Digital platforms for food waste reduction: The value for business users

Abstract

Abstract Food loss and waste have generated environmental and social impacts around the world. One way to address this problem is to make the food supply chain more efficient through novel solutions to food distribution. A new sustainable business model called “digital business platforms for food waste reduction” is emerging to simplify the transaction and donation of food close to the expiration date, preventing its disposal and incineration. Based on multiple case studies, this research sought to answer: How do business users perceive value of digital platforms for food waste reduction? The results demonstrated that the success of a sustainable business model innovation needs to consider the user perception of value. The study reveals new sources of economic and strategic benefits and sacrifices that influence the users' adherence to digital platforms.