Rethinking the Physical Losses Definition in Agri-Food Chains from Eco-Efficiency to Circular Economy

This study analyzes different expressions for Physical Losses and proposes an integration of concepts to approach the economic-accounting language of profits and losses to the Agri-Food chain context. Methodologically, a literature review identified the scientific and institutional documents that use the Agri-Food Physical Losses definitions and a content analysis was adopted. The main contributions of the concept come from institutions such as the Food and Agriculture Organization, the United Nations Environmental Programme, the European Commission, among others. In this context, the perspectives identified are Food Loss and Waste, Eco-Efficiency/Cleaner Production, Circular Economy, Lean Thinking and Accounting systems. The main contribution of this study is to offer a definition of Physical Losses in an Agri-Food chain context so as to help Top Management to make decisions regarding the reduction, elimination or transformation of Physical Losses and the achievement of a more sustainable business strategy.