Sustainable Transformation in Online Food Delivery Platforms: A Comprehensive Literature Review

Abstract

Abstract: The rapid growth of Online Food Delivery (OFD) platforms has transformed the global food service industry through digital integration of food ordering and delivery systems. Driven by smartphone penetration, digital payment adoption, urbanization and changing consumer preferences, OFD has become an important component of the digital economy. Despite benefits such as convenience, accessibility and operational efficiency, its expansion has created major sustainability concerns, including packaging waste, carbon emissions, food wastage, labour precarity and pressure on urban waste management systems. Sustainable transformation has therefore become essential for the long-term viability of online food delivery ecosystems. This review critically examines literature on sustainability transformation in OFD platforms using studies sourced from Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Emerald, SpringerLink and Google Scholar. A critical review methodology was adopted to analyse environmental sustainability, technological innovation, consumer sustainability behaviour, labour welfare, economic resilience and regulatory support. Major themes identified include green logistics, circular economy practices, artificial intelligence-enabled optimization, consumer awareness and policy interventions. The findings indicate that sustainable transformation requires an integrated framework addressing environmental responsibility, social equity, technological adaptability and economic sustainability. The review identifies key research gaps, including limited Indian empirical evidence, insufficient mixed-method studies and underexplored labour sustainability issues. The study offers practical implications for platform operators, policymakers and researchers by emphasizing collaborative sustainability strategies and technology-driven innovation for building resilient and responsible online food delivery ecosystems.