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Trend and pattern of Agri-food Waste, Environmental Sustainability and Circular Economy Studies: A Science Mapping Review

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  • Mallika Roy

    (Central Queensland University, Centre for Regional Economies and Supply Chain (CRESC), Rockhampton North Campus
    University of Chittagong, Department of Economics)

  • Delwar Akbar

    (Central Queensland University, Centre for Regional Economies and Supply Chain (CRESC), Rockhampton North Campus)

  • Azad Rahman

    (Central Queensland University, Centre for Regional Economies and Supply Chain (CRESC), Rockhampton North Campus)

  • Darshana Rajapaksa

    (Central Queensland University, Centre for Regional Economies and Supply Chain (CRESC), Rockhampton North Campus
    Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation)

Abstract

The concept of a Circular Economy (CE) promotes minimizing waste and maximizing the efficient use of resources throughout the production and consumption cycle. This study investigates the nexus between circular economy principles and agri-food waste through a comprehensive science mapping review. By examining literature from 2014 to 2024, the quantitative review identifies key trends, influential contributors, and emerging themes within this research area. The study begins with a systematic literature search in the Scopus database, initially identifying 1001 documents. After filtering, the final dataset consists of 890 English-language publications sourced from 300 journals. Through keyword analysis, it reveals that "Food Waste”, and "Circular Economy" are dominant themes, followed by “Sustainability" and "Waste Management" themes. The top relevant keyword in this analysis is Food Waste, which leads with 522 occurrences, 607 links, and the highest total link strength of 8634, highlighting its significant roles and impacts in the study of circular economy and sustainable waste management practices. Based on these bibliometric insights, the study proposes a conceptual model by integrating circular economy principles and practices, food waste drivers, environmental sustainability and policy framework, and these are aligned with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Systems thinking and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite the impact of individual studies, the analysis reveals limited interconnectedness among top-cited works, suggesting a need for more integrated research efforts. The research identifies research gaps, particularly the need for more empirical studies on the effectiveness of circular economy strategies, technology adoption, consumer behaviour and policy impacts across different stages of the agri-food supply chain. Overall, this study provides a strategic overview of the current research landscape, offering insights into areas requiring further exploration and guiding future research and policy development in reducing agri-food waste through circular economy practices. Graphical Abstract

Suggested Citation

  • Mallika Roy & Delwar Akbar & Azad Rahman & Darshana Rajapaksa, 2025. "Trend and pattern of Agri-food Waste, Environmental Sustainability and Circular Economy Studies: A Science Mapping Review," Circular Economy and Sustainability, Springer, vol. 5(6), pages 5065-5111, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:circec:v:5:y:2025:i:6:d:10.1007_s43615-025-00647-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s43615-025-00647-8
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