Life Cycle Analysis of Succinic Acid Production in the Brazilian Biorefinery Context

Gabriel Baioni e Silva, Andreza A. Longati, Cíntia R. Sargo, Felipe F. Furlan, Rafael S. Capaz, Electo E. S. Lora and Thais S. Milessi ()
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Gabriel Baioni e Silva: Graduate Program of Energy Engineering, Federal University of Itajubá, Av. Benedito Pereira dos Santos, 1303, Itajubá 37500-903, MG, Brazil
Andreza A. Longati: Department of Chemical Engineering, Federal University of São Carlos, Rodovia Washington Luíz, Km 235, São Carlos 13565-905, SP, Brazil
Cíntia R. Sargo: Brazilian Biorenewables National Laboratory (LNBR/CNPEM), R. Giuseppe Máximo Scolfaro, 10000, Polo II de Alta Tecnologia, Campinas 13083-970, SP, Brazil
Felipe F. Furlan: Graduate Program of Chemical Engineering, Federal University of São Carlos, Rodovia Washington Luíz, Km 235, São Carlos 13565-905, SP, Brazil
Rafael S. Capaz: Graduate Program of Energy Engineering, Federal University of Itajubá, Av. Benedito Pereira dos Santos, 1303, Itajubá 37500-903, MG, Brazil
Electo E. S. Lora: Graduate Program of Energy Engineering, Federal University of Itajubá, Av. Benedito Pereira dos Santos, 1303, Itajubá 37500-903, MG, Brazil
Thais S. Milessi: Graduate Program of Energy Engineering, Federal University of Itajubá, Av. Benedito Pereira dos Santos, 1303, Itajubá 37500-903, MG, Brazil

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 3, 1-15

Abstract: Succinic acid is an essential component of the chemical industry. Traditionally produced from fossil resources, its sustainable production using renewable resources faces challenges due to the complexities of cultivation and purification. This study assessed the environmental impacts of succinic acid production from sugarcane through a life cycle analysis and compared it with three other scenarios: using sorghum, apple pomace, and the traditional chemical route. Employing the ReCiPe midpoint methodology with a cradle-to-gate approach, the analysis highlighted significant environmental impacts linked to the agricultural stage in the sugarcane process. The use of pesticides, fertilizers, and energy demand resulted in elevated impacts compared to other stages of the process. The other scenarios also presented strong contributions in the purification stages. The production from sugarcane proved advantageous compared to other scenarios, minimizing impacts in 6 out of 10 categories. It is evident that the selection of the correct biomass is crucial for process sustainability, and the use of second-generation inputs can help reduce impacts in the agricultural stage. However, advancements in the fermentation stage are necessary, along with a reduction in the complexity of the purification steps. This study emphasizes the potential of renewable succinic acid production from sugarcane juice in the Brazilian scenario. Utilizing this process could reduce succinic acid’s environmental impacts by 70% to 99% compared to the petrochemical route. The process should be considered as a sustainable alternative to be included in the portfolio of biorefineries, enhancing factory profitability.

Keywords: bio-based succinic acid; fossil-based succinic acid; life cycle assessment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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