Reducing Food Waste through E-commerce: How Online Retailers and Digital Platforms Can Minimize Losses

• Author(s): Dr. Olushola Adeborode, Kolawole ; Kolawole Owoigbe
• Paper ID: 1708372
• Page: 471-478
• Published Date: 10-05-2025
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 8 Issue 11 May-2025

Abstract

Food waste constitutes a significant global challenge with profound economic, environmental, and social ramifications. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that almost one-third of all food produced, totaling 1.3 billion tons, is wasted each year, resulting in substantial financial losses estimated at $940 billion yearly and worsening food poverty (FAO, 2019). The environmental impact is worrisome, with food waste contributing around 8–10% of global greenhouse gas emissions (UNEP, 2021). In the age of digital transformation, e-commerce and digital platforms present a viable opportunity to reduce food waste via technical advancements, enhanced supply chains, and consumer interaction methods. This study examines the impact of e-commerce on reducing food waste through the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain technology, and the Internet of Things (IoT). AI-driven demand forecasting and predictive analytics allow online retailers to enhance inventory management, consequently minimizing overstock and unsold perishables (Accorsi et al., 2020). Blockchain technology improves transparency and traceability in supply chains, facilitating real-time tracking of food goods from farm to consumer, hence minimizing spoiling (Kamilaris et al., 2019). IoT-enabled smart packaging enhances the shelf life of perishable items by monitoring storage conditions and delivering automated freshness notifications (Gustavsson et al., 2022). In addition to technological progress, e-commerce enables novel business models that aid in the reduction of food waste. Direct-to-consumer (DTC) and farm-to-table platforms eradicate inefficiencies in conventional distribution routes, hence decreasing transit time and minimizing spoilage (Xu & Liu, 2021). Surplus food marketplaces and rescue platforms allow enterprises to sell surplus or near-expiration products at reduced costs, preventing edible food from being discarded and improving affordability for customers (Ciulli et al., 2020). AI-driven dynamic pricing solutions enhance inventory turnover by modifying prices according to demand patterns, expiration dates, and supply variations (Khan et al., 2023). Policy frameworks and regulatory incentives are essential in promoting a food waste-aware e-commerce environment. Global governments are enacting regulations that promote food donation, provide financial incentives for firms that decrease waste, and standardize expiration date labeling to limit the wasteful disposal of edible food (Parfitt et al., 2020). Public-private partnerships have augmented these initiatives, fostering sustainable corporate practices and ethical consumer conduct in the digital economy. This research highlights the revolutionary capacity of e-commerce in mitigating food waste through the integration of technical solutions, innovative business models, and legislative initiatives. Nonetheless, obstacles including logistical limitations, consumer awareness, and regulatory adherence must be confronted to optimize efficiency. The results indicate that digital transformation within the food supply chain can improve operational efficiency, generate cost savings, and support global sustainability objectives.

Keywords

Food waste, e-commerce, digital platforms, artificial intelligence, blockchain, intelligent packaging, supply chain optimization, excess food marketplaces, dynamic pricing, sustainability.

Citations

IRE Journals:
Dr. Olushola Adeborode, Kolawole , Kolawole Owoigbe "Reducing Food Waste through E-commerce: How Online Retailers and Digital Platforms Can Minimize Losses" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 8 Issue 11 2025 Page 471-478

IEEE:
Dr. Olushola Adeborode, Kolawole , Kolawole Owoigbe "Reducing Food Waste through E-commerce: How Online Retailers and Digital Platforms Can Minimize Losses" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 8(11)