Impacts, management, and recycling of food waste: Global emerging issues

Food waste is an emerging environmental issue of unprecedented importance. Food loss and waste (FLW) refers to the wastage of food, which includes “food loss” during the early stages of food production and “food waste” at the consumer level. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, about one-third of the food produced for human consumption (1.3 billion tonnes) is lost or wasted yearly. If global dietary trends, food losses, and waste patterns are not changed, food production will need to increase by 50% by 2050. Sustainable intensification of agri-food systems is the only realistic option for the future. There are numerous environmental impacts related to FLW: clearance of natural landscapes for food production, loss of habitats for wildlife leading to less biodiversity, water requirements of food production, demands for other resources, and emissions of greenhouse gases contributing to climate change. Food packaging materials also impose severe environmental and health impacts. Reducing food loss, donating surplus food, and converting food waste to animal feeds and value-added products will substantially benefit both the environment and the socio-economy. An integrated strategy catering to local and regional needs is essential for reducing and redistribution of FLW and treatment, disposal, and recycling of food waste into the future circular economy. Copyright © 2023 by World Scientific Publishing Europe Ltd.