On the path to a more sustainable future: investigating the impact of mobile applications on food waste reduction in Swedish households.

Abstract: The importance of reducing domestic food waste in shaping a sustainable future has long been a desirable topic. Researchers have explored several approaches on the path to find- ing a solution. Mobile applications have been identified as a key technological solution for reducing domestic food waste and changing consumer behaviour according to the litera- ture. Due to the lack of empirical evidence in Sweden, this study will try to understand if mobile applications aimed at minimizing food waste are being used by households, as well as if they have proper functionality and design. The study implemented a mixed method approach, by including questionnaires and interviews. The questionnaire was made avail- able to the public, gathering basic data regarding food waste and mobile applications. Three applications were chosen; OutOfMilk, IngredientMatcher and NoWaste, to be used by nine households during the period of one month. Results suggest the potential of mobile applications in reducing domestic food waste in Sweden. However, the investigated appli- cations lack in functionality to some extent and are in need of further development. The results are discussed in terms of alternative functionality and customization to Swedish use.