Behaviors against food loss and waste: an analytical index of private policies

Purpose The paper aims to develop a pioneering assessment index for private policies targeting food loss and waste (FLW) reduction. Design/methodology/approach Starting with a review of seminal works on FLW, identifies variables related to corporate actions addressing FLW, process efficiency and sustainability. This process ensures that the developed indicators are robust, adaptable and suitable for diverse food processing organizations. The model’s applicability is enhanced by its alignment with publicly disclosed corporate reports, allowing a practical interface between theoretical development and market realities. Findings Introduces eight strategic indicators for evaluating private policies, FLW reduction policies, process innovations, measurement methodologies, partnerships, environmental actions, communication and the use of natural resources (water and energy). These indicators enable a nuanced evaluation of how organizations operationalize FLW strategies in markets with varying levels of development. Research limitations/implications The indicators’ effectiveness may vary depending on sectoral and regional specificities. Although this study focuses on food processing organizations, the model’s adaptability to different industries and geographical contexts offers potential avenues for further exploration. Practical implications The model provides organizations with a robust tool to monitor and refine FLW reduction strategies using transparent, evidence-based metrics. The indicators can evaluate organizational actions comparatively, across different entities or overtime, facilitating continuous improvement. Social implications Implementing FLW prevention strategies at the organizational level improves efficiency, reduces costs and promotes equitable resource allocation and environmental preservation. By applying these indicators, companies can enhance their contributions to societal goals. Originality/value An unprecedented assessment model tailored to private FLW policies, filling a critical gap in the literature. Its originality lies in its ability to operationalize sustainability in corporate contexts, enabling stakeholders to evaluate actions consistently across markets with diverse developmental profiles. The indicators’ versatility underscores their potential as a transformative tool for researchers, practitioners and policymakers.