Food waste issue connected to challenges of circular economy: an approach for sustainable solutions

Abstract

Generally, high consumption is a global tendency. The food consumption involves impressive quantities of waste which is difficult to manage. This phenomenon is not isolated and the economic, social and environmental impact is significant. Food-waste reduction management requires solutions, so the passage to a circular economy involves the reintroduction into production of food waste as source of biofuels, compost, natural fertilizers, medicines. The growing dynamics of food waste contradicts the 12th objective of sustainable development, producing multiplier effects on the population health, unjustified expenses, pollution. The literature so far has relatively briefly highlighted the valorization of food waste through the techniques of circular economy, which does not have enough practical anchors. Uncontrolled food consumption, namely hyperconsumption, is little presented in the literature. This paper addresses two issues: food waste management and circular economy, showing the influence between these two. The perspective addressed is the need to reconsider food consumption through the management of food-waste and changes in attitude towards consumption. Methodologically, the paper is an empirical research, based on incursion into literature and reports data, synthesis, data assessment. The research area refers to the European Union and specifically regards Romania in the last 5 years. The main supposition: both concepts are recognized for the implementation need, but there are applicative difficulties. The results indicate solutions for the food waste issue, applicable in investigations, new consumption styles, food waste reduction programs, implementation of circular economy that can solve the food-waste problem, along with commercial measures for the reconsideration of food consumption.