Drivers and barriers shaping the adoption of sustainability labelling in European food supply chains: a systematic review

Abstract Sustainability labels (SLs) have emerged as key instruments in promoting sustainable food systems by providing transparent information to consumers about the environmental and social impact of food products. While SLs can nudge companies towards sustainability, their adoption is far from straightforward. Many food producers, processors, and retailers face several obstacles—ranging from economic costs and operational complexity to regulatory uncertainty—that limit their engagement with SLs. This review has a twofold aim: first, to provide a detailed and updated overview of the SLs currently used on food products across EU countries; second, to analyze the main drivers and barriers influencing adoption of SLs from food supply chain stakeholders, with a focus on food firms and retailers. The methodology is based on the PRISMA protocol for systematic reviews. The analysis revealed a highly heterogeneous landscape with over 120 SLs currently in use, often with overlapping information. The analysis also led to the identification of six main factors driving or hindering adoption of SLs, highlighting key differences between food firms and retailers. Overall, the findings provide novel insights to inform policymakers on the harmonization of SLs, as well as to develop strategies aimed at promoting broader and more effective use of SLs in Europe, which are increasingly recognized as key drivers of sustainable food systems.