Life Cycle Analysis, a Possibility Towards Sustainability

For several years now, concern for sustainability has driven various industries to evaluate how to reduce the environmental impact of their processes and operations. In this context, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) becomes a key tool for analyzing and improving the sustainability of final products' whole production chain.

Pet Food Value Chain: A Key Factor

The pet food production value chain and its importance are key to the conversation about the sustainability of the industry's production system. It represents between 1.1% and 2.9% of global agricultural GHG emissions. The situation gets worse with certain products, such as those considered premium or top-quality, due to their higher meat content, which implies a greater need for GHG emissions and the exploitation of agricultural land to obtain them. If companies commit to quantifying the environmental impact of their different product chains, it is possible to start a data-driven conversation toward a more sustainable future.
 

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Science-Based Targets

Following the goal of reducing emissions and the environmental impact of a company's products or even the industry's value chain, it is necessary to recognize SBTi (Science-Based Target Initiatives). This initiative motivates and incentivizes companies to quantify their emissions footprint and set targets, aiming to achieve or sustain 1.5°C (or at least below 2°C) emissions. In our industry, the majority of emissions come from the supply chain, known as Category 1 of Scope 3 (purchased goods and services) in the GHG Protocol, which relates to raw materials purchased to create food products. Measuring the carbon footprint at the product level facilitates a more data-informed discussion about reduction strategies throughout the supply chain, in addition to expanding opportunities to support initiatives to reduce emissions throughout the value chain.

Life Cycle Analysis, Applied to the Pet Food Industry: A Tool for Building a Future

The scientific community is increasingly focused on sustainability. The increasing demand for pet food is also consequently increasing the resources used. To address the impact of production, it is necessary to have accurate data and validated information that allows for informed and objective decision-making.
 

Life Cycle Assessment is a standardized methodology used for the evaluation of a product's environmental impact, process, or service throughout its entire life cycle, from the extraction of raw materials to final disposal, considering aspects such as energy consumption, GHG emissions, water use, and waste generation, among others. It consists of four main phases:
 

1. Goal and scope definition: The study's boundaries and the impacts to be assessed are defined.
2. Inventory: Data is collected on resource use and emissions associated with each life cycle stage.
3. Impact assessment: The inventory data is translated into specific environmental impacts.
4. Result interpretation: The information obtained is analyzed to identify opportunities for improvement and impact reduction.
    

A life cycle assessment of Brazilian dog food identified the formulation stage as the most influential in a product's sustainability, accounting for between 70% and 90% of the total environmental impacts. Some of these ecological consequences included terrestrial and marine eutrophication, excessive nutrient accumulation, ocean acidification, particulate pollution, and climate change.

LCA Applied to the Pet Food Industry

LCA is a system that allows companies to identify critical points in a production process and make data-driven decisions with the aim of reducing environmental impact. Some key areas where this methodology can be applied are:

1. Raw materials and formulation: The ingredients used to produce pet food represent one of the main sources of environmental impact, such as meat or fish, for example, which are obtained through a process that needs many natural resources. With the Life Cycle Assessment process, a company can evaluate the impact of using more sustainable options, such as alternative proteins from insects, algae, or meat by-products.
    
2. Production and processing: Production plants consume energy and water, in addition to generating emissions and waste. A detailed analysis helps identify ways to optimize energy consumption, reduce unnecessary water use, and improve overall efficiency. It also provides clarity on the benefits of incorporating renewable energy or cleaner technologies.
    
3. Packaging and distribution: Product packaging and logistics also have a significant environmental impact. LCA can be used to analyze the most sustainable packaging choices, such as biodegradable, recyclable, or reusable packages. In the case of distribution, alternatives can be evaluated to optimize delivery routes and reduce pollution.
    
4. Usage and disposal: Pet food impact does not end with consumption but with packaging disposal and contammination. Having an LCA allows us to design recycling strategies, reduce waste generation, and promote environmental education among consumers.

Conclusion

Implementing the Life Cycle Assessment process in the pet food industry allows us to visualize countless benefits, from reducing the carbon footprint, optimizing the use of non-renewable resources, and, crucially, making better decisions. Its benefits and opportunities position LCA as a highly useful tool for the pet food industry on its journey toward sustainability.


By All Pet Food
Source: All Pet Food Magazine