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Ambitions for sustainable nutrition in the private sector unpacking incentives, limitations and potentials

Heiduk, Laura LU and Bonnevier Ydholm, Mia LU (2021) MESM02 20211
LUCSUS (Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies)
Abstract
The food system accounts for a significant portion of environmental degradation, while it is at the same time to a large extent producing food that is deteriorating to human health. The private sector plays an essential role in contributing to the sustainability of the system. Based on a systematic literature review, we conceptualise the notion of sustainable nutrition (SN), which highlights the importance of integrating sustainability and health dimensions. To understand the challenges and opportunities to operationalise SN in the private sector, we conducted semi-structured interviews with employees at a global food company. While opportunities include improving production and shifting consumer demand, the main challenges encompass the... (More)
The food system accounts for a significant portion of environmental degradation, while it is at the same time to a large extent producing food that is deteriorating to human health. The private sector plays an essential role in contributing to the sustainability of the system. Based on a systematic literature review, we conceptualise the notion of sustainable nutrition (SN), which highlights the importance of integrating sustainability and health dimensions. To understand the challenges and opportunities to operationalise SN in the private sector, we conducted semi-structured interviews with employees at a global food company. While opportunities include improving production and shifting consumer demand, the main challenges encompass the complexity of globalised supply chains and profitability. Applying systems thinking, we argue that SN cannot be fully achieved within
the current profit-driven business paradigm. Further transdisciplinary research with the private sector is needed to help close knowledge gaps and enhance structural shifts. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Heiduk, Laura LU and Bonnevier Ydholm, Mia LU
supervisor
organization
course
MESM02 20211
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
sustainability science, sustainable nutrition, food business, systems thinking, food system
report number
2021:033
language
English
id
9048094
date added to LUP
2021-06-04 09:23:23
date last changed
2021-06-04 09:23:23
@misc{9048094,
  abstract     = {{The food system accounts for a significant portion of environmental degradation, while it is at the same time to a large extent producing food that is deteriorating to human health. The private sector plays an essential role in contributing to the sustainability of the system. Based on a systematic literature review, we conceptualise the notion of sustainable nutrition (SN), which highlights the importance of integrating sustainability and health dimensions. To understand the challenges and opportunities to operationalise SN in the private sector, we conducted semi-structured interviews with employees at a global food company. While opportunities include improving production and shifting consumer demand, the main challenges encompass the complexity of globalised supply chains and profitability. Applying systems thinking, we argue that SN cannot be fully achieved within
the current profit-driven business paradigm. Further transdisciplinary research with the private sector is needed to help close knowledge gaps and enhance structural shifts.}},
  author       = {{Heiduk, Laura and Bonnevier Ydholm, Mia}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Ambitions for sustainable nutrition in the private sector unpacking incentives, limitations and potentials}},
  year         = {{2021}},
}