Global food waste as an anti-sustainability trend: analysis of economic and environmental impacts across countries

Purpose The purpose of this study is to reveal food waste patterns and the economic-environmental impacts of these patterns based on differences between countries at the global level, category-based and country-comparative data were examined using multivariate quantitative analysis techniques. Design/methodology/approach A panel dataset with a total of 4,997 observations was used in the study. The main variables include food waste per capita, total amount of waste, population size, household waste rate, and economic loss. The stationarity of the series was evaluated with the Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test; the first difference was applied to the non-stationary series. Granger causality tests were used between the variables whose stationarity was achieved, and directional effects and simultaneous relationships were analyzed. Findings The analysis revealed that food waste per capita significantly affects economic losses. In addition, increases in the total amount of waste also increase economic losses. While population growth significantly affects both total waste and financial loss, changes in household waste rate were found to be determinant of these two variables. Directional causality and simultaneous relationships were significant in all variable pairs. Research limitations/implications There are some limitations to the study. The study focused only on economic variables and excluded social and cultural factors. The data covered eight years, and the dynamics of change beyond this period could not be analyzed. In addition, the number of observations was limited due to a lack of data in some countries. Although the data sources are reliable, unregistered consumption or lack of waste reporting in some countries may have affected the analyses. Although the Granger test applied shows the direction of causality, it does not fully explain the cause of the relationship. The variables used in the model reflect only the quantitative aspect of waste; qualitative dimensions are ignored. In future studies, including demographic, cultural, and governance variables may expand the scope of the analysis. In addition, the effects of individual consumption behaviors and psychological factors should be examined in more detail. Practical implications The model dynamically reveals the relationship between consumption habits and economic losses, creating a strong basis for forward-looking policy interventions. The necessity of developing strategies to reduce food waste, especially in developing countries, with increasing population pressure, has been demonstrated. The main intervention areas suggested for policymakers can be household awareness programs, improvement of waste measurement systems, and tax incentives to reduce unregistered consumption. Social implications The study shows that global food waste should be evaluated as an anti-sustainability trend. This trend is seen to disrupt not only the environment but also economic balances at national and global levels. Originality/value The study offers new perspectives in the context of sustainable consumption theory and the environmental justice approach. Empirical study presents new findings about food waste impact on economic losses. While population growth significantly affects both total waste and financial loss, changes in household waste rate were found to be determinant of these two variables. Directional causality and simultaneous relationships were significant in all variable pairs.