Closing the Loop: How Circular Economy Approaches Can Tackle Food Waste and Promote Sustainability

Abstract

Food waste has been a pressing global issue with significant economic, environmental and social implications. Approximately one-third of the food produced for human consumption is wasted or lost yearly, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, hunger and food insecurity. Circular economy approaches offer innovative solutions to tackle food waste by emphasizing the reuse and recycling of materials and resources. This perspective paper explores the potential of circular economy approaches in addressing or tackling food waste while promoting sustainability. It provides an overview of the current state of food waste, discusses the principles and implementation of circular economy approaches, and presents case studies and initiatives that exemplify the application of circular economy principles in tackling food waste. Circular economy approaches, such as food waste prevention, food rescue and redistribution, organic waste recycling and composting and upcycling food by-products, can effectively reduce food waste, conserve resources, minimize environmental impact and create economic and social benefits. We can move towards a more sustainable and efficient food system by adopting circular economy approaches.