Er. Homendra Kumar Sahu, Research Scholar, 
Department of Post-Harvest Process and Food Engineering, 
Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology Pantnagar, Uttrakhand.
Er. Neeraj Kumar Sahu, Agriculture Field Officer, Union Bank of India.
Er. Anand Sahu, Assistant Teacher mathematics, 
Swami Atmanand English Medium School, 
Parsapali, Sarangarh-Bilaigarh, Chhattisgarh.

1. Introduction
The increasing demand for food, coupled with the environmental challenges posed by conventional food processing systems, calls for a shift toward sustainable practices. The "green collar" approach, which focuses on environmentally friendly jobs, industries, and practices, has become an important framework for creating a sustainable future. Green collar jobs are those that contribute to environmental sustainability, especially in sectors like waste management, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and energy efficiency. The food processing industry, as a significant contributor to global industrial energy and water consumption, is at the heart of this transformation.

Green collar workers are integral in driving sustainability, and the food processing industry is no exception. By applying green collar principles, this sector can reduce its environmental footprint while promoting ecological conservation.

Green Collar Sectors:
  • Waste Management
  • Energy Efficiency
  • Environmental Protection
  • Renewable Energy
  • Sustainable Agriculture

Green jobs in food processing are expected to grow significantly, with the International Labour Organization forecasting an increase of 24 million green jobs globally by 2030. This growth presents an opportunity for food processing companies to adopt practices that not only help the environment but also create sustainable employment.

Food Processing Technologies for the Green Collar Approach are:

1. Sustainable Food Processing Technologies
Food processing accounts for a significant percentage of global industrial energy use. As reported by the International Energy Agency, food processing contributes to 10-15% of global industrial energy consumption. Transitioning to sustainable food processing technologies is a crucial step in reducing this energy footprint.

1.1 Energy Use and Efficiency: Sustainable food processing technologies can help reduce energy consumption by up to 30%. By integrating high-efficiency ovens and other energy saving equipment, companies can significantly reduce energy costs while decreasing their environmental impact.

1.2 Water Use: Water scarcity is another key challenge facing the food processing industry. The United Nations Environment Programme reports that agriculture uses 70% of global freshwater, and improvements in post-harvest processing can reduce water use by 20-50%. Technologies such as closed-loop water systems offer efficient solutions for reducing water consumption in food processing.

1.3 Byproduct Utilization: Sustainable food processing methods also focus on minimizing waste by turning agricultural byproducts into valuable resources. By converting agricultural waste into biogas or other byproducts, companies can contribute to the circular economy and reduce overall waste production.



2. Food Waste and Its Management Trough Green Collar Approach
Globally, around 33% of food produced is wasted, amounting to 1.3 billion tons per year (FAO). Food waste is responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change. Reducing food waste is one of the most effective ways to address global hunger and climate change simultaneously. The FAO estimates that halving food waste could feed 2 billion people and reduce food-related greenhouse gas emissions by 8%.

2.1 Methods of Reducing Food Waste
Sustainable food systems are built on reducing food waste at all stages of production:

Pre-Harvest: Implementing integrated pest management (IPM), weather monitoring, and optimal irrigation practices.

Post-Harvest: Ensuring proper harvesting, storage, and processing techniques, such as using protected granaries, proper drying, and timely application of chemicals. Technologies like AI-powered robots for harvesting, drones for precision farming, and better sorting and packaging systems can minimize waste, enhancing both productivity and sustainability.

AI-powered robots harvester

Drones and automated harvesters

3. Eco-Friendly Packaging for Sustainable Food Systems
Plastic packaging waste is a significant environmental issue, with the global plastic packaging market valued at USD 384.35 billion in 2023. In response, biodegradable packaging is emerging as a viable alternative. The global market for biodegradable packaging is anticipated to grow from USD 228.1 billion in 2024 to USD 440.7 billion by 2034, according to Future Market Insights.

By transitioning to biodegradable and edible packaging materials, the food processing industry can play a vital role in reducing plastic pollution. These packaging alternatives are not only environmentally friendly but also contribute to the broader goal of sustainability in food systems.

4. Leveraging Technology for Sustainable Post-Harvest Management
Technology-driven solutions such as precision agriculture has the potential to significantly reduce resource use while increasing crop yields. The global precision farming market, valued at USD 10.50 billion in 2023, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.8% from 2024 to 2030. Through the use of AI, drones, and automated harvesters, precision farming can:
  • Reduce water usage by 20-40%
  • Reduce fertilizer use by 10-20%
  • Increase crop yields by 10-15%

These advancements lead to more efficient use of resources and a lower environmental footprint, promoting a more sustainable food production system.

5. Renewable Energy in Food Engineering
Adopting renewable energy sources in food processing is another key strategy for reducing the carbon footprint of the industry. Biogas from agricultural waste can produce up to 4,000 TWh/year of renewable electricity, meeting approximately 4% of global electricity demand. Additionally, solar drying systems can reduce energy use by up to 80%, as reported by the Solar Energy Industries Association. Using renewable energy sources such as biogas and solar power can drastically reduce the reliance on fossil fuels, further contributing to sustainable food production.

Solar panel based food industry


Future Steps:
  • Innovation in Sustainable Food Technologies: Ongoing advancements in energy-efficient processing, waste reduction, and precision agriculture technologies will be crucial for a more sustainable food system.
  • Collaboration Across Sectors: Governments, industries, and green collar workers must collaborate to accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices and technologies in food processing. With the right policies, investments, and technological innovations, the food processing industry can lead the way toward a more sustainable future.
This report emphasizes the importance of adopting green collar practices within the food industry and showcases how technological innovations can play a pivotal role in creating a sustainable food system for the future.

Conclusion
The integration of sustainable food processing technologies, coupled with the green collar approach, is essential for building a more resilient and eco-friendly food system. By focusing on energy efficiency, reducing water consumption, utilizing agricultural byproducts, and transitioning to biodegradable packaging, the food processing industry can significantly reduce its environmental impact.

The future of food processing is inherently tied to the adoption of sustainable technologies. To foster this transformation, continued innovation, research, and cross-sector collaboration are necessary. As green collar jobs continue to rise, the food processing sector can evolve into a model for sustainability, contributing to both ecological conservation and the creation of new job opportunities.