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Assessing CO 2 Emissions of Online Food Delivery in Japan

Author

Listed:
  • Xujie Hu

    (Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, 5322 Endo, Fujisawa 252-0882, Japan)

  • Chen Liu

    (Sustainable Consumption and Production Area, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, 2108-11 Kamiyamaguchi, Hayama 240-0115, Japan)

  • Qiannan Zhuo

    (Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, 5322 Endo, Fujisawa 252-0882, Japan)

  • Dami Moon

    (Department of Urban Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown of cities have led to the rapid growth of online food delivery (OFD). Moreover, there are concerns that OFD platforms may impose offers on users in order to continue to increase their market share, leading to numerous environmental issues such as overconsumption and a significant increase in plastic packaging waste. Most studies have focused on the environmental impacts associated with food packaging and have been mostly limited to China. However, less research has been carried out on the overall CO 2 emissions of an OFD order including food. In this study, the CO 2 emissions of an OFD order were assessed by considering the production, distribution, consumption and disposal of the ingredients, based on lifecycle thinking and existing secondary data, for three representative food groups (Western food, Japanese food and Chinese food) in Japan. This study found that the food production of an OFD order accounts for more than 70% of the CO 2 emissions of the entire process, especially food ingredient production. Policy support and initiatives such as OFD platforms being able to serve different quantities of food based on actual consumer demand to avoid food waste, as well as changes in delivery methods, would help reduce the CO 2 emissions of OFD.

Suggested Citation

  • Xujie Hu & Chen Liu & Qiannan Zhuo & Dami Moon, 2023. "Assessing CO 2 Emissions of Online Food Delivery in Japan," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-17, May.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:10:p:8084-:d:1148162
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Yeo, Vincent Cheow Sern & Goh, See-Kwong & Rezaei, Sajad, 2017. "Consumer experiences, attitude and behavioral intention toward online food delivery (OFD) services," Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, Elsevier, vol. 35(C), pages 150-162.
    2. Youfa Wang & Liang Wang & Hong Xue & Weidong Qu, 2016. "A Review of the Growth of the Fast Food Industry in China and Its Potential Impact on Obesity," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-16, November.
    3. Charlene Li & Miranda Mirosa & Phil Bremer, 2020. "Review of Online Food Delivery Platforms and their Impacts on Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(14), pages 1-17, July.
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