Food Waste Reduction: A Systematic Literature Review on Integrating Policies, Consumer Behavior, and Innovation

Raquel Carvalho, Maria Raquel Lucas and Ana Marta-Costa ()
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Raquel Carvalho: MED-Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development & CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, 7004-516 Évora, Portugal
Maria Raquel Lucas: MED-Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development & CHANGE—Global Change and Sustainability Institute, 7004-516 Évora, Portugal
Ana Marta-Costa: Department of Economy, Sociology and Management and Centre for Transdisciplinary Development Studies (CETRAD), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 7, 1-31

Abstract: This article addresses the issue of food waste, highlighting its implications for food security, sustainability, and global resource management. The main objective is to develop the principles for an Integrated Sustainable Food Waste Reduction System (IFWRS), a theoretical and practical framework that unites public policies, consumer behavior, and technological innovation. To achieve this goal, the study employs a systematic literature review (SLR) and bibliometric analysis to identify critical gaps, synthesize existing knowledge, and provide a solid foundation for the proposed IFWRS principles. These principles present actionable strategies to combat food waste through a holistic and multidisciplinary approach, overcoming fragmented methodologies and aligning with sustainability goals at both local and global levels. This work makes a fundamental contribution to the field, providing not only a robust theoretical foundation but also a practical guide for implementing innovative and sustainable solutions across the food chain. By integrating various sectors and promoting a unified vision, the IFWRS principles pave the way for more effective policies and interventions that can transform the global food waste landscape. With its unique and groundbreaking approach, this study offers a revolutionary perspective to solve one of the world’s greatest challenges, driving collective action and the adoption of sustainable, transformative strategies.

Keywords: food waste; sustainability; waste reduction policies; food waste management; impact of food waste (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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