A Systematic Review of Factors Affecting Food Loss and Waste and Sustainable Mitigation Strategies: A Logistics Service Providers’ Perspective

Han Yan, Min-Ju Song and Hee-Yong Lee
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Han Yan: Department of International Economics and Business, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-ro, Gyeongsan 38541, Korea
Min-Ju Song: Department of International Economics and Business, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-ro, Gyeongsan 38541, Korea
Hee-Yong Lee: Department of International Economics and Business, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-ro, Gyeongsan 38541, Korea

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 20, 1-20

Abstract: This study investigates the causes of food loss and waste (FLW) from the perspective of logistics service providers (LSPs) and provides sustainable options for the Chinese market. To this end, this study reviews the literature on FLW and cold chain logistics published from 2008–2021. Until recently, little attention has been paid to understanding FLW drivers from the LSP perspective. This critical systematic literature review (SLR) aims to identify the potential drivers of FLW and provide a coherent and integrated knowledge base regarding these factors. A configurative SLR was performed, and after a filtering process, 43 articles were analyzed. Potential factors were identified and categorized into four groups: (i) poor management, (ii) inappropriate operational practices, (iii) high cost, and (iv) restrictions. The results reveal that technical inefficiency and facility costs are the most serious risks, and the lack of legislation and standards constitutes the second most serious risk for FLW. Sustainable solutions are recommended to address these risks. Finally, the study findings provide guidance for LSPs to achieve sustainability in social, economic, and ecological dimensions.

Keywords: agricultural (Agri) products; food loss and waste (FLW); logistics service providers (LSPs); cold chain logistics (CCL); systematic literature review (SLR); sustainable mitigation strategy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:20:p:11374-:d:656569

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