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Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment within the Theoretical Framework of Circular Economy: Methodological Challenges and Epistemological Implications for Agri-Food Sector

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Agriculture".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2021) | Viewed by 57355

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Anna Irene De Luca

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Guest Editor

Department of Agricultural Sciences (AGRARIA), Mediterranean University of Reggio Calabria, 89122 Reggio Calabria, Italy
Interests: sustainable food production; life cycle methodologies; participatory research methods; agriculture and food systems; agricultural economics and rural development; circular economy; multicriteria decision analysis; rural tourism; local development, food and gastronomy

Dr. Giacomo Falcone

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Guest Editor

Department of Agricultural Sciences, Mediterranean University of Reggio Calabria, Feo di Vito, 89122 Reggio Calabria, Italy
Interests: life cycle assessment; life cycle costing; social life cycle assessment; life cycle sustainability assessment; agricultural economics; food production cost; agribusiness economics; organization and management of agribusinesses
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Dr. Nathalie Iofrida

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Guest Editor

Department of Agricultural Sciences (AGRARIA), Mediterranean University of Reggio Calabria, Feo di Vito, 89122 Reggio Calabria, Italy
Interests: social sustainability; life cycle methodologies; short food supply chains; agricultural economics and politics; rural development; circular economy; participatory methodologies

Dr. Teodora Stillitano

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Guest Editor

Department of Agricultural Sciences (AGRARIA), Mediterranean University of Reggio Calabria, Feo di Vito 89122 Reggio Calabria, Italy
Interests: sustainability; life cycle methodologies; life cycle costing ; agricultural economics and politics; rural development; circular economy; participatory methodologies

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Circular economy is currently one of the most discussed concepts among researchers, politicians, and academics. Its main principle regards a more efficient use of resources and the decrease of wastes, stressing the necessity of reusing, recycling, and reducing to limit negative impacts on people and environment. Circular economy is about the rethinking of the current models of production and consumption, and agrofood systems, which are responsible for the pressure on the living environment as well as for assuring the survival of many farms in rural areas, must necessarily move toward transition pathways. Exploring the potential contribution of circular approaches to sustainable production in agrofood systems also means understanding how to pay more attention to the social, economic, and environmental aspects of sustainability.

To satisfy these purposes, sustainability evaluation tools are required to be systemic, multidisciplinary, and multicriterial.

However, undertaking such different dimensions is methodologically challenging and calls into question the epistemological foundations of sustainability science and circular economy.

One of the greatest concerns is around the combination of different assessment methods and merging their results in a suitable and believable way.

Can life cycle sustainability assessment fulfill these requirements? Does it allow approaching sustainability in a systemic way? Which are the best methods to merge all sustainability dimensions in a coherent and comprehensive evaluation that brings up the main urgencies of agrofood systems?

Methodological applications and theoretical discussions are welcome to this Special Issue. Papers received will be subject to a rigorous peer review procedure with the aim of rapid and wide dissemination of research results, developments, and applications.

Dr. Anna Irene De Luca
Dr. Giacomo Falcone
Dr. Nathalie Iofrida
Dr. Teodora Stillitano
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

life cycle analyses
life cycle sustainability assessment
circular Economy
sustainability science epistemologies
multidisciplinary and multicriterial methodologiesagr
agri-food sector

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 1473 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainability of the Agricultural Systems of Indigenous People in Hidalgo, Mexico

by Doris Leyva, Mayra De la Torre and Yaxk’in Coronado

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 8075; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13148075 - 20 Jul 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3083

Abstract

Agricultural sustainability depends on complex relationships between environmental, economic, and social aspects, especially with small farm holders from indigenous communities. This work was centered on two municipalities of Hidalgo State in Mexico, Ixmiquilpan (mainly irrigated systems) and El Cardonal (rainfed systems). Our objective was to understand the relationships between the small farm holders and their agricultural systems. We evaluated the sustainability of their agricultural systems and made some recommendations. We applied the Framework for the Evaluation of Management Systems using Indicators (MESMIS, Spanish acronym); thirty-one indicators were identified, and quantitative indexes were established to assess the sustainability. The results showed that adaptability was a critical factor for irrigated and rainfed systems, and the main problem identified was youth migration. Additionally, the access to water and economic resources and the management of environmental resources are necessary in order to increase the yield of agricultural crops. Therefore, a holistic approach that considers the organization of small producers and synergy between indigenous knowledge and modern technologies is required for the territorial development of the communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment within the Theoretical Framework of Circular Economy: Methodological Challenges and Epistemological Implications for Agri-Food Sector)

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15 pages, 567 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Small Farm Business Analysis Using the AHP Model for Efficient Assessment of Distribution Channels

by Aleksandra Tošović-Stevanović, Vladimir Ristanović, Dragan Ćalović, Goran Lalić, Milena Žuža and Gorica Cvijanović

Sustainability 2020, 12(24), 10479; https://doi.org/10.3390/su122410479 - 15 Dec 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4206

