Life cycle assessment of processed food

摘要: The typical food chain steps start at the farm, then go through more or less complex transformation, distribution, and retail before reaching consumer, each step using natural resources generating pollution. It is generally believed that processors transporters are worst offenders. not surprising, therefore, first Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) reported came from processors. But those early studies focused on reducing packaging energy inputs simply because organic wastes were considered as serious a threat in other industrial sectors (e.g., chemical, pulp paper mining). However, since mid-1980s, investigations of environmental impacts products became gradually widespread, published LCAs production processing showed to be very large contributor most LCA parameters. Surprisingly, located farm level, but major some sectors. purpose this chapter get into highly technical considerations related LCA, it directed primarily practitioner. intended rather arouse interest professionals processing, such engineers technologists, people working industry who would like opt for an holistic approach support decision-making, accounting monitoring life cycle perspective. discusses methodological specific industry, lists limitations perspective LCA. last section will describe briefly main transformation processes used, focusing required needed (land, water, energy, fertilizers, pesticides) generated outputs (food, by-products wastes). help quantify different show relative influence order provide clearer global picture situation.