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Environmental Impacts of Experimental Production of Lactic Acid for Bioplastics from Ulva spp

Author

Listed:
  • Roel J. K. Helmes

    (Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 4, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands)

  • Ana M. López-Contreras

    (Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 4, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands)

  • Maud Benoit

    (Centre d’Etude et de Valorisation des Algues (CEVA), Presqu’Île de Pen Lan—BP 4, 22610 Pleubian, France)

  • Helena Abreu

    (ALGAplus, Travessa Alexandre da Conceição s/n, 3830-196 Ílhavo, Portugal)

  • Julie Maguire

    (Bantry Marine Research Station, Gearhies, Bantry, P75 AX07 Co. Cork, Ireland)

  • Fiona Moejes

    (Bantry Marine Research Station, Gearhies, Bantry, P75 AX07 Co. Cork, Ireland)

  • Sander W. K. van den Burg

    (Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 4, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands)

Abstract

An exploratory Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was carried out to provide insight into the environmental impacts of using the green seaweed Ulva spp. as a feedstock, for production of bioplastic. The study focused on the production of lactic acid as a precursor of polylactic acid. The study was on the production process: (1) The cultivation of Ulva spp. , in an Integrated Multitrophic Aquaculture system; (2) the processing of the biomass for solubilization of sugars; (3) the fermentation of the sugars to lactic acid; (4) the isolation of lactic acid from fermentation broth. The study identified environmental hotspots and compared an experimental seaweed production chain with conventional feedstocks. The main hotspot is derived from electricity consumption during seaweed cultivation. The impact of electricity consumption can be lowered by reducing energy use and sourcing renewable energy, and by improving the material efficiency in the product chain. To improve understanding of the process of production’s environmental impacts, future studies should broaden the system boundaries and scope of sustainability issues included in the environmental assessment.

Suggested Citation

  • Roel J. K. Helmes & Ana M. López-Contreras & Maud Benoit & Helena Abreu & Julie Maguire & Fiona Moejes & Sander W. K. van den Burg, 2018. "Environmental Impacts of Experimental Production of Lactic Acid for Bioplastics from Ulva spp ," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(7), pages 1-15, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:7:p:2462-:d:157911
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kunnika Changwichan & Thapat Silalertruksa & Shabbir H. Gheewala, 2018. "Eco-Efficiency Assessment of Bioplastics Production Systems and End-of-Life Options," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(4), pages 1-15, March.
    2. Stefan Kraan, 2013. "Mass-cultivation of carbohydrate rich macroalgae, a possible solution for sustainable biofuel production," Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, Springer, vol. 18(1), pages 27-46, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Wellenreuther, Claudia & Wolf, André, 2020. "Innovative feedstocks in biodegradable bio-based plastics: A literature review," HWWI Research Papers 194, Hamburg Institute of International Economics (HWWI).
    2. Braud, L. & McDonnell, K. & Murphy, F., 2023. "Environmental life cycle assessment of algae systems: Critical review of modelling approaches," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 179(C).
    3. Rajeena Sugumaran & Birdie Scott Padam & Wilson Thau Lym Yong & Suryani Saallah & Kamruddin Ahmed & Nur Athirah Yusof, 2022. "A Retrospective Review of Global Commercial Seaweed Production—Current Challenges, Biosecurity and Mitigation Measures and Prospects," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(12), pages 1-31, June.
    4. Wellenreuther, Claudia & Wolf, André & Zander, Nils, 2021. "Cost structure of bio-based plastics: A Monte-Carlo-analysis for PLA," HWWI Research Papers 197, Hamburg Institute of International Economics (HWWI).

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