The article "Reducing food loss and waste contributes to energy, economic and environmental sustainability" by Gage et al. (2024) highlights the significant impact of food loss and waste (FLW) on the sustainability and resilience of the food supply chain. The study quantifies FLW in the UK horticulture supply chain, estimating that 2.4 million tons of fresh produce are lost annually, representing 36% of the total supply. FLW is primarily driven by economic factors such as labor shortages and price protectionism, and is often perceived as an inevitable economic risk rather than a sustainability issue. The environmental impact of FLW is substantial, contributing 1.7 million tons of CO₂ equivalent emissions annually, or 27.2% of the total emissions from the fresh produce supply chain. The study emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to mitigate FLW, including policy changes, consumer education, and the development of novel postharvest management strategies. The authors also discuss the limitations of current FLW quantification methods and the importance of addressing economic drivers to effectively reduce FLW. The research underscores the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to develop sustainable solutions that balance economic viability and environmental sustainability.The article "Reducing food loss and waste contributes to energy, economic and environmental sustainability" by Gage et al. (2024) highlights the significant impact of food loss and waste (FLW) on the sustainability and resilience of the food supply chain. The study quantifies FLW in the UK horticulture supply chain, estimating that 2.4 million tons of fresh produce are lost annually, representing 36% of the total supply. FLW is primarily driven by economic factors such as labor shortages and price protectionism, and is often perceived as an inevitable economic risk rather than a sustainability issue. The environmental impact of FLW is substantial, contributing 1.7 million tons of CO₂ equivalent emissions annually, or 27.2% of the total emissions from the fresh produce supply chain. The study emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to mitigate FLW, including policy changes, consumer education, and the development of novel postharvest management strategies. The authors also discuss the limitations of current FLW quantification methods and the importance of addressing economic drivers to effectively reduce FLW. The research underscores the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to develop sustainable solutions that balance economic viability and environmental sustainability.