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Improving the sustainability of food supply chains through circular economy practices – a qualitative mapping approach

Batista, Luciano; Dora, Manoj; Garza-Reyes, Jose Arturo; Kumar, Vikas

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Authors

Luciano Batista

Manoj Dora

Jose Arturo Garza-Reyes



Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a methodological approach to support qualitative analysis of waste flows in food supply chains. The methodological framework introduced allows the identification of circular food waste flows that can maximise the sustainability of food supply chains.

Design/methodology/approach
Following a qualitative approach, circular economy perspectives are combined with core industrial ecology concepts in the specification of a standardised analytical method to map food waste flows and industrial synergies across a supply chain.

Findings
The mapped waste flows and industrial linkages depict two time-related scenarios: 1. Current scenarios showing the status quo of existing food waste flows, and 2. Future scenarios pointing out circular flows along the supply chain. The future scenarios inform potential alternatives to take waste flows up the food waste hierarchy.

Research limitations
The qualitative approach do not allow generalisations of findings out of the scope of the study. The framework is intended for providing focused analysis, case by case. Future research involving mixed-methods where quantitative approaches complement the qualitative perspectives of the framework would expand the analytical perspective.

Originality/Value
The framework provides a relatively low cost and pragmatic method to identify alternatives to minimise landfill disposals and improve the sustainability of food supply chains. Its phased methodology and standardised outcomes serve as a referential basis to inform not only comparative analysis, but also policy making and strategic decisions aimed at transforming linear food supply chains into circular economy ecosystems.

Citation

Batista, L., Dora, M., Garza-Reyes, J. A., & Kumar, V. (2021). Improving the sustainability of food supply chains through circular economy practices – a qualitative mapping approach. Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, 32(4), 752-767. https://doi.org/10.1108/MEQ-09-2020-0211

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Apr 11, 2021
Online Publication Date Apr 30, 2021
Publication Date Jun 22, 2021
Deposit Date Apr 13, 2021
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal
Print ISSN 1477-7835
Publisher Emerald
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 32
Issue 4
Pages 752-767
DOI https://doi.org/10.1108/MEQ-09-2020-0211
Keywords food supply chain; food waste; circular economy; industrial ecosystems; qualitative mapping.
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/7258055

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This author accepted manuscript is deposited under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC) licence. This means that anyone may distribute, adapt, and build upon the work for non-commercial purposes, subject to full attribution. If you wish to use this manuscript for commercial purposes, please contact permissions@emerald.com.


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Licence
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

Publisher Licence URL
http://www.rioxx.net/licenses/all-rights-reserved

Copyright Statement
This author accepted manuscript is deposited under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC) licence. This means that anyone may distribute, adapt, and build upon the work for non-commercial purposes, subject to full attribution. If you wish to use this manuscript for commercial purposes, please contact permissions@emerald.com.







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