An optimization model for fresh-food electronic commerce supply chain with carbon emissions and food waste

Abstract

This study contributes to the fresh food supply chain system due to the lack of carbon emissions and food waste reduction that the prior studies neglected. This study examines a fresh-food supply chain system with multiple farmers, a single processor, multi-distributor, customers, and multiple periods. This paper presents a mixed-integer linear programming to optimize total purchasing, inspection, food waste, packing, cold storage, transportation, and carbon emission costs by optimizing product inventories and deliveries. The model is also validated to provide insights into relevant industries. The results show that the total distribution cost from distributor to customers, the total purchasing cost, and total packaging cost are 38.68%; 25.87%; and 16.84%, respectively. In addition, sensitivity analyzes show that the total costs and emissions are significantly affected by the variance in temperature control, carbon punishing cost, and vehicle types. Furthermore, this research can guide the decision-makers by considering the influence of these parameters.