Abstract

Distribution of agricultural products from the aspect of farms is a continuous issue. Efficient application of the distribution model should provide a farm owner with regular income, as well as with a competitive advantage. Assessment of distribution channels in the context of an agricultural producer is subject to multi-criteria decisions, including both qualitative and quantitative factors. The aim of this paper is to develop a model which enables a structured analysis and an efficient assessment of distribution channels. The methodology based on the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) will be a useful tool in setting various criteria for deciding on distribution channels, as well as a tool for managing a multi-variant qualitative assessment of data included in decision-making processes. The survey results show that the most important distribution channel for agricultural products is the channel of sales via processing plants (cooling and drying facilities, silos and agricultural combines), compared to sales through advertising (which significantly increased its share with the COVID-19 pandemic), sales through sales channels or at farmers’ markets. Full article

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19 pages, 3978 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cradle-to-Gate Water-Related Impacts on Production of Traditional Food Products in Malaysia

by P.X.H. Bong, M.A. Malek, N.H. Mardi and Marlia M. Hanafiah

Sustainability 2020, 12(13), 5274; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12135274 - 29 Jun 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 6970

Abstract

Modern technology and life-style advancements have increased the demand for clean water. Based on this trend it is expected that our water resources will be under stress leading to a high probability of scarcity. This study aims to evaluate the environmental impacts of selected traditional food manufacturing products namely: tempe, lemang, noodle laksam, fish crackers and salted fish in Malaysia. The cradle-to-gate approach on water footprint assessment (WFA) of these selected traditional food products was carried out using Water Footprint Network (WFN) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Freshwater eutrophication (FEP), marine eutrophication (MEP), freshwater ecotoxicity (FETP), marine ecotoxicity (METP) and water consumption (WCP), LCA were investigated using ReCiPe 2016 methodology. Water footprint accounting of blue water footprint (WF_blue), green water footprint (WF_green) and grey water footprint (WF_grey) were established in this study. It was found that total water footprint for lemang production was highest at 3862.13 m³/ton. The lowest total water footprint was found to be fish cracker production at 135.88 m³/ton. Blue water scarcity (WS_blue) and water pollution level (WPL) of these selected food products were also determined to identify the environmental hotspots. Results in this study showed that the WS_blue and WPL of these selected food products did not exceed 1%, which is considered sustainable. Based on midpoint approach adopted in this study, the characterization factors for FEP, MEP, FETP, METP and WCP on these selected food products were evaluated. It is recommended that alternative ingredients or product processes be designed in order to produce more sustainable lemang. Full article

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18 pages, 2332 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Analysis of Socio-Economic Driving Factors of Food Expenditure Variation between Provinces in Indonesia

by Andi Syah Putra, Guangji Tong and Didit Okta Pribadi

Sustainability 2020, 12(4), 1638; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12041638 - 21 Feb 2020

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4434

Abstract

Food security has become one of the global challenges; therefore, monitoring food consumption is required. As food consumption is a resultant of food availability at an affordable price, food expenditure actually is a key indicator to assess food security policy. Particularly, the link of food expenditure with socio-economic factors based on the perspective of spatial connectivity should be understood as nowadays food supply and demand between regions are increasingly connected. This study aims to define socio-economic driving factors of food expenditure that considering spatial connectivity between provinces in Indonesia. Data of household food expenditure and socio-economic factors by province including urbanization level, economic growth, gross domestic regional product (GDRP) per capita, poverty severity index, and unemployment rate were used. The preliminary test on the spatial correlation of food expenditure showed a significant result; thus, a spatial regression approach was employed. The results showed that declining food expenditure did not simply indicate increasing prosperity. Larger income disparity among the poor has become crucial to detect lower food expenditure caused by a lack of income. In addition, the increasing unemployment rate was followed by increasing food expenditure. Despite economic growth, increasing GDRP per capita and urbanization contributing to declining food expenditure, both poverty and unemployment are the main issues that threaten household’s ability to afford food. Furthermore, the effect of food expenditure in the neighboring region is also significant, but it shows a contradictory relationship as food expenditure in a region is decreasing when food expenditure in its neighbors is increasing, and vice versa. Therefore, reducing disparities in economic growth, GDRP per capita, urbanization, poverty, and unemployment rate between provinces is also crucial to support more equal food expenditure as well as to achieve the second goal of SDG’s (Sustainable Development Goals) in improving food security. Full article

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29 pages, 2006 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improving Policy Evidence Base for Agricultural Sustainability and Food Security: A Content Analysis of Life Cycle Assessment Research

by Oriana Gava, Fabio Bartolini, Francesca Venturi, Gianluca Brunori and Alberto Pardossi

Sustainability 2020, 12(3), 1033; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12031033 - 01 Feb 2020

