Post-consumption waste generation, particularly from food waste and packaging, has emerged as a critical sustainability challenge within the global food system, where consumer behavior plays a decisive role and circular economy strategies are urgently needed. In this context, the main objective of this study is to organize and critically synthesize existing scientific knowledge on consumer behavior related to post-consumption solid waste, specifically food and packaging waste, in online food delivery (OFD) systems. The rapid expansion of online food delivery (OFD) services has amplified these challenges by stimulating over-ordering, portion mismanagement, and reliance on single-use packaging, raising urgent concerns for sustainability and circular economy solutions within food systems. To achieve our main objective, we conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) in line with the PRISMA 2020 protocol, complemented by bibliometric mapping and an in-depth thematic analysis that together provided both a structural overview of the field and a critical interpretation of its conceptual foundations. Searches in Web of Science and Scopus yielded 91 records, of which 55 met the inclusion criteria. Bibliometric techniques using the Bibliometrix package in R were employed to map the scientific landscape, while a profound reading of the manuscripts enabled a deep thematic analysis and discussion. The analysis identified five thematic clusters: Behavior Engine, Footprint, Loss and Friction, Experience Lens, and LCA Core, with consumer attitudes and behavioral determinants – often framed by the Theory of Planned Behavior – emerging as the conceptual nucleus of the field. Beyond this, the qualitative synthesis revealed several critical themes. Studies on packaging reusability highlight barriers related to hygiene concerns and perceived inconvenience, but also point to innovative business models and digital tracking systems that can foster adoption. Research on packaging materials and innovative solutions examines environmental trade-offs across polypropylene, aluminum, and polystyrene, alongside promising biopolymer alternatives from agricultural residues. Investigations into waste management and measurement provide empirical evidence of the scale and spatial patterns of food delivery waste, underscoring gaps in infrastructure and consumer sorting practices. Literature on food waste behavior, particularly the role of apps and over-ordering, emphasizes how platform design, promotional strategies, and hygiene perceptions influence excessive consumption. Finally, integrated perspectives on food and packaging waste management remain scarce but crucial, as these streams are deeply interdependent in shaping environmental outcomes. By combining bibliometric mapping with in-depth thematic synthesis, this review goes beyond descriptive analysis, offering conceptual depth, critical discussion, and research guidance. It identifies pathways for waste minimization, circular packaging adoption, and consumer-centered interventions, ultimately contributing to the advancement of waste management and sustainable food systems.
Cunha et al. (Wed,) studied this question.