Integrating Circular Economy Principles into Agri-Food Supply Chain Management: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

This systematic literature review (SLR) examines the integration of circular economy (CE) principles into the agri-food supply chain over the past 20 years. The review aims to consolidate existing knowledge, identify research gaps, and provide actionable insights for future research. A comprehensive search across major databases yielded 1200 articles, which were screened, filtered, and assessed, resulting in a final selection of 100 high-quality studies. This review highlights the significant potential of the CE to enhance sustainability, reduce waste, and improve resource efficiency in the agri-food sector. These studies were categorized based on thematic issues, geographical regions, and supply chain stages. The findings highlight the predominant focus on waste management, resource efficiency, sustainable practices, and economic impacts, reflecting regional priorities and regulatory frameworks. The review also underscores the multiplier effect of CE implementation, which enhances sustainability and efficiency within the agri-food sector and generates significant economic and environmental benefits on a regional and global scale. Key challenges and areas for further research are identified, providing a comprehensive foundation for advancing CE practices in the agri-food supply chain.