Operational Drivers of Scalability in Circular Food Supply Chains: Insights from Reverse Flows and System Dynamics

Title data

Grenzfurtner, Wolfgang ; Thürer, Matthias:
Operational Drivers of Scalability in Circular Food Supply Chains: Insights from Reverse Flows and System Dynamics.
2026
Event: 2026 EurOMA Conference , 27.6.-2.7.2026 , Vienna, Austria.
(Conference item: Conference , Paper )

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Abstract in another language

Circular food supply chains aim to valorise food loss and waste (FLW), yet many initiatives struggle to scale beyond pilot applications. This paper adopts a systems perspective to examine the operational drivers shaping scalability in circular food supply chains. Based on a systematic literature review and the identification of causal variables and system interaction for causal loop diagrams, the study synthesises how reverse logistics decisions, quality dynamics and network configurations interact. The findings show that scalability is an emergent system property shaped by trade‑offs between cost efficiency, quality retention and responsiveness, offering conceptual foundations for future empirical and simulation‑based research.