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Environmental Impact Assessment of New Sea Fennel-Based Food Products: Spice and Fermented Pickles

Author

Listed:
  • Erica Costantini

    (Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy)

  • Kofi Armah Boakye-Yiadom

    (Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy)

  • Alessio Ilari

    (Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy)

  • Ester Foppa Pedretti

    (Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy)

  • Daniele Duca

    (Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy)

Abstract

Sea fennel, a halophyte with growing economic importance in the Mediterranean region, offers a rich source of bioactive compounds for diverse applications in various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. Recognizing the crucial role of eco-design in promoting sustainable food production, this study aimed to assess the environmental impacts of two novel sea fennel products: dried spice and fermented pickles. The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method was used to evaluate the environmental burdens of these new products, from raw material acquisition to packaging end-of-life, to fine-tune the innovation process. Primary data were collected from a company in the Marche region, Italy. The Environmental Footprint 3.1 method was applied to analyze the impacts. From the results obtained, the climate change score for the spice was 6.24 kg CO 2 eq./kg spice, while the fermented pickle was 0.89 kg CO 2 eq./kg product—net weight. The results also revealed that primary packaging emerged as the primary environmental hotspot for both products, accounting for more than 40% of the total impacts in most of the impact categories. Glass packaging significantly contributed to the environmental impact of the spice, while both glass jars and tin-plated steel lids contributed substantially to the impact of the pickled products. Despite the generally low impact of sea fennel cultivation, the processing and packaging stages significantly increased the overall environmental impacts of both products. This study provides valuable insights for manufacturers seeking to develop and commercialize highly sustainable sea fennel-based products. By identifying key environmental hotspots and implementing eco-design principles during the product development phase, manufacturers can significantly reduce the environmental impact of these novel food products.

Suggested Citation

  • Erica Costantini & Kofi Armah Boakye-Yiadom & Alessio Ilari & Ester Foppa Pedretti & Daniele Duca, 2025. "Environmental Impact Assessment of New Sea Fennel-Based Food Products: Spice and Fermented Pickles," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-20, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:5:p:1869-:d:1597305
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Kofi Armah Boakye-Yiadom & Alessio Ilari & Valentina Bisinella & Ester Foppa Pedretti & Daniele Duca, 2023. "Environmental Impact Assessment of Frozen Peas Production from Conventional and Organic Farming in Italy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-20, September.
    2. Alberto Navajas & Leire Uriarte & Luis M. Gandía, 2017. "Application of Eco-Design and Life Cycle Assessment Standards for Environmental Impact Reduction of an Industrial Product," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(10), pages 1-16, September.
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