Advancing food chain sustainability: harnessing the power of Industry 5.0 for waste efficiency

Abstract

This study examines how digital interventions associated with Industry 5.0 can enhance waste efficiency across food supply chains. Using an exploratory and systematic literature review, the research identifies key forms of waste - including temperature abuse, packaging waste, overproduction, product damage, obsolescence and human error - and evaluates how advanced digital technologies can help prevent or mitigate these inefficiencies. Drawing on Sustainable Corporate Theory, the study develops a theoretical framework that integrates technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain to support real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance and improved transparency throughout the food chain. The findings demonstrate that Industry 5.0-enabled digitalisation has the potential to significantly improve waste efficiency and overall supply chain performance by fostering greater responsiveness, traceability and collaboration among supply chain actors. The study contributes to academic and industry discussions by offering a strategic and system-level framework for leveraging Industry 5.0 technologies to support sustainable and efficient waste management within contemporary food chains.