The ESG-FLW Index: A Multidimensional Composite Index for Comparing Food Loss and Waste Valorisation Pathways

Food loss and waste (FLW) constitutes a structural challenge for agri-food systems. How-ever, current analytical tools for assessing management and valorisation options remain fragmented across disciplines. Existing frameworks rarely capture within a single struc-ture the environmental, social, and economic–institutional feasibility dimensions needed to compare alternative recovery pathways. This study introduces the ESG-FLW Index, a multidimensional composite index designed to support comparative evaluation of FLW valorisation strategies, with particular attention to recovery for human consumption. The index draws on a comparative analysis of eight established frameworks. It integrates Life Cycle Assessment for the environmental pillar; Techno-Economic Assessment together with compliance, data-quality, scalability, and replicability indicators for the governance pillar; and Social Return on Investment for the social pillar. These components are aggre-gated through Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis, following methodological guidance for robust composite indicators. The framework aligns explicitly with the Food Waste Hier-archy and SDG Target 12.3. It also includes hurdle criteria to limit the risk that high ag-gregate scores obscure critical shortcomings. As a proof of concept, the index was applied to the CiboAmico redistribution programme. Redistribution scored substantially higher than composting (85.1 versus 30.7). The ranking remained stable under ±20% weight var-iations and Monte Carlo simulations (n = 1000). The ESG-FLW Index offers a transparent and replicable decision-support tool. It is best suited to relative comparison among op-tions and to making sustainability trade-offs explicit