Combining eco-social and environmental indicators to assess the sustainability performance of a food value chain: A case study. (1st August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Petit, Gaëlle; Sablayrolles, Caroline; Yannou-Le Bris, Gwenola
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 191(2018)
• Page Start: 135
• Page End: 143
• Publication Date: 2018-08-01
• Subjects: Life cycle assessment -- Pork value chain -- Sustainability -- Metrics -- Indicator -- Framework; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.04.156
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: Stakeholders are increasingly demanding transparency on food value chain sustainability performance. Today there is no standard framework to meet this demand and support defining indicators to be used to conduct an overall sustainable performance assessment. This paper mobilizes existing frameworks and indicators to build new sustainable performance metrics for actors willing to work together for their value chain sustainability. Popular methods or tools for assessing dimensions of agrifood products or activities are selected and analyzed to determine how they could contribute to this metric. The analysis aims to distinguish the sustainable development pillars addressed (economic, environmental and/or social), the frames concerned (life cycle thinking or not; multi-actor or not), and the focus of performance measured (drivers, pressures, states, impacts, responses). This categorization is then used to develop a proposal for specifications adapted to food value chain sustainability performance assessment. The applicability of the framework is demonstrated through a case study in a pork agrifood value chain. Highlights: Review of existing frameworks and indicators can be mobilized to build new sustainability metrics. Reflection on the relevance and limitations of evaluating the sustainability performance of a meat value chain. Analyze the related barriers and bottlenecks. Justification for adapting and developing this approach for all types of food value chains. First step of establishing a common strategy framework among actor of a meat value chain.