XXXVII CICLO | Provenzano Mariagrazia

As a PhD student specializing in sustainability within the agri-food sector, my research delves into the impacts and perceptions of changes within this industry on consumers and stakeholders. I am particularly interested in integrating social and environmental sustainability, exploring circular economy principles, and assessing pathways for recovering waste. This interdisciplinary approach aims to foster a holistic understanding of how sustainable practices can be effectively implemented and perceived across the supply chain, contributing to more resilient and responsible food systems.

The study focuses on two main research questions: first, identifying the main types of waste from olive oil production that are reused and the sectors where this reuse occurs as documented in the literature, and second, exploring the new production chains that emerge from the reuse of waste in the olive oil sector. The research begins with a contextual analysis that sets the stage for understanding the importance of sustainability in the olive oil industry. This section outlines the current state of the olive oil supply chain, from cultivation to the final product. It emphasizes the challenges and opportunities associated with sustainability, particularly in the context of waste generation and management.A crucial aspect of this research is understanding the quality parameters of olive oil, which are essential for maintaining high standards in production. The discussion on sustainability strategies employed by the olive oil industry includes an exploration of how circular economy practices are being integrated into these strategies. The thesis introduces the concept of the circular economy and its application to the olive oil sector. This includes a discussion of the potential benefits of circular economy practices, such as resource efficiency, and the creation of new business opportunities. This research also reviews previous studies identifying gaps in current research. The analysis also considers the economic, environmental, and social impacts of these new chains, offering a comprehensive view of their potential benefits and challenges.

1. Malyzhenkov P., Provenzano M. , Piccarozzi M., Silvestri C., Fici L (2024), Industry 4.0 Enabling Technologies Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals Achieving: A Content Analysis, Asia Proceedings of Social Sciences  https://readersinsight.net/APSS/article/view/2930 
2. Pacchera F., Cagnetti C., Provenzano M., Gallo T., Silvestri C. (2023), The use of digital technologies for traceability: an analysis of consumer and firm perceptions, The Rolex of brands in an Era of Over Information https://www.igi-global.com/chapter/the-use-of-digital-technologies-for-traceability/328724 

Pacchera F, Cagnetti C., Provenzano M., Poponi S., Ruggieri A (2022), Key factors of digital agriculture in Competitiveness, Sustainability and Safety Areas, National Congress of Commodity Sciences https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-28292-8_1