Food Sustainability

Innovation for the sustainability of the agrifood supply chain and the reduction of food waste through research data from the Food Sustainability Observatory of the Politecnico di Milano.

Goals

Activities

Work Group

Objectives of the Observatory

The Food Sustainability Observatory is an initiative of the School of Management of the Politecnico di Milano. It is now in its seventh edition, as a result of years of extensive research on food waste and innovation for sustainability topics.

The Observatory aims to tangibly contribute to the sustainable transformation of the agrifood system through research, awareness development and dissemination activities centered on the role of innovation.

In particular, the goal of the Observatory is to perform in-depth analyses and to promote and bring forth innovation and sustainability best practices, focused in particular on the circular economy paradigm in the agrifood field and new, more sustainable and comprehensive supply chain models, in close collaboration with agrifood companies, trade associations, non-profit organizations, startups, and public sector bodies.

Food Sustainability Observatory Research

Within the scope of the Research, the goal of the Food Sustainability Observatory is to map and closely analyze innovative business model practices for a sustainable AgriFood system. In particular, the Observatory intends to further explore the following areas:

Circular Supply Chains

Analysis of innovative circular-oriented business practices and models and of the following areas in particular:

Waste reduction through recovery and valorization of food surplus: analysis of practices for measuring, preventing and managing food surpluses along the supply chain enabled by technological, process, and organisational innovation. The seventh edition focuses on practices for the prevention and management of surpluses and waste in the agricultural sector and in food distribution (particularly retail), practices for cooperation between stakeholders for the redistribution of surpluses, and circular economy practices for the reuse of waste.
Food packaging in a circular economy: research into materials, methodologies and innovative technologies to improve the efficiency and recyclability of food packaging while optimizing production processes. Particular emphasis will be given to the use of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to identify critical stages in food packaging, and to examine the current limitations of LCA in its application to packaging, exploring potential strategies to overcome them.

Measuring sustainability and circularity performances

Analysis of food supply chain shortening practices- in geographical, relational and informational terms and the related impact on sustainability. In particular, the following areas are explored in depth:

“Alternative Food Networks”: This research examines alternative agri-food networks, ranging from physical models—such as farmers markets—to those enabled by digital platforms. By exploring the definitions of “alternative food networks” and their key characteristics, the study aims to assess their actual impact on the sector’s sustainability, as well as consumer perceptions and motivations for their use.
Measuring Sustainability and Circularity in the Agri-Food Supply Chain: the study places particular emphasis on methodologies and technology innovations to assess the sustainability performance of agri-food supply chains, especially those that enhance transparency and “shorten” the chain at the information level. Additionally, the study considers the impact of regulatory developments on the measurement and reporting of sustainability performance.

Sustainability oriented AgriFood startups

Across various research streams, particular focus is given to startups that, at the international level, develop solutions to make the agrifood supply chain more circular and sustainable. The objective of research is to analyze emerging innovation trends in sustainability, identify the key innovations driven by startups, assess investment dynamics in these areas, and examine new business models.

The methods of Research

The research methods adopted include a systematic analysis of secondary sources; interviews and in-depth studies of interesting cases; surveys; workshops and observatories with partners and sponsors of the Observatory and other significant stakeholders; work performed by startups operating in the Artificial Intelligence sector (surveys and organized analyses of Italian and international startups); socially impacting experimental multidisciplinary projects involving public and private, profit and non-profit players.

Activities

The activities planned by the Food Sustainability Observatory for the edition are:

- Research course: conduct empirical Research (through sector player surveys, interviews and case studies, innovative startup mapping and census activities at national and international level, etc.), and developing models for the pursuit of sustainability goals and assessing the corresponding impact on AgriFood chain players.
Multiple opportunities to meet and debate:
- - Research course: conduct empirical Research (through sector player surveys, interviews and case studies, innovative startup mapping and census activities at national and international level, etc.), and developing models for the pursuit of sustainability goals and assessing the corresponding impact on AgriFood chain players;
  - three thematic “closed-door” workshops (online and/or in-person), to share intermediate Research results and to compare experiences and success cases;
  - a Public conference to present Research results, with round tables and talks by Research Partners and other key Food Sustainability players.
Publications:
- - Booklet Report, printed for the Conference, containing a summary of main Observatory Research results;
  - Vertical Reports in digital format with specific insights on the individual topics covered.
  - A news review by Observatory researchers on food sustainability, sent to its community.
Activities to increase awareness and disseminate Research results:
- webinars and MOOCs addressed to sector operators, focused on an in-depth examination of contents of primary importance within the Research course;
- participate in public events across the territory of national and international relevance, to share Research results, present success cases, and take part in round table discussions together with interested Observatory Partners;
- disseminate Research results on Media to develop and build culture on innovation for food sustainability, spreading Research results, sharing sustainable innovation best practices, raising the awareness of businesses, decision makers, and citizens.
Become a supporter of the Food Sustainability Observatory
The Food Sustainability Observatory is supported by several sector partner and sponsor companies. Take part in the Research, access Observatory exclusive data before anyone else, network with companies and qualified experts and gain visibility in our events.
For more information please contact Chiara Corbo at chiara.corbo@polimi.it.