Meta-synthesis the benefits of using circular business models in the agri-food sector

In recent years, circular business models have attracted the attention of many business fields. The agri-food sector is also facing new challenges in order to reduce losses and food waste along its supply chain. In this context, the adoption and application of circular business models provide opportunities to promote the transition towards a more sustainable performance and a more economically suitable future. Therefore, the current research has identified the benefits of using circular business models in the agri-food sector with a qualitative approach and a meta-synthesis method. In this regard, the number of 57 related studies was evaluated and finally, after reviewing, 29 articles were selected and analyzed using the seven-step model of Sandelowski and Barroso, in two stages of open coding and axial coding. In this way, the most important identified benefits of using circular business models in the agri-food sector were categorized into five main categories: economic, environmental, value chain, marketing and social. In the end, according to the propositions of the research, suggestions were presented. In an important example, the policy makers and those involved in the agri-food sector should raise the awareness of the society (through culture building by television and radio and schools) and farmers (through holding courses and helping to revalue the product and by-products and their labeling). In addition, the creation of facilities and financial incentives can also be effective in providing the prerequisites for the implementation and success of circular business models in agri-food sector.