From food loss and waste to feed: a systematic review of life cycle perspectives in livestock systems

Goldáraz-Salamero, Nuria ; Blanc, Simone ; Sierra-Perez, Jorge (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Brun, Filippo

Resumen: Purpose
Food loss and waste (FLW) has become an increasingly important sustainability concern over the past few years. Among the existing waste management strategies, the reintroduction in animal feeding is regarded as a highly advantageous, although the actual benefits should be properly evaluated. The life cycle thinking framework (LCT) enables comprehensive analysis of environmental, economic and social performance. This study explores the main approaches for evaluating the introduction of FLW as feed through the LCT methods.

Methodology
Using the PRISMA methodology, we conducted a comprehensive review of the existing literature on the topic. To establish a robust research framework, the PICO method was employed to formulate the research questions. The literature search was performed in the Scopus and Web of Science databases, where we identified studies relevant to our topic. After applying rigorous inclusion and exclusion criteria during the screening process, we selected studies suitable for in-depth analysis. The primary goals of this literature review were to assess the bibliographic evolution of the topic and to examine the methodological approaches related to the LCT framework.

Results and discussion
Our review identified 68 relevant studies that present an increasing trend over the years, denoting a growing interest in the topic. The geographic distribution of the published articles is centred in Europe. It also highlighted the key methodological approaches and their diversity for assessing complex agricultural systems. Regarding the establishment of system boundaries, most of the literature followed a hybrid approach, accounting for environmental rewards but without expanding the analysis to explore further consequences. There was a notable imbalance in the literature distribution among the three methods, with environmental studies being predominant over economic and social analyses. Additionally, many studies employed an integrative approach, incorporating methods to analyze other sustainability aspects.

Conclusions
Our review of LCT studies of FLW management strategies of feed integration revealed an increase interest in the topic. We investigated key methodological aspects of LCT method in this area. However, limitations remain regarding the research of economic and social aspects, which are less explored in the literature. Addressing these gaps with an integrative perspective would advance knowledge and contribute to develop more resilient and sustainable food systems.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.1007/s11367-025-02464-5

Año: 2025

Publicado en: International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment
ISSN: 0948-3349

Tipo y forma: Artículo (Versión definitiva)

Área (Departamento): Área Expresión Gráfica en Ing. (Dpto. Ingeniería Diseño Fabri.)

Dataset asociado: Dataset for From Food Loss and Waste to Feed: A Systematic Review of Life Cycle Perspectives in Livestock Systems ( https://zenodo.org/records/12806492)