The social life cycle assessment of food delivery in Italy. Evaluating frameworks for the integration of ecosystem services (ESs) in life cycle methodologies

Although food delivery (FD) has been widespread since the last century, recent social and health changes have accelerated its growth, leading to the structuring of companies and order fulfillment systems. However, while FD could provide the convenience of food at home, it may hide a dark side related to workers’ conditions, which would be interesting to investigate. Therefore, in light of this, this paper analyzes the social risks associated with FD, based on the PSILCA and UNEP guidelines. The results show that riders would incur several risks with direct impacts on achieving a decent and safe standard of living, associated with too low wages and a very high risk of fatal accidents. These risks would also be attributable to continuous work’s lack of collective protection. A final element of risk, with a direct impact on the final consumer as well, would be related to serving food, which in most of the identified cases is not done according to the principle of reducing health hazards.