Use of Environmental Management Systems and Renewable Energy Sources in Selected Food Processing Enterprises in Poland

Abstract

The issue of environmental management systems in food processing companies is gaining importance due to the need to reduce water withdrawal, wastewater, air emissions, and waste generation. New technological solutions and innovations can reduce the negative effects of the enterprises’ production facilities on the environment. In Poland, the phenomenon of increasing use of the amount of renewable energy sources is influenced by, e.g., adopted national and EU legislation, development of new technologies in the field of energy, and increasing awareness of producers and consumers in the field of ecology and environmental protection. It is also important that the state creates favorable conditions for the use of renewable energy in micro-installations. The application goal of the study is to develop a procedure for improvement of the environmental management systems for food processing companies and increase the awareness of potential use and implementation of renewable energy sources by food processing entities. In the theoretical part of the study, methods of comparative, deductive, and synthetic analysis are used. In the practical part of the study survey method, case studies, a simple flashback, and transfer of ideas are presented. The results of the research can be used by state institutions to put emphasis on the implementation of sustainable development of state policy on the food market.

Keywords

• environmental management systems
• renewable energy sources
• food processing sector
• Poland