The concept of sustainability could be defined as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. When it comes to businesses, sustainability is not just about introducing environmentally friendly initiatives. It is about protecting and utilizing resources efficiently and effectively, energy being one important part of this effort.

Experts in this sector agree that international industry collaboration must focus also on ensuring that food loss is reduced throughout the farming and sorting process to use as much as possible of what we produce. As for production-side food waste, repurposing of produce is a key solution.

Sensor-based sorting systems can determine, for example, the quality level of a product, and thus allow for lower quality products to be reworked until they are fit for another purpose, such as pet food or animal feed.

Modern processing equipment is designed to work in combination with different types of digital and analog sensors and systems that transmit data to the control center about the product flowing through the line. The system collects and analyzes sensor data to control the line and optimize efficiency while maintaining the ideal product quality and easing operations.

When it comes to energy saving, Tummers, for example, recently introduced the E²E-Condenser that minimizes the loss of energy by condensing and redirecting the steam so the excess energy can be used for other processes.

Heat and Control has also been developing sustainability solutions for many years and can offer a range of refined products and solutions. Their potato washing systems are designed to use the lowest amount of freshwater to achieve the desired level of washing.

There are also sustainability requirements to be met by frying specialized companies.

The latter has one of the most efficient oil heating systems. Its pollution control heaters (KHX) and standard HX have been developed with multi-mode (radiation-convection) heat transfer strategies as well as Combustion Air Preheat and modern burner control systems to provide the best oil quality and minimum energy consumption. Insulated fryer hoods save energy and keep the factory cooler.You can read the rest of this article in your complimentary e-copy of Issue 3 of Potato Business Digital magazine, which you can access by clicking here.