Master thesis

Introduction: Food waste is a critical issue with significant environmental, economic, and food security implications. In industrialized countries, the retail sector, food service providers, and consumers are identified as key areas where food waste reduction can have the most impact. This thesis aims to investigate the extent of fresh fruit and vegetable (FFV) waste in the European retail sector, analyze its economic and environmental impacts, and propose packaging solutions in line with new European food waste and packaging directives.

Objectives:

1. To quantify the amount of FFV waste in retail chains in Europe.
2. To analyze the economic cost and climate impact of FFV waste.
3. To identify the "hotspot categories" of FFV that contribute most to waste.
4. To develop a cost-benefit analysis for investing in waste management practices.
5. To propose packaging solutions that align with new European food waste and packaging directives.

Methodology: The study will involve collecting primary or secondary data on FFV waste in Europe. The data will be analyzed from the perspectives of wasted mass, economic cost, and climate impact. A method for measuring and calculating the economic cost of FFV waste will be developed, which includes the cost of wasted produce, personnel time for waste management, and waste collection and disposal. The study will identify the "hotspot categories" of FFV that contribute most to waste and conduct a cost-benefit analysis to determine the economic feasibility of investing in waste management practices. Additionally, the study will propose packaging solutions that comply with new European food waste and packaging directives.

Expected Outcomes: The research is expected to reveal the extent of FFV waste in the European retail sector and provide insights into the economic and environmental impacts of this waste. The identification of "hotspot categories" will help target specific FFV for waste reduction efforts. The cost-benefit analysis will demonstrate the economic viability of investing in waste management practices. Furthermore, the proposed packaging solutions will align with new European directives, supporting the implementation of policies and initiatives aimed at reducing food waste and improving packaging sustainability at the retail level.

Significance: This thesis will contribute to the understanding of food waste in the European retail sector and provide practical solutions for reducing FFV waste. The findings will be relevant for policymakers, retailers, and other stakeholders involved in food waste reduction efforts, and will support the adoption of sustainable packaging practices in line with new European directives.

The degree project will be done in collaboration with the company Saveggy. Saveggy provides plant-based protection that extends the shelf-life of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Kontakt

Daniel Hellström (daniel.hellstrom@plog.lth.se)