A novel simplified model to evaluate environmental impact based on life cycle assessment methodology–Case study of spinach considering food waste reduction through modified atmosphere packaging–

Abstract

Greenhouse gases (GHGs) from food loss and waste (FLW) act as a major hindrance to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 13. Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) can reduce the FLW of packaged fruits and vegetables, decreasing FLW-related GHGs. This study assessed the influence of food waste reduction (FWR) via MAP on the environmental load of the spinach life cycle. Particularly, we introduced a novel model to estimate the environmental loads of the life cycle. Additionally, we employed the model for the life cycles of strawberries and peaches to verify the suitability of the model to other product's life cycles. Furthermore, we assessed the trade-offs between the increase in the environmental loads attributed to MAP production and the decrease in the environmental loads of the spinach life cycle via FWR. FWR via MAP decreased the environmental loads of the spinach supply chain by 45.2 % compared to the waste reduction via oriented polypropylene packaging, although MAP increased the environmental loads for packaging production. Further, the proposed model could suitably predict the environmental loads of the life cycles of spinach and other products, irrespective of the packaging conditions (film, box, or tray), thereby contributing to environmentally sustainable improvements in future food-packaging systems.