As the shift towards plant-based diets increases, the demand for sustainable alternatives to traditional beverages is on the rise. At the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), the Laboratory of Process Analysis and Design has undertaken a pioneering study to address this demand. We are excited to share VALPRO Paths’ latest insights on the environmental impacts of fava bean-based beverages through a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).
The Problem
The rising popularity of plant-based beverages has shed light on the importance of assessing their environmental sustainability. Beverages made from legumes like fava beans, in particular, remain underexplored when it comes to their environmental footprint. Key challenges include minimizing greenhouse gas emissions, eutrophication, acidification, and freshwater consumption—factors essential to ensuring both the economic and environmental sustainability of these products.
The Solution
To address this, Valpro Path conducted a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of fava bean beverage production, from field to consumer. The study, which adheres to ISO standards, focused on identifying key environmental impact categories and hotspots within the production chain, including cultivation and processing.
The Benefits
This LCA establishes a baseline for the environmental impacts of fava-based beverages, pinpointing the significant contributors to global warming potential, eutrophication, acidification, and water use. The findings highlight areas for potential improvement and suggest targeted strategies to reduce emissions and resource consumption. These insights are crucial for farmers, food processors, and policymakers aiming to adopt more sustainable practices in the growing plant-based beverage industry.
To read the full Practice Abstract, visit the link provided:
Subscribe to get all the latest information,
news & other insights about VALPRO Path