An EOQ model for the circularity of food waste to lessen greenhouse gas emission

Year 2025, Volume: 5 Issue: 2, 348 - 375, 30.06.2025

S. Vennila , K. Karthikeyan

https://doi.org/10.53391/mmnsa.1526946

Abstract

Environmental protection initiatives are increasingly focusing on converting food and organic waste into renewable energy. In India, anaerobic digestion processes food waste and agricultural by-products into biogas, offering an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels for cooking, heating, and electricity. This approach aligns with the principles of a circular economy by minimizing resource waste, reducing environmental pollution, and promoting sustainable resource management, all of which contribute to a more resilient and efficient food system. This study explores an Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) model that incorporates the circularity of food waste. The EOQ model improves food waste systems by efficiently minimizing costs and lowering environmental impacts, including greenhouse gas emissions. The goal is to reduce waste, reduce emissions, and reduce ordering costs while maximizing profits. The degree of circularity in products influences consumer demand and unit profits, as consumers are increasingly aware of their environmental impact. In addition, we analyze how changes in system parameters affect optimal strategies, providing valuable insights for industry managers. This research helps determine the optimal product circularity index, thus minimizing food waste, increasing profits, and reducing environmental harm. We illustrate the performance of the integrated system using sensitivity analysis and visual tools, complemented by non-linear approaches to assess strategic impact.

Keywords

Food waste , Circular economy , EOQ model , Biogas , Carbon emission , sustainability

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