Integrating decision support tools into businesses for sustainable development: A paradoxical approach to address the food waste challenge

The food industry is increasingly using decision support tools to address the food loss and waste challenge. Extant food loss and waste tools predominantly focus on environmental metrics and do not sufficiently integrate important social and financial considerations. They have therefore been deemed to lack business readiness. This critical review aims to assess how tools can be integrated within organisations supporting the progress towards sustainability and what tensions are inherent in preventing and reducing food loss and waste (FLW). This review extends paradox theory by adding the dimensions of FLW and tools to previous research on paradoxes and sustainable development. The significance of the review is creating an opportunity for scholars and practitioners to rethink current business practices as necessary for addressing sustainability challenges. The review contributes to previous research in FLW-reducing tools within the context of business responses to sustainability issues. The findings show the role of leadership in promoting participation and collaboration for positive environmental outcomes. These findings offer three practical recommendations for businesses: (1) simple yet comprehensive tools tailored to business needs can enhance decisions, (2) a paradoxical approach for considering food supply chain demands and (3) leaders should encourage individuals and teams to learn and collaborate for business success.