Circular supply chain design for biohydrogen recovery from perishable agri-food waste

The increasing interdependencies between water, energy, and food systems highlight the urgency of integrated solutions for managing environmental and resource challenges. This study proposes a sustainable logistics framework for converting agri-food waste into biohydrogen, drawing on the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus to guide strategic planning. Focusing on Razavi Khorasan, Iran, a drought-prone region with substantial upstream food losses and declining groundwater reserves, the research explores how circular supply chain can support both waste reduction and clean energy generation. The proposed system is structured around a closed-loop supply chain that incorporates both forward delivery and reverse logistics to collect perishable food waste and redirect it for biohydrogen production. This approach prioritizes the recovery of high-water-footprint items such as fruits, vegetables, and cereals, thereby mitigating the loss of embedded resources. A scenario-based assessment of vehicle types and environmental policies highlights the operational and environmental trade-offs of different logistics strategies. The findings suggest that low-capital interventions, such as smart routing and shared logistics, can deliver significant environmental benefits without the infrastructure barriers of full fleet electrification. Ultimately, the framework supports resilient, low-carbon pathways for agri-food systems in water-stressed regions, contributing to circular economy goals and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to climate action, food security, and clean energy access.