Synergistic Interactions of SDGs in Food Supply Chains: A Review of Responsible Consumption and Production

Abstract

In light of the significance of Food Supply Chains (FSCs) in attaining the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a greater focus on synergistic interactions between these SDGs is called for. Although there is research within this area, the impact on the interactions of responsible consumption and production for supply chains is either fragmented or inconclusive. Implementing supply chain solutions to achieve one goal could potentially support or inhibit progress in other goals; thus, before implementing such solutions, a better understanding of the interrelationships between SDGs is required. A systematic review is conducted to evidence the current nature of the understanding of these interrelationships within the food supply chain context by focusing on Responsible Consumption and Production, which refers to SDG number 12. This review is conducted through a filtering process, where 171 peer-reviewed articles addressing different SDGs were analysed and synthesized. In addition to a detailed summary of the recent literature on the SDGs and their interrelationships, as addressed in the literature, this paper establishes the limitations in the existing literature and research challenges surrounding the SDGs. This article contributes a conceptual framework that identifies stakeholder and consumer pressures as enablers of synergistic interactions between SDGs, thus directing managerial and regulatory interventions through a holistic perspective of SDGs. Finally, the review discusses contradictory findings on SDGs and provides future research avenues.

SDG Performance in Local Organic Food Systems and the Role of Sustainable Public Procurement

“…In a food systems-related context, Fassio and Tecco [135] analyzed 40 case studies implementing a circularity approach within the food supply chain realm vis-àvis their SDG contribution and identified SDG 12 to have the highest representation. A systematic literature review by Jacob-John et al [136] analyzed the interactions of SDG 12 with other goals in food supply chains and revealed the existing synergetic interrelations between SDG 12 and the other 16 goals, largely in line with the findings of the present study. In particular, the study identified synergies between targets 12.3, food waste and loss reduction, and 2.4, sustainable production systems and resilient agricultural practices [136].…”

“…A systematic literature review by Jacob-John et al [136] analyzed the interactions of SDG 12 with other goals in food supply chains and revealed the existing synergetic interrelations between SDG 12 and the other 16 goals, largely in line with the findings of the present study. In particular, the study identified synergies between targets 12.3, food waste and loss reduction, and 2.4, sustainable production systems and resilient agricultural practices [136]. Slightly differently, the present study uncovered the synergetic relationships between target 2.4, sustainable food production systems with resilient agricultural practices, and target 12.7, sustainable public procurement, whereby a link to food waste and loss reduction was established as well, however rather through public procurement, due to the study's scope (food loss reduction of farming has not been accounted for).…”

Reporting Sustainable Development Goal 12 in the Spanish food retail industry. An analysis based on Global Reporting Initiative performance indicators

“…This means that some elements of SCP can also be found in other SDGs, reflecting the crosscutting nature of SCP as an objective and its environmental, social, and economic dimension (Fonseca & Carvalho, 2019;Szennay et al, 2019). These linkages mean that implementing SDG 12 effectively can also help achieve a range of connected goals (Akenji & Bengtsson, 2014;Bauer et al, 2018;Guevara & Pla, 2019;Jacob-John et al, 2021;Le Blanc, 2015). SDG 12 has eight main targets, most of which aim to achieve sustainability through the lens of production efficiency.…”

“…The retail sector plays a vital role in corporate achievement of the SDGs (Naidoo & Gasparatos, 2018; Wynn & Jones, 2020). In particular, food retailers are well positioned to tackle sustainability issues (Chkanikova & Mont, 2015; Saber & Weber, 2019a, 2019b), given the direct impact of their supply chain management practices on sustainable production and consumption (Jacob‐John et al, 2021). In fact, they have a pivotal role both in promoting sustainable production by influencing their supply chains, and in encouraging responsible consumption by influencing their consumers (Bradley, 2016; UNEP, 2011).…”

“…Companies play a central role in achieving the SDGs by designing and implementing sustainable solutions, enabling and inspiring individuals to lead more sustainable lifestyles, reducing impacts and improving well-being (United Nations, 2020b). The food retail sector is very well placed to address SDG 12 in particular (Jacob-John et al, 2021), since it links primary producers and manufacturers with consumers (Delai & Takahashi, 2013). As such, food retailers can promote SCP through their internal operations and influence both suppliers to produce and consumers to consume sustainably (UNEP, 2011).…”