Renewable energy is energy derived from continuously replenished sources such as solar, wind, biomass and biogas, and its use in food processing reduces fossil-fuel dependency and the carbon footprint of drying, freezing and cold-storage operations.
In trade practice
Processing facilities may install solar panels to offset electricity consumption in IQF freezing lines or cold stores. Biomass and biogas systems, often fuelled by agricultural by-products, are used in dryers for fruit and herbs. Buyers conducting supplier audits increasingly request energy-source data as part of environmental due diligence. Renewable energy use may be documented in a supplier sustainability profile or third-party environmental audit report.
In a specification
A supplier sustainability questionnaire may ask for the percentage of facility energy drawn from renewable sources and supporting evidence such as utility certificates or audit reports.