Discipline

Business And Education Industry

Abstract

This study investigates how inventory management practices, technological integration, and logistics efficiency contribute to food waste reduction among perishable goods enterprises in the Philippines. Anchored in Lean Supply Chain Theory and Systems Integration Theory, the research examines the level of implementation of inventory turnover optimization, the extent of logistics and technological integration, and the degree of food waste reduction across supply chain stakeholders. It further analyzes the relationship between turnover optimization and waste reduction, the mediating role of logistics and technology, and proposes a strategic sustainability framework. A quantitative-descriptive research design was employed, involving 77 respondents representing producers, retailers, wholesalers, distributors, and logistics providers within the perishable supply chain sector. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, regression analysis, ANOVA, and mediation testing. The research instrument assessed three dimensions: (1) inventory turnover optimization, including forecasting accuracy, FEFO compliance, and replenishment control; (2) logistics and technological integration, including digital tools, cold chain capability, and inter-organizational coordination; and (3) food waste reduction, measured through spoilage volume, utilization efficiency, and cost/environmental impact. Findings revealed very high levels of implementation across inventory turnover optimization (M = 3.83–4.23, p < .001), logistics and technological integration (M = 3.85–4.14, p < .001), and food waste reduction (M = 3.88–4.08, p < .001). Regression analysis showed a strong positive relationship between inventory turnover optimization and food waste reduction (β = 0.763, p < .001), indicating that improved forecasting and turnover control significantly reduce waste. ANOVA and mediation results confirmed that logistics and technological integration significantly strengthen this relationship (F = 12.744, p < .001; F = 6.512, p < .001), demonstrating that digital tools and cold chain systems amplify sustainability outcomes. Based on these findings, the study developed the Integrated Logistics–Technology–Optimization Framework (ILTOF), illustrating the causal pathway from logistics integration (input) to inventory optimization (process), food waste reduction (output), and sustainable supply chain performance (outcome). The study concludes that inventory turnover optimization, reinforced by logistics and technological integration, is critical to sustainable perishable supply chains. Data-driven forecasting, FEFO audit systems, predictive analytics, and collaborative cold chain management significantly reduce spoilage and environmental impact. The research recommends establishing a national benchmark for turnover efficiency, developing regional cold chain hubs, and institutionalizing the ILTOF framework through public–private partnerships to support progress toward UN Sustainable Development Goal 12.3 on responsible consumption and production.

Keywords

inventory turnover optimization, food waste reduction, logistics integration, technological adoption, perishable supply chain, sustainable supply chain management, fefo compliance, sdg 12.3