Circular Economy Implementation of Food Waste Reduction for Thai Fresh Markets by FoodCycle.ai Approach and Network

Food waste constitutes a critical global challenge, with one-third of food produced for human consumption lost across supply chains. In Thailand, fresh markets are significant contributors to solid waste generation, highlighting the urgent need for effective and scalable waste management solutions. Previous research has identified sustainable treatment options, such as biogas and fertilizer production, with biogas demonstrating strong environmental performance. Building on these insights, this study explores the implementation of circular economy principles in Thai fresh markets through the FoodCycle.ai approach. This digital decision-support tool enables optimized handling of food surplus by suggesting pathways such as upcycling, redistribution, and energy recovery, while assessing environmental impacts. The research adopts a life-cycle assessment framework to compare different waste reduction strategies and their carbon footprints. Conducted as a collaboration between Austria and Thailand, the study aims to identify context-sensitive, scalable solutions and enhance stakeholder acceptance, contributing to more sustainable, resource-efficient food systems.