Breakthrough process technologies for a substantially smaller carbon footprint of food processing

摘要

Due to the increasing pressure for sustainable food production new breakthrough technologies are needed by food processors. The optimization of current practice will not be sufficient to meet the food company goals of 20-30% reduction in carbon footprint within 10 years. Three examples of breakthrough technologies are described: self-cleaning equipment, high solids drying and self-controlled production units. Within the self-cleaning equipment ultrasound technology is used to remove deposits (proteins, fats and microorganisms) from equipment walls during production. To remove water from food products in a more energy efficient way high solids drying technology is needed. Finally, advanced computer simulation models can be used to control and optimize food production in a continuous manner. These substantially examples of breakthrough technologies show that the next innovations in food processing will also reduce energy consumption and, as a consequence, the carbon footprint.