Climate Neutral Agri-Food Products in Relation to Sustainable Supply Chain

One of the basic requirements for sustainability is to focus upon the entire lifecycle of the product. In the agri-food sector, companies which achieve climate neutral agri-food products are distinguished by climate-neutral labels, in recognition of their social responsibility and contribution to environment protection. Valid CO2 certificates which minimize climate-impacting emissions include the right to achieve net zero carbon emissions by offsetting or buying enough carbon credits to achieve carbon neutral, or having a net zero carbon footprint. Furthermore, value adding can be achieved in the customer-driven value creation chains, as more and more consumers are becoming aware of the company's contribution in environmental protection. In this respect, the aim of this study is to shed light in the specific attributes and perspectives of such practices and to explore how they can transform the challenge of climate change to opportunity for environment protection and sustainability. The paper highlights the need for successfully implemented climate neutral products and services, involving collaborative innovations which may also result in total cost reduction and product quality upgrading, particularly if incorporated in Sustainable or Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM). Moreover, social and company benefits can accrue especially for agri-food products which have already labels like protected designation of origin (PDO), protected geographical indication (PGI) and traditional specialty guaranteed (TSG). This paper also includes a survey conducted with consumers for assessing their behavioral patterns with regard to such issues. Finally, the major contribution of this study is the development of a conceptual model that presents the necessary managerial steps towards the production of green and climate neutral products.