Life cycle assessment of the LimoFish process for the full valorization of anchovy fillet leftovers

Abstract

AnchoisFert and AnchoiOil are a new organic fertilizer and a new whole fish oil obtained via the circular economy “LimoFish” process based on extraction of the oil from anchovy fillet leftovers with agro-solvent limonene followed by mild drying of the solid residue. We apply the Life Cycle Assessment methodology to evaluate the environmental burdens associated to production of AnchoisFert and AnchoisOil via the aforementioned process at laboratory and industrial scale. Furthermore, we compare the environmental sustainability of AnchoiFert production with conversion of the solid residue into biomethane to produce electricity. The study fills a gap in the literature concerning the environmental soundness of this new circular economy process. Its outcomes will be instrumental to inform its broad evaluation en route to scale-up and industrialization.

Amino Acids in New Organic Fertilizer AnchoisFert

“…Along with the results of the techno‐economic [8] and life cycle assessment [34] analyses, these outcomes suggest that the circular economy LimoFish process [9] is highly effective in recovering valued AAs that otherwise would be lost in the environment. Its widespread practical uptake will greatly improve the sustainability of anchovy fishing, processing and consumption, [15] thereby further supporting the scale‐up and industrialization of the process.…”

Limonene as natural product extraction solvent

“…Accordingly, the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology used to evaluate the environmental burdens associated to production of AnchoisFert and AnchoisOil at industrial scale reveals that in the extraction of AnchoiSoil followed by mild drying of the solid residue the main contributor to the environmental impacts of the process would be the production of virgin limonene. 31 The LCA also suggests that limonene production by cold pressing extraction from orange peel would lead to approximately 70% lower direct environmental impacts.…”