Drivers and barriers to food waste reduction

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse main drivers and barriers to food waste reduction in the consumption phase and analyse pathways to anti-wastage behaviours. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review was performed in order to understand the main variables affecting the behaviour and to identify pathways to move to an anti-waste behaviour. In the end, 84 articles were selected for the final analysis. Findings Drivers and barriers to reduce food waste were categorised in societal factors, personal factors and behavioural factors. Variables can increase the amount of waste (+) or reduce it (−). From them, efforts to move to an anti-wastage behaviour are classified in macro-environmental change, retailers’ engagement, raise awareness of the issue and creating anti-wastage social norms. Research limitations/implications The systematic review did not capture all variables that can influence consumer food waste and it is necessary different approaches to study the issue. Practical implications From the drivers for food waste reduction it is possible to design efforts to help consumers change their pattern of behaviour. Social implications Reducing food waste has effects in changing economic inequality, relative poverty and environmental damages. Originality/value The great majority of studies that analyse consumer food waste focus on behaviours that increase food waste. This special paper identifies how to stimulate and proactively work with behaviours that help to food waste reduction.