tells us about the impacts of reducing food losses and/or waste: implications for research, policy and practice

Cited by 105 publications

References 10 publications

Food loss and Waste Reduction as an Integral Part of a Circular Economy

Food loss and Waste Reduction as an Integral Part of a Circular Economy

Food Waste Drivers in Europe, from Identification to Possible Interventions

Applying Value Stream Mapping to reduce food losses and wastes in supply chains: A systematic review

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