LCA methods to compare treatment options on biomass residues produced in a palm-oil system

摘要: Palm oil systems generate large amounts of biomass residues. According to best agri-cultural practices, they are supposed be returned back plantation maintain soil fertility. However, there variations in practice. Differences economic status and treatment options on residues cause the preference perform LCA, leading divergence results that complicate interpretation. Difficulties found comparing LCA based literature not unusual. The objective paper is provide guidelines methodological choices systematically compare diverse scenarios valuation EFB (Empty Fruit Bunches) explore their effects environmental performances a palm system. Eleven were chosen cover possible expanded system boundaries with reference main (application as mulch, conversion compost or ethanol, an incinerator, direct co-products). life cycle inventories modeled Ecoinvent database. input was considered either wastes goods, resulted products used internally externally. Solution multi-functional problems suggested, including application expansion, substitution, partitioning depending nature scenario. The contribution phases global warming impact so dominant effect different could observed only when focusing mill stage. Comparison among same units (crude + kernel cake) can done cases where additional co-products (mulch, compost, ethanol) internally. Based impact, mulch option choice compared incineration options. avoided process producing substituted fertilizers this comparison result. This study also demonstrates goods influential final externally, but has no it internally. The proposed terms boundary, functional unit, solution problems. methods EFB. alternative handling improve orient towards such those suggested by Roundtable Sustainable Oil. Further studies using specific case would better illustrate usefulness guidelines. Although approach illustrated for system, readily applicable other agro-based industrial systems.