Food losses and food waste. The Industry 4.0 opportunity for the sustainability challenge

United Nations in 2011 estimated every year worldwide around 1.3 billion tons of food is lost or wasted. According to a 2018 analysis by the Boston Consulting Group, this figure will reach 2.1 billion tons in 2050. FAO is trying to quantify food waste again, and according to his report “The state of Food and Agriculture 2019”, 14% of production global food is lost or wasted even before it is sold. Food loss and waste are therefore unsustainable and no longer acceptable issues and reducing them is becoming a priority. The negative effects of these problems are connected to the scarce availability and consumption of food, but also to sustainability and environmental impacts. In this regard, it will be necessary to change our eating habits. Industry 4.0 innovations can provide opportunities to reduce food waste and loss, as well as to adopt a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.