The food industry faces a complex and interconnected set of challenges, from economic to environmental concerns, while striving to align with policy frameworks such as the EU’s Green Deal and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The sector is currently a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, largely attributable to livestock production and energy-intensive processes involved in food processing and distribution. Addressing these multifaceted challenges necessitates a strong focus on sustainability, resilience, and decarbonization. Strategic priorities include controlling production costs, enhancing resource efficiency throughout the supply chain, mitigating environmental impacts at every stage of production and consumption, and the adoption and implementation of energy-efficient technologies. Furthermore, increased transparency and collaboration among all stakeholders within the food system, from primary production to retail and consumption, are essential for meeting sustainability targets. Consumers are essential for steering the industry into a more sustainable future. Encouraging them to adopt environmentally responsible food product choices can drive significant progress toward sustainability goals, ensuring the long-term viability of the food supply system. This paper reviews existing research using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) methodologies to analyze the environmental impacts of food products in the cradle-to-grave process. The analysis will also consider factors such as product deterioration and personalized consumption habits that influence both environmental impact and consumer choices. Based on a panel of reference food items, this study’s goal is to provide consumers with a comparative tool involving impact indicators and nutritional aspects to support more informed dietary decisions. Ultimately, this research aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of the environmental footprint of food products and identify strategies for mitigation, allowing consumers to make meaningful comparisons between different options.
From farm to fork environmental impact of food supply chains for supporting conscious consumer’s decisions
Cardini S.;Marchi B.;Ronzoni M.;Manzini R.;Zanoni S.
2025-01-01
Abstract
The food industry faces a complex and interconnected set of challenges, from economic to environmental concerns, while striving to align with policy frameworks such as the EU’s Green Deal and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The sector is currently a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, largely attributable to livestock production and energy-intensive processes involved in food processing and distribution. Addressing these multifaceted challenges necessitates a strong focus on sustainability, resilience, and decarbonization. Strategic priorities include controlling production costs, enhancing resource efficiency throughout the supply chain, mitigating environmental impacts at every stage of production and consumption, and the adoption and implementation of energy-efficient technologies. Furthermore, increased transparency and collaboration among all stakeholders within the food system, from primary production to retail and consumption, are essential for meeting sustainability targets. Consumers are essential for steering the industry into a more sustainable future. Encouraging them to adopt environmentally responsible food product choices can drive significant progress toward sustainability goals, ensuring the long-term viability of the food supply system. This paper reviews existing research using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) methodologies to analyze the environmental impacts of food products in the cradle-to-grave process. The analysis will also consider factors such as product deterioration and personalized consumption habits that influence both environmental impact and consumer choices. Based on a panel of reference food items, this study’s goal is to provide consumers with a comparative tool involving impact indicators and nutritional aspects to support more informed dietary decisions. Ultimately, this research aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of the environmental footprint of food products and identify strategies for mitigation, allowing consumers to make meaningful comparisons between different options.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
