Food Loss and Waste Management in the Retail Food Supply Chain: Methods and Framework for Environmental Sustainability

This review analyzes 87 studies (2009–2025) to identify why food loss and waste (FLW) remain high in retail supply chains. It highlights three major causes: poor packaging, logistical inefficiencies, and weak management practices. The paper proposes a new framework showing how better packaging design, stronger logistics (like cold chain and handling), improved inventory systems, and food redistribution can significantly reduce FLW. It concludes that integrating smart packaging, digital logistics, and effective management strategies can greatly improve environmental and economic sustainability across the food supply chain.