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Introducing a Degrowth Approach to the Circular Economy Policies of Food Production, and Food Loss and Waste Management: Towards a Circular Bioeconomy

Author

Listed:
  • Daniel Hoehn

    (Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Cantabria, Avda. De los Castros s/n, 39005 Santander, Spain)

  • Jara Laso

    (Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Cantabria, Avda. De los Castros s/n, 39005 Santander, Spain)

  • María Margallo

    (Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Cantabria, Avda. De los Castros s/n, 39005 Santander, Spain)

  • Israel Ruiz-Salmón

    (Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Cantabria, Avda. De los Castros s/n, 39005 Santander, Spain)

  • Francisco José Amo-Setién

    (Department of Nursing, University of Cantabria, Avda. de Valdecilla s/n, 39008 Santander, Spain)

  • Rebeca Abajas-Bustillo

    (Department of Nursing, University of Cantabria, Avda. de Valdecilla s/n, 39008 Santander, Spain)

  • Carmen Sarabia

    (Department of Nursing, University of Cantabria, Avda. de Valdecilla s/n, 39008 Santander, Spain)

  • Ainoa Quiñones

    (Department of Business Administration, University of Cantabria, Avda. De los Castros s/n, 39005 Santander, Spain)

  • Ian Vázquez-Rowe

    (Peruvian LCA Network (PELCAN), Department of Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, Av. Universitaria 1801, San Miguel, Lima 15088, Peru)

  • Alba Bala

    (UNESCO Chair in Life Cycle and Climate Change ESCI-UPF, Pg. Pujades 1, 08003 Barcelona, Spain)

  • Laura Batlle-Bayer

    (UNESCO Chair in Life Cycle and Climate Change ESCI-UPF, Pg. Pujades 1, 08003 Barcelona, Spain)

  • Pere Fullana-i-Palmer

    (UNESCO Chair in Life Cycle and Climate Change ESCI-UPF, Pg. Pujades 1, 08003 Barcelona, Spain)

  • Rubén Aldaco

    (Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Cantabria, Avda. De los Castros s/n, 39005 Santander, Spain)

Abstract

There is a growing debate surrounding the contradiction between an unremitting increase in the use of resources and the search for environmental sustainability. Therefore, the concept of sustainable degrowth is emerging aiming to introduce in our societies new social values and new policies, capable of satisfying human requirements whilst reducing environmental impacts and consumption of resources. In this framework, circular economy strategies for food production and food loss and waste management systems, following the Sustainable Development Goals agenda, are being developed based on a search for circularity, but without setting limits to the continual increase in environmental impacts and resource use. This work presents a methodology for determining the percentage of degrowth needed in any food supply chain, by analyzing four scenarios in a life cycle assessment approach over time between 2020 and 2040. Results for the Spanish case study suggested a degrowth need of 26.8% in 2015 and 58.9% in 2040 in order to achieve compliance with the Paris Agreement targets, highlighting the reduction of meat and fish and seafood consumption as the most useful path.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniel Hoehn & Jara Laso & María Margallo & Israel Ruiz-Salmón & Francisco José Amo-Setién & Rebeca Abajas-Bustillo & Carmen Sarabia & Ainoa Quiñones & Ian Vázquez-Rowe & Alba Bala & Laura Batlle-Baye, 2021. "Introducing a Degrowth Approach to the Circular Economy Policies of Food Production, and Food Loss and Waste Management: Towards a Circular Bioeconomy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-17, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:6:p:3379-:d:519962
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    References listed on IDEAS

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