Διαχείριση αποβλήτων στην παραγωγή τροφίμων

Φουντάς, Ευάγγελος

Master Thesis

Author

Φουντάς, Ευάγγελος

Date

2026-03

Abstract

The climate crisis and its impact on the environment and people's daily lives make it imperative to develop and implement environmentally sustainable practices in all sectors of the economy. The food production sector is responsible for a large proportion of greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution in general. One of the most important issues is the management of waste generated at all stages from production to consumption and disposal of food by consumers. This thesis analyzes the basic concepts, practices, and procedures related to each stage of food production and consumption. The current legal and institutional framework in Greece and the European Union are presented. Good practices that contribute to environmental sustainability and examples of practical applications by innovative companies and industrial ecosystems are also listed. The analysis initially focuses on the food production stage, with an emphasis on the development of specific and distinct ways of utilizing waste according to the productive and technological capabilities of each country. It then goes on to discuss food waste by consumers, retailers, and restaurants. It highlights the causes as well as common misconceptions and omissions by consumers, as well as the food categories where the most waste is observed. Ways of utilizing food waste for energy production are then proposed, with the main forms being second-generation biofuels and biogas. The possibilities offered by industrial symbiosis are highlighted, combining innovation with the principles of the circular economy. The forms that industrial symbiosis networks can take and how they can be organized are pointed out. Finally, an assessment is made of the link between the food sector and the United Nations' sustainable development goals, based on the data and targets monitored by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Overall, this work highlights the existence of a theoretical framework for waste management to be an environmentally friendly and economically advantageous process, with a significant impact on enhancing the sustainability and circularity of resources. In cases where these principles have been applied appropriately, the results are very encouraging, creating efficient and environmentally friendly food production and consumption systems. Greece seems to be following developments in these areas at a slower pace and is still some way off from implementing sustainable development practices at the levels proposed and applied in the European Union. In this context, it is important to provide incentives and continuous training to businesses, producers, and consumers and to reward the implementation of good practices. The ultimate goal is to transform food production systems through the utilization and management of waste, from linear models that contribute significantly to pollution and environmental impact to circular systems that respect natural resources, protect the environment, and reinforce the demand for sustainability.

Postgraduate Studies Programme

Βιοοικονομία, Κυκλική Οικονομία και Βιώσιμη Ανάπτυξη

Department

Σχολή Οικονομικών, Επιχειρηματικών και Διεθνών Σπουδών. Τμήμα Οικονομικής Επιστήμης

Number of pages

Language

Greek

URI

https://dione.lib.unipi.gr/xmlui/handle/unipi/19130

Collections

Τμήμα Οικονομικής Επιστήμης

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Except where otherwise noted, this item's license is described as
Αναφορά Δημιουργού-Μη Εμπορική Χρήση-Όχι Παράγωγα Έργα 3.0 Ελλάδα