Drivers and barriers towards circular economy in agri‐food supply chain: A review

Abstract

Over the past few years, the circular economy (CE) concept has captured considerable attention from researchers and practitioners as a potential solution for social, economic, and environmental challenges. But in literature, limited engagement has been given to explore the CE initiatives, particularly in the agri‐food supply chain (AFSC). This paper aims to address this gap by critically reviewing the existing literature and identify the drivers and barriers for implementing the CE in the AFSC. This study uses a systematic literature review approach to critically analyse the current literature to develop future empirical research areas. The popularity of the CE drivers and barriers in the AFSC following the number of times they appeared in the research studies is examined. It shows that environmental (67%), policy and economy (47%), and financial benefits (43%) are the three top drivers. However, institutional (64%), financial (48%), and technological risks (40%) are the top three barriers in implementing CE practices in the AFSC. It is observed that there is an utmost need for international communities to introduce internationally accepted standards and frameworks for CE practices to be used globally to eliminate waste, particularly in the agriculture sector. Moreover, government intervention to stimulate CE initiatives plays a critical role in the transition process.

An Evolutionary Approach on the Framework of Circular Economy Applied to Agriculture

“…Agriculture is well adapted to the precepts of the CE as an economic concept included in the framework of sustainable development [16][17][18]. This comprises a set of human actions dedicated to the transformation of the natural environment to provide the world's food, which depends on both the climate and the techniques implemented to make the land fertile.…”

Antecedents towards social circular consumption of food wastes in emerging economies: Transition towards food circular economy

“…The technology adoption for biogas, biofertilizer, and energy will again support the circular consumption of food. Technology adoption as one of the important antecedents found in the study can help the industries and private players to convert the food wastes into energy or other different forms (Mehmood et al, 2021). Food circular economy requires a focus on the value chain and overall knowledge management to link it with business (Sinha, 2022).…”

Supply chain firm performance in circular economy and digital era to achieve sustainable development goals

“…The CE idea and its execution have become increasingly important in emerging economies. Governments have begun to draught flexible rules and regulations governing product recycling and economic growth, including CE requirements (Mehmood et al, 2021).…”

“…The CE idea and its execution have become increasingly important in emerging economies. Governments have begun to draught flexible rules and regulations governing product recycling and economic growth, including CE requirements (Mehmood et al, 2021). Environmental awareness implies that if businesses can successfully take advantage of sustainability, it can improve the performance of essential SC tasks, including planning, sourcing, procurement, and distribution (Sawe et al, 2021).…”