Prompting sustainability in the citrus derivates industry: A case study

Giulia Bozzano,Francesca Girotto,Martina Raymo,Flavio Manenti,Maria Cristina Rulli,Laura Piazza

doi:10.1016/j.clet.2021.100127

Giulia Bozzano, Francesca Girotto + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clet.2021.100127

Copy DOI

Abstract

A systemic approach was proposed to analyse a complex system such that of food value chains. Typical management methodologies were applied to a citrus derivatives industry and, based on the survey outcomes, a sustainable optimisation plan was formulated integrating the critical domains of the water-food-energy nexus. The overall process was mapped in detail. The SWOT analysis was applied to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to each step of the production chain of the citrus derived products. To prioritize its critical output factors, the Impact-Feasibility Map tool was defined. Critical issues characterised by the highest impact and easiest feasibility were the un-optimized fertilization and irrigation, non-objective human inspections, lack of production standardization and accumulation of organic waste. Structured interviews to the company managers were conducted to identify the most relevant company's needs. With a view on process and product sustainability, suggestions based on good manufacturing practices and on literature were scheduled within a 10-years industrial development plan accomplishing a circular economy scheme. The performed analysis is preliminary to optimisation actions in view of process sustainability that will be carried out according to the classic engineering approach. The present actual goal is to contextualize the engineering interventions in relation to the needs of the producers. Indeed, empirical contextualised research will be necessary to assess whether the sustainable actions and measures identified in this study can be validated in actual practice with conventional chemical engineering optimisation procedures. • A citrus industry is analysed according to sustainability criteria. • A methodological approach to food value chains sustainability analysis is suggested. • Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats are pointed out at all stages. • Criticalities are prioritised applying the Impact-Feasibility tool. • A 10-years development plan accomplishing a circular economy scheme is developed.

Highlights

IntroductionA sustainable food production chain is profitable throughout all of its stages (economic sustainability), has broad-based benefits for society (social sustainability), and has a positive or neutral impact on the nat ural environment (environmental sustainability) (FAO, 2014)
A sustainable food production chain is profitable throughout all of its stages, has broad-based benefits for society, and has a positive or neutral impact on the nat ural environment (FAO, 2014)
This paper aims to display a 360◦ survey over the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and treats of each operational step related to the case study of an Italian citrus value chain

Summary

Introduction

A sustainable food production chain is profitable throughout all of its stages (economic sustainability), has broad-based benefits for society (social sustainability), and has a positive or neutral impact on the nat ural environment (environmental sustainability) (FAO, 2014). Frag mented information are often available regarding the quantification of economic, social and environmental sustainability parameters for spe cific food manufacturing processes, mainly focusing on the primary production aspects or on the treatment of waste that are generated along the entire production chain. The key topics for food production sustainability currently deal with: 1) lowering the use of fossil fuels in manufacturing by introducing renewable energy sources and by optimizing energy efficiency; 2) reducing freshwater consumption by suitable water management and recycling; 3) reducing waste generation by decreasing losses along the process lines and by increasing waste reuse/recycling (Beccali et al, 2010); 4) providing optimized human resources involvement. Ad-hoc solutions are related to the geographical location, the technology readiness levels, raw materials and products specific handling and processing re quirements and, the legislative framework

Objectives

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion