| Title |
Geographic life cycle assessment of food loss and waste management in Mexico: The reality of distribution and retail centers |
| ID_Doc |
12212 |
| Authors |
Albalate-Ramírez, A; Rueda-Avellaneda, JF; López-Hernández, BN; Alcalá-Rodríguez, MM; García-Balandrán, EE; Evrard, D; Rivas-García, P |
| Title |
Geographic life cycle assessment of food loss and waste management in Mexico: The reality of distribution and retail centers |
| Year |
2024 |
| Published |
|
| DOI |
10.1016/j.spc.2024.05.028 |
| Abstract |
The modernization of the global food sector has intensified waste generation, prompting a critical examination of sustainability. Following a geographical and life cycle assessment (LCA) approach, this study quantifies and evaluates the environmental impact of food loss and waste (FLW) in the Mexican food supply chain (FSC) distribution and retail stages and presents the first national inventory of FLW generation with a geographical approach. LCA and geographic information systems are integrated to comprehensively assess FLW, revealing that Mexico generated 8.95 Mt. of FLW in the year 2022, which translates to 0.217 Mt. CO2 eq y-1, mainly caused by FLW decomposition in final disposal sites (FDS). A positive correlation between gross domestic product and greenhouse gas emissions was observed, highlighting the impact of economic activities on FLW generation and emissions. Higher transportation distances are noted in the northern regions of the country, linked to fewer FDS, this underscores high diesel consumption, up to 10 m3 y-1 for each FDS. The study emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable practices and circular strategies in the Mexican food sector. These findings provide crucial insights for decision-making and lay the groundwork for transitioning to a circular economy, aligning economic activities with long-term sustainability goals and comply the agreements established by Mexico at COP28. As a pioneering effort, this national inventory informs policy and industry initiatives to mitigate environmental impacts and foster sustainability in the food supply chain. |
| Author Keywords |
Distribution and retail; Food loss and waste; Final disposal sites; Life cycle assessment; Geographic information systems |
| Index Keywords |
Index Keywords |
| Document Type |
Other |
| Open Access |
Open Access |
| Source |
Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED); Social Science Citation Index (SSCI) |
| EID |
WOS:001250700600001 |
| WoS Category |
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology; Environmental Studies |
| Research Area |
Science & Technology - Other Topics; Environmental Sciences & Ecology |
| PDF |
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