Use of life cycle assessment (LCA) to ecodesign a food product

Abstract

Abstract: The methodology, key factors and main strategies of ecodesign are described, as well as current efforts to progress beyond state of the art. The majority of the costs and environmental impacts attributable to the sale of food products are accumulated throughout the length of the food chain, from the raw materials to the end use of the consumer. Therefore, life cycle assessment methodology is one of the most useful methodologies to ecodesign new food products. The ecodesign process is used to optimise all stages of the food chain to reduce material, water and energy consumption as well as to minimise the pollutants and waste generated. A brief case study is presented of a successful food product ecodesign.