The true cost of food waste: Tackling the managerial challenges of the food supply chain

Abstract

BackgroundIncreasing transparency and accountability in the current global food value chain is one of the biggest debates in food policy. Food waste generation and management is a global challenge that requires urgent prevention measures. Efforts are also required to develop significant conceptual frameworks and theoretical developments with a clear focus on a wide range of practical applications. The true cost paradigm identifies new research venues for the cross-disciplinary theme of waste in the food value chain. Scope and approachThis commentary examines True Cost Accounting (TCA) as a potential theoretical and methodological framework to evaluate the impact of food waste in relationship to cost-externalizing and the hidden costs of food systems. Key Findings and ConclusionsThe article opens up a discussion on true cost theory and its application to food waste. Additionally, it provides directions for future research in four specific areas: the broad food value chain, social policy, social sustainability aspects, and final consumers.