Wholesale fruit and vegetable market in Milan: Turning food surpluses into environmental gains
Articolo
Data di Pubblicazione:
2024
Citazione:
Wholesale fruit and vegetable market in Milan: Turning food surpluses into environmental gains / A. Casson, G. Ferrazzi, R. Guidetti, C. Bellettini, A.D. Narote, M. Rollini, A. Piccardo, E. Volturo, M. Cosentino, S. Limbo. - In: JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION. - ISSN 1879-1786. - 462:(2024), pp. 142625.1-142625.15. [10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.142625]
Abstract:
Food redistribution is increasingly recognized as a key strategy for tackling food waste and improving food
security. However, a comprehensive assessment of its environmental impacts remains a challenge. This study fills
this gap by investigating the role of food redistribution in minimizing waste, reducing production pressures, and
mitigating the environmental impacts of the agri-food chain. In particular, this research focuses on mapping the
flow of recovered food within the Ortomercato system, Italy’s largest fruit and vegetable wholesale market, by
third sector associations.
A comprehensive cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment was conducted to quantify the recovered fruit and
vegetable products, assess their environmental impact, and estimate the associated environmental credits
through the prevention of food waste.
The findings indicate that the production phase has the largest environmental impact, accounting on average
for 63% of the total impact. The study employs a net balance approach to demonstrate the success of food re-
covery efforts, which have saved over 136 tonnes of food from the market over a 49-day period and generated
environmental credits equivalent to 169 tonnes of CO2 eq. per year. These results highlight the environmental
impact of food redistribution and provide insights for operational optimization and the establishment of an
environmental budget for the system. Furthermore, the potential for regulating these environmental credits and
promoting the benefits of food redistribution through public channels is highlighted.
While the research addresses the mapping of food flows and their environmental impacts, there is a significant
gap in the assessment of the socio-economic impacts associated with food redistribution. Further research is
needed to understand how this practice affects local communities, economies and social dynamics, and to
contribute to a more comprehensive assessment of its effectiveness.
Tipologia IRIS:
01 - Articolo su periodico
Keywords:
Circular economy; Sustainability; Food redistribution; Food upcycling; Environmental credits
Elenco autori:
A. Casson, G. Ferrazzi, R. Guidetti, C. Bellettini, A.D. Narote, M. Rollini, A. Piccardo, E. Volturo, M. Cosentino, S. Limbo
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