Hello there, Luca Urciuoli!

Hello there - a series to get to know KTH FOOD Faculty

Published Sep 05, 2023

Luca Urciuoli conducts research in the area of supply chain management, and explains that the waste in the food sector is enormous and a challenge we have not managed to overcome yet. He adds that food waste inevitably leads to inefficient usage of resources like livestock, land-use, water, energy etc.

Did you know?

Most of the environmental impact from the food supply chain take place in land use change or in the agricultural production.

Not surprisingly, plant-based food have a lower carbon footprint than animal-based food, especially ruminant livestock like cows.

International trade also have a significant impact, but the CO2 emissions are around a quarter of the total emissions from the food system.

Can you tell me a little bit about your research and how it is related to food?

I work with topics related to supply chain management. This includes all processes to oversee the flow of consumable goods from farms to consumers (or farm to fork), including stages like production, transport, storage, procurement, manufacturing, retailing, wholesaling, and even catering. In addition, food is among one of the most critical supplies that our society needs for survival, well-being, health, and quality of life. Hence, understanding risks and establishing practices to optimally manage them, even in coordination with health agencies, is critical.

How come you have decided to conduct your research in food supply chain management?

I have always wanted to work more in this area, especially thinking of the waste that the food sector typically generates, as well as the several challenges faced by farmers, major brands or wholesalers. When I read about the on-going research linked to KTH food center, e.g. how to create nutrients from biomass or seaweed, I wondered how it would impact existing supply chains.

What value do you see in being affiliated with KTH FOOD Centre?

It will be a great opportunity to learn, understand and contribute to on-going research in the area. Likewise, food-related challenges are a growing concern for Sweden, Europe and other countries worldwide. Hence, the center would be a great opportunity for networking and performing research in the field.

What opportunities of contribution do you see in your research?

I would be interested in investigating how research advances in the form of new nutrients, diets, food production technologies etc. can be incorporated into a supply chain and at what costs/benefits or market conditions.

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