Process flow modelling could be the basis for the creation of a suitable approach by mapping the lifecycle of Material, Energy and Waste (MEW) process flows.
In food industry for example to have a sustainable processing system and move toward a zero waste process, water and energy consumption need to reduce. collection of data from the plant to evaluate the water/energy consumption along with lab experiments and design simulation of the process can lead to a better material process flow and reduction in water/energy consumption.