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How Blockchain Facilitates the Transition toward Circular Economy in the Food Chain?

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  • Ashkan Pakseresht

    (Department of Bioeconomics, Novia University of Applied Sciences, 10600 Tammisaari, Finland)

  • Sina Ahmadi Kaliji

    (Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy)

  • Vilma Xhakollari

    (Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, Università di Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy)

Abstract

Food loss and waste are two of the many problems that modern society is facing. To date, among many solutions, the circular economy is the one prevailing. A successful transition toward a circular economy (CE) requires the food sector to overcome the challenges of today’s complex food supply chains such as information asymmetry, poor cooperation among stakeholders, and concerns about food safety. Blockchain, a form of distributed ledger technology, has been progressively gaining traction in supply chains in areas like data management, certifying product provenance and tracking products. Despite its importance, knowledge around the potential of the blockchain technology in facilitating the transition towards a circular economy in the agri-food sector is fragmented. This review provides evidence-based insights into the blockchain implementations in the food supply chains and the implications for CE. Our findings indicated four major areas that blockchain could accelerate CE in the agri-food sector: improving data utility; supply chain management efficacy; enhanced eco-efficiency; and superior traceability.

Suggested Citation

  • Ashkan Pakseresht & Sina Ahmadi Kaliji & Vilma Xhakollari, 2022. "How Blockchain Facilitates the Transition toward Circular Economy in the Food Chain?," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(18), pages 1-22, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:18:p:11754-:d:918811
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Javeed, Sohail Ahmad & Akram, Umair, 2024. "The factors behind block-chain technology that boost the circular economy: An organizational perspective," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 200(C).
    3. Yasanur Kayikci & Nazlican Gozacan‐Chase & Abderahman Rejeb, 2024. "Blockchain entrepreneurship roles for circular supply chain transition," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 33(2), pages 197-222, February.

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