According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), food systems contribute a quarter of all man-made greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The Asia-Pacific dominates the global food sector, making it essential to develop solutions to lessen its climate effects.
Solutions for food sustainable green growth are under discussion, such as, developing low carbon production technology, improving production efficiency, reducing food waste, encouraging a green supply chain, and building circular economy. There are solutions along the food supply chain from food material production, food processing, to distribution. In food material production, alternative proteins produced through fermentation technologies could decrease meat consumption and associated carbon emissions from livestock. Fermentation technologies could be applied to upcycle food by-products to become food materials and also reduce food waste. For examples of food processing, technologies to extend products shelf-life could reduce food waste. Technologies for shelf-stable food products could eliminate the need for cold chain logistics along the supply chain. Smart controlled processing, such as thermal sterilization, could minimize carbon emission in production. For food distribution, technologies on food packaging, storage, transport, or logistics could contribute to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
An APEC project of “Discovering Innovative Food Processing Technology to Cultivate a Low-Carbon Food Supply Chain”(PPSTI_210_2024A) aims to enhance the capacity of APEC member economies by organizing this workshop that brings together the public and private sectors in the food industry. The workshop will focus on sharing and strengthening knowledge about innovative technologies to foster a low-carbon food supply chain and promote policies for sustainable green growth. It seeks to empower the food industry, including MSMEs, to adapt to this transition. Women’s participation will be encouraged for inclusive growth.