The potential of 3D food printing to promote the circular insect supply chain in achieving sustainable development goals

Abstract

Abstract Edible insects have gained increasing interest in circular economy research due to their potential as sustainable alternative protein sources and waste managers, which can initiate circular systems; however, challenges exist to closing the loops of insect supply chains, leading to a broader failure to attain sustainable development goals (SDGs). The potential of 3D food printing (3DFP) aligns with circular economy principles; thus, it can be used to promote the development of a circular economy and contribute to the SDGs. As such, its efficiency should be further investigated, specifically in circular insect supply chains (CISCs), to fill a gap in the current literature. We present a narrative review of the extant research to understand how 3DFP can promote the CISCs and help achieve the SDGs. The findings are clearly articulated based on themes of the SDGs: people, prosperity, planet and partnership. Our results confirm that 3DFP promotes the CISCs and can contribute to achieving the SDGs as follows: people by enhancing food security (SDG 1, 2 and 3), prosperity by promoting economic growth (SDG 7, 8, 9, 11 and 12), planet by reducing environmental impacts (SDG 13) and partnership by fostering interdisciplinary collaborations (SDG 17). These findings offer researchers valuable insights that can shape potential development pathways and future research directions. Utilising the potential of 3DFP, stakeholders can drive sustainable development efforts.