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Evaluation of Nutrient Loss and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Caused by Food Loss and Waste in China

Author

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  • Chun Chen

    (Department of Earth Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China)

  • Yiman Fang

    (Interdisciplinary Research Center for Agriculture Green Development in Yangtze River Basin, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
    Key Laboratory of Low-Carbon Green Agriculture in Southwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China)

  • Xiaozhong Wang

    (Interdisciplinary Research Center for Agriculture Green Development in Yangtze River Basin, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
    Key Laboratory of Low-Carbon Green Agriculture in Southwestern China, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China)

Abstract

Food loss and waste (FLW) impose major nutritional and environmental costs globally. This comprehensive China-wide study quantifies FLW-driven nutrient depletion and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the entire supply chain. Using national-scale modeling with China-specific data, we found that FLW in 2022 reached 415 million tons (i.e., 21.4% of total production was lost/wasted), generating 281 Mt CO 2 -eq. Daily per capita FLW at 757 kcal (29.7% of recommended intake lost/wasted), 28.4 g protein (43.7%), and 114 mg vitamin C (14%) dissipated significant nutrients. Using the Wasted Nutrient Days metric, 72–416 days of varying nutrient adult needs were lost, worsening malnutrition burdens. The key node along the supply chain leading to high FLW is postharvest handling and storage (responsible for 49% of FLW mass and emissions), while vegetables/cereals (mass loss quantities) and meat-based foods (high emission intensity) were the most lost/wasted food types. Scenario analysis shows that combining optimized diets and supply chain improvements could reduce FLW by 503 g/capita/day and emissions by 62.2%, closing nutritional gaps and supporting carbon neutrality.

Suggested Citation

  • Chun Chen & Yiman Fang & Xiaozhong Wang, 2025. "Evaluation of Nutrient Loss and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Caused by Food Loss and Waste in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(16), pages 1-15, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:16:p:7341-:d:1724153
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