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 4706

Abstract

Life cycle assessment is a widespread method for measuring and monitoring the environmental impacts of production processes, thereby allowing the comparison of business-as-usual with more ecological scenarios. Life cycle assessment research can support evidence-based policy making by comparing and communicating the environmental impacts of agricultural and food systems, informing about the impact of mitigating interventions and monitoring sectoral progress towards sustainable development goals. This article aims at improving the contribution of science to evidence-based policies for agricultural sustainability and food security, while facilitating further research, by delivering a content-analysis based literature review of life cycle assessment research in agricultural and food economics. Results highlight that demand-side and system-level approaches need further development, as policies need to support redesigned agricultural systems and newly conceived dietary guidelines, which combine environmental protection and health benefits, without reducing productivity. Similarly, more research effort towards consequential life cycle assessment and multidimensional assessment may benefit policy makers by considering the rebound effects associated with the large-scale implementation of impact-mitigating interventions. Promising interventions involve the promotion of waste circularization strategies, which could also improve the profitability of agriculture. For effective policy making towards agricultural sustainability and food security worldwide, countries with the greatest expected population growth and raise of urbanization rates need more attention by researchers. Full article

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Review

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20 pages, 1323 KiB

Open AccessReview

Enhancing Coffee Supply Chain towards Sustainable Growth with Big Data and Modern Agricultural Technologies

by Yotsaphat Kittichotsatsawat, Varattaya Jangkrajarng and Korrakot Yaibuathet Tippayawong

Sustainability 2021, 13(8), 4593; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084593 - 20 Apr 2021

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 16949

Abstract

Modern agricultural technology management is nowadays crucial in terms of the economy and the global market, while food safety, quality control, and environmentally friendly practices should not be neglected. This review aims to give perspectives on applying big data analytic and modern technologies to increase the efficacy and effectiveness of the coffee supply chain throughout the process. It was revealed that several tools such as wireless sensor networks, cloud computing, Internet of Things (IoT), image processing, convolutional neural networks (CNN), and remote sensing could be implemented in and used to improve the coffee supply chain. Those tools could help in reducing cost as well as time for entrepreneurs and create a reliable service for the customer. It can be summarized that in the long term, these modern technologies will be able to assist coffee business management and ensure the sustainable growth for the coffee industry. Full article

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28 pages, 3413 KiB

Open AccessReview

Sustainable Agri-Food Processes and Circular Economy Pathways in a Life Cycle Perspective: State of the Art of Applicative Research

by Teodora Stillitano, Emanuele Spada, Nathalie Iofrida, Giacomo Falcone and Anna Irene De Luca

Sustainability 2021, 13(5), 2472; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13052472 - 25 Feb 2021

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 5029

Abstract

This study aims at providing a systematic and critical review on the state of the art of life cycle applications from the circular economy point of view. In particular, the main objective is to understand how researchers adopt life cycle approaches for the measurement of the empirical circular pathways of agri-food systems along with the overall lifespan. To perform the literature review, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol was considered to conduct a review by qualitative synthesis. Specifically, an evaluation matrix has been set up to gather and synthesize research evidence, by classifying papers according to several integrated criteria. The literature search was carried out employing scientific databases. The findings highlight that 52 case studies out of 84 (62% of the total) use stand-alone life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate the benefits/impacts of circular economy (CE) strategies. In contrast, only eight studies (9.5%) deal with the life cycle costing (LCC) approach combined with other analyses while no paper deals with the social life cycle assessment (S-LCA) methodology. Global warming potential, eutrophication (for marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems), human toxicity, and ecotoxicity results are the most common LCA indicators applied. Only a few articles deal with the CE assessment through specific indicators. We argue that experts in life cycle methodologies must strive to adopt some key elements to ensure that the results obtained fit perfectly with the measurements of circularity and that these can even be largely based on a common basis. Full article

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16 pages, 1469 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

The Environmental Impacts of Agricultural Trade: A Systematic Literature Review

by Jeremiás Máté Balogh and Attila Jámbor

Sustainability 2020, 12(3), 1152; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12031152 - 05 Feb 2020

Cited by 53 | Viewed by 10862

Abstract

In line with the development of international trade, environmental concerns have arisen as a global problem. International trade has the potential to increase environmental externalities such as transboundary pollution, deforestation, transportation and production relocation avoiding environmental standards. The share of agricultural goods in total export reached 15% in 2017. Since 2002, the proportion of unprocessed agricultural products have more than doubled, while the volume of processed goods in global trade has tripled. Despite the importance of agricultural trade worldwide, the number of studies exploring the trade-agriculture-environment nexus has so far been limited. This paper aims to provide an overview of the environmental impacts of agricultural trade based on the international economics literature published in recent years by way of a systematic literature review. Results suggest that most recent environmental studies do not view extended trade or trade liberalization in agriculture favourably. Only a limited number of papers state that a country or countries’ environment could benefit from agricultural trade, and only a few researchers have found that agricultural trade did not have any significant influence at all, or have instead found the effects on the environment to be ambiguous. Finally, the research reveals the most important consequences of pollution and offers potential solutions. Full article

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Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment within the Theoretical Framework of Circular Economy: Methodological Challenges and Epistemological Implications for Agri-Food Sector

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