The Environmental Impact Of Energy Consumption In Food Manufacturing

First published by Emissis.

The Role Of Energy Consumption In Food Manufacturing

“The current energy consumption in agri-food systems is unsustainable in the long term. The food industry is currently consuming 30% of the world’s available energy, with more than 70% occurring beyond the farm gate, and produces over 20% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions (around 31% if land-use change is included).” Source Food and Agriculture of the United Nations.

The food processing industry is reliant on energy for heating, cooling, and electricity as our food moves through the supply chain, consuming around 30% of the world’s available energy.

Food production requires a significant amount of energy primarily sourced from fossil fuels, which significantly contributes to Greenhouse gas emissions. In the UK, the food processing industry is the largest single manufacturing sector and the fourth largest industrial energy user.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions And Climate Change

The 2008 Climate Act committed the UK to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050 compared to 1990 levels. In June 2019, this was strengthened, committing the UK to bring all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.

Energy consumption in food manufacturing significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, leading to global warming and climate change.

There are things that food manufacturers can do to mitigate the impact of greenhouse gas emissions, such as adopting energy-efficient technologies, investing in renewable energy sources, and implementing carbon reduction strategies. These actions will help to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint.

To combat environmental pollution and create a more sustainable food sector, we need to explore how energy usage during the food manufacturing process can be reduced.

Water Usage And Pollution

Energy consumption in food manufacturing significantly impacts water usage and pollution. Water is essential for various processes in the industry, including cleaning, cooking, and ingredient preparation. However, excessive water uses, and inefficient water management practices can lead to water scarcity and pollution.

Food manufacturing often requires large amounts of water, particularly for cleaning and sanitation. Inadequate water conservation practices can result in excessive water consumption and strain local water resources. Moreover, the improper disposal of wastewater can lead to water pollution, contaminating rivers, lakes, and groundwater sources.

Food manufacturers can implement water-saving measures to address these issues, such as recycling and reusing water, optimising cleaning processes, and investing in water-efficient technologies. Proper wastewater treatment and disposal systems can also help minimise water pollution and protect the environment.