Life cycle assessment of California unsweetened almond milk

摘要: Plant-based alternatives to dairy milk have grown in popularity over the last decade. Almond comprises largest share of plant-based US market and, as with so many food products, stakeholders supply chain are increasingly interested understanding environmental impacts its production, particularly carbon footprint and water consumption. This study undertakes a life cycle assessment (LCA) California unsweetened almond milk. The scope this LCA includes production primary packaging at factory gate. produces all almonds, which under irrigated conditions. Spatially resolved modeling cultivation data collection from one were used develop model. While indicators greatest interest global warming potential (GWP) freshwater consumption (FWC), additional impact categories EPA’s TRACI method also calculated. Co-products accounted for using economic allocation, but mass-based allocation displacement tested understand effect co-product choices on results. GWP FWC 48 oz. (1.42 L) bottle 0.71 kg CO2e 175 kg water. A total 0.39 kg (or 55%) is attributable milk, remainder packaging. alone responsible 95% (167 kg H2O), because irrigation demand. Total energy (TPE) estimated 14.8 MJ. PET containing single contributor TPE (42%) (35%). Using recycled instead virgin considerably reduces except eutrophication potential. For studied here, provide most immediate opportunities reducing related TPE, would not result significant reduction dominant consumer. To context interpretation, average appears about 4.5 times 1.8 volumetric basis.