Food waste
Food waste, derived from food produced but not consumed, contributes approximately eight per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Food production losses and waste occur at many stages of the supply chain through inefficient processing, unnecessary transport and processing problems. Poor forecasting of food stock also leads to food losses from unused inventory, and consumers contribute substantially to food losses through over-ordering and unconsumed food (at the household level). Researchers in our operations management group are conducting research with industry and consumers on the different drivers of food waste at different stages of the supply chain.
For example, Prof Sohal, A/Prof Croy, Dr Nand and Dr Bhattacharya identified that relationship breakdowns in food supply chain partnerships, especially in developing economies, could result in significant food losses. Such regions act as critical food bowls for the global economy and inefficient supply management, leading to wasted food supplies and major implications for food supply chains. They found that poor communication between key stakeholders led to food wastage from poor processes, time delays, improper handling, and unfair compensation (among other issues).
Research by Dr Bhattacharya, Dr Nand and Prof Prajogo on food waste and food losses provides a comprehensive understanding of the many causes behind food waste throughout the food supply chain across many stakeholders. Their research identified that consumers have a low awareness of the impact of food waste on climate change and that food waste sent to landfill is associated with the release of 21 times more methane than other products. Their current research also explores food service businesses' role in food production losses and waste generation. They found that the food service industry has limited awareness of the relationships between food and climate change.
Our researchers
Featured publications
- Sohal, A., Bhattacharya, A., Nand, A. A., & Croy, G. (2022). Broken food supply chains: Priority norms for exchange partnerships in developing countries. Journal of Cleaner Production, 374, 133964.
- Bhattacharya, A., Zutshi, A., & Prajogo, D. (in press). Food waste challenges at downstream interfaces: A triple bottom line dilemma. Australasian Journal of Environmental Management, 1-30.
- Bhattacharya, A., & Fayezi, S. (2021). Ameliorating food loss and waste in the supply chain through multi-stakeholder collaboration. Industrial Marketing Management, 93, 328-343.
- Bhattacharya, A., Zutshi, A., & Bavik, A. (2021). Building resilience for food service businesses in times of crisis: a Four-F action plan. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 33(10), 3400-3441.
- Bhattacharya, A., Nand, A., & Prajogo, D. (2021). Taxonomy of antecedents of food waste–a literature review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 291, 125910.