A comprehensive investigation on energy consumptions, impacts, and challenges of the food industry

Abstract

The food industry is a cornerstone of the global economy, supporting millions of jobs and generating substantial revenue annually. It also significantly influences public health, environmental sustainability, and social equity. As the world’s population continues to grow, the demand for food is increasing dramatically, necessitating substantial investments in agricultural productivity, infrastructure, and improved food distribution and access. Concurrently, addressing the resulting environmental impact and ensuring sustainability are crucial challenges. The inextricable link between energy, water, and waste in food production underscores the need to reduce loss and waste throughout the supply chain, enhance energy efficiency in food processes, and optimize resource utilization.

This work aims to extensively analyze the food industry, focusing on the energy and environmental dimensions. The study provides an in-depth exploration of the food market, employing a comprehensive review approach, with information on diverse geographic regions and major global markets. Moreover, the work sheds light on critical sections that present significant opportunities for efficiency improvements, emphasizing the intricate interplay between food and energy up to introducing a standardized taxonomy and energy planning framework. The paper highlights the environmental implications of food waste and the unsustainable utilization of energy resources and provides valuable insights into the feasibility and applicability of various conventional and innovative energy management strategies. The findings serve as a foundation to guide the development of efficient and sustainable solutions for a cleaner future.