Challenges and Prospects of Tackling Food Loss and Wastes in the Circular Economy Context

Abstract

In the present-day global consequences, sustainable utilization of agri-food industries generated wastes and by-products to produce value-added products assumes prime importance. One of the key features on which the concept of the circular economy relies is on maximal utilization of agricultural resources with minimal wastes/by-products being generated through the entire production and supply chain. The circular economy is the continual use of resources in a sustainable way and is considered to be an efficient substitute for the linear economy model. Modern-day technological innovations are aimed towards meeting the requirements of the local industry and government, stakeholders, developing appropriate business models, policy formulations, and accomplishing societal needs/demands that can significantly contribute towards the success of the circular economy. In this view, the present chapter proposes various sustainable approaches that can be adopted to ensure the effective valorization of wastes and by-products generated throughout the agri-food supply chain. Novel methods to tackle food loss and/or food waste in relevance to the circular economy (bioeconomy) context are deliberated (specifically taking into consideration the EU context and high-income-generating countries and compared with low- and middle-income-generating countries). Further, in the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this chapter theme addresses predominantly SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Vital features covered in this chapter revolve around proposing innovative means for minimizing loss/wastes at the “on-farm” and “off-farm” levels as well as maximal utilization of agri-food industrial by-products (mainly obtained from the fruits, vegetables, and dairy processing industries). Conclusively, it is opined that tackling food loss and waste coupled with valorization technologies and a green approach can provide plenty of opportunities and stability aimed towards realizing the success of circular bioeconomy.