Food wastage and consumerism in circular economy: a review and research directions

Agarwal, Anuja and Srivastava, Shefali and Gupta, Ashish and Singh, Gurmeet (2024) Food wastage and consumerism in circular economy: a review and research directions. British Food Journal, 126 (6). pp. 2561-2587. ISSN 0007-070X

Text - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only Download (2MB) | Request a copy

Abstract

Purpose – Considering food waste as a global problem resulting from the wastage of valuable resources that
could fulfil the requirements of malnourished people, the current research focusses on understanding
consumerism’s impact on this phenomenon. Additionally, the circular economy (CE) approach can be critical in
reducing food waste and promoting sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach – A systematic literature review was conducted using bibliometrics and
network analysis. The study reviewed 326 articles within 10 years, from 2013 to 2023.

Findings – The findings reveal four prominent factors – behavioural, environmental, socioeconomic and
technological – in managing food waste (FW). Reducing FW at a holistic level can benefit individuals and the
environment in several ways.

Research limitations/implications – Consumers are encouraged to be more responsible for their food consumption by reducing food waste, as it affects societies and businesses both economically and environmentally. This can help promote a responsible consumption culture that values quality over quantity and encourages people to make more informed choices about what they eat and how they dispose of it post-consumption. All stakeholders, including firms, the government and consumers, must examine the motives
behind inculcating pro-environmental behaviour.

Originality/value – Addressing consumerism and the ability to decrease FW behaviour are complex issues
that require a multidimensional approach. This study seeks to fill the gap in understanding consumerism and the capacity to reduce FW using the CE approach and understand the research gaps and future research trends.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management
Divisions:	School of Business and Management (SBM)
Depositing User:	Gurmeet Singh
Date Deposited:	30 Jan 2025 03:57
Last Modified:	30 Jan 2025 03:57
URI:	https://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/14786

Actions (login required)

View Item