Comparison of Carbon Footprint Analysis Methods in Grain Processing—Studies Using Flour Production as an Example

Abstract

Rational energy management in food production is one of the key actions in the context of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Ongoing rapid climate change and global warming are making energy consumption an increasingly critical point in food production, throughout the “farm-to-table” manufacturing chain. The carbon footprint (CF) can be used to assess the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the area of food cultivation, production and distribution. The work purpose was to characterize the CF methodology on the basis of literature data, to analyze manufacturing processes in production plants to determine the shares of each type of emissions for selected products and to identify directions for optimizing technology (the scope of analysis—from raw material input to product output). A literature analysis of agriculturally important grain products was undertaken. Methods of carbon footprint analysis were analyzed. There is no standardized methodology for a given product group, with individual approaches designed for each product group existing in the literature. PAS 2050 is the most common standard focused on quantifying GHG emissions created during the life cycle of specific goods/services, without considering potential environmental, social and economic impacts.

Carbon Footprint of Flour Production in Poland

“…Cereal cultivation is the first stage of flour production. The type of crop, the agricultural practices used (such as the use of fertilizers and pesticides), and soil management affect the amount of greenhouse gas emissions [23]. Organic farming can generate lower emissions compared to conventional farming practices.…”

“…By using GWP, it is possible to express the emissions of a variety of greenhouse gases in uniform units of CO 2 equivalent. Detailed guidelines for the analysis of CF and the method of its calculation are provided in the relevant normative documents [23]. Using the principles of life cycle assessment (LCA), the CF analysis is performed according to the following steps: defining the research methodology, establishing the boundaries and scope of the research, collecting emission data, calculating the carbon footprint and verifying it, taking into account all stages of the product life cycle, and finally presenting the results and identifying the areas with the greatest impact on greenhouse gas emissions [24].…”