Towards Circular Economy: Conceptualization and Common Practices in the Food Industry

Abstract

Circular Economy (CE) is a newly emerged concept in the food industry and it proposes a system, where resources are allocated in an efficient way ensuring sustainable economic growth and environmental protection. To reduce the waste and energy use in the food industry, proper policies and strategies should be enacted through close cooperation between the government and the business sector. This article studies the CE concept through an integrated literature review. Specifically, the current conceptualizations by scholars and international organizations are presented, followed by a set of recommended practices from the perspective of waste management, resource and energy use.