We conducted a study to evaluate the optimal material for drying trays to be used in far-infrared drying of cabbages. The drying time while using a steel tray （ST） was shorter than that while using a polypropylene tray （PP） due to differences in thermal radiation between the two trays. We found that the CO₂ emissions in the drying process using ST was reduced by approximately 30 % compared to using PP. The CO₂ emissions from the transport of the tray and the drying processes accounted for more than 96 % of the total CO₂ emissions in the entire process. Therefore, reducing of CO₂ emissions in these processes is crucial for creating an environmentally friendly cabbage drying process.