Steps in the Right Direction: Understanding European Sustainability Food Labels
2015 (English)Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (One Year)), 20 credits / 30 HE credits
Student thesis
Abstract [en]
The challenge of feeding 9.55 billion people by 2050 is interwoven with the sustainability challenge, e.g. climate change, eutrophication, biodiversity loss, as well as social issues. These factors are affecting the ability to produce enough food for an increasing population, while the food system itself is a contributor to the declining capacities of the ecosystems. This thesis identifies Sustainability Food Labeling and Certification as one tool to promote more sustainable production and encourage conscious consumption. The complexity of the problem requires a strategic approach to strive towards sustainability. Therefore this thesis examines European Food Labels to gain understanding of the extent to which they address the sustainability challenge and how this could be improved by a Strategic Sustainable Development approach. Data was obtained through a document analysis of certification schemes and websites; and interviews with labeling bodies and platforms. The analysis revealed some weaknesses including definitions of sustainability which were found to be too general, a focus on mainly environmental sustainability, and little cooperation between labeling bodies. Using these findings, suggestions were drawn to foster a strategic approach. The recommendations call for a concrete definition of sustainability, a broader inclusion of social sustainability and greater cooperation between labels.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2015. , p. 79
Keywords [en]
sustainability labels, food certification, Strategic Sustainable Development (SSD), Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development (FSSD), sustainable food production
National Category
Social Sciences Economics and Business
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:bth-916OAI: oai:DiVA.org:bth-916DiVA, id: diva2:826040
Subject / course
SL2505 Thesis, Strategic Leadership towards Sustainability
Educational program
SLASL (Master programme in Strategic Leadership towards Sustainability
Supervisors
Examiners
2015-06-242015-06-152015-06-24Bibliographically approved