Impact of the food industry in Poland on the environment and society: Results of an empirical research study and a model of the process of change towards sustainable development

The aim of the conducted research study is to present model solutions for food industry companies that will contribute to the implementation of sustainable development in their business operations. The study involved analyzing data concerning production, consumption, and consumer purchasing decisions, and also carrying out individual interviews with presidents/directors of food industry production companies on the subject of balancing particular areas of business activity, which resulted in creating an original model for conducting sustainable business activity in all areas. As a result of the conducted research study, it was proved that production companies in the food industry implement sustainable development to an unsatisfactory extent in various areas of their business activity. The information thus gathered prompted the creation of an original model that can be applied in practice in enterprises in order to implement sustainability in their strategies. So far, companies have not introduced comprehensive actions in the field of sustainable development into their strategies. Since the measures through which sustainability is implemented are holistic, it is necessary to employ a sustainability specialist in each company who is responsible for coordinating these activities. The implementation of sustainable development into the business activities of food industry enterprises is crucial when determining the strategy, as production activities have a negative impact on society and the natural environment. So far, a model has not been constructed for food industry enterprises that aims to implement the principles of the concept of sustainable development for particular stages of their activity.