Abstract
AbstractSeaweed cultivation and processing industries could contribute to sustainable blue growth and the European bioeconomy. This article contributes a case study evaluation of environmental sustainability of preserved brown seaweed Saccharina latissima by means of environmental life cycle assessment of a pilot facility in Sweden. The study accounts for nutrient bioremediation and carbon capture and includes two alternative hatchery processes, a 2-ha longline cultivation, and four alternative preservation methods (hang-drying outdoors, heated air-cabinet drying, ensiling, and freezing). The study found that as a result of carbon capture and nitrogen and phosphorus uptake (bioremediation) by seaweed, more CO2 and PO4 equivalents are (temporarily) absorbed than emitted by the supply chain. The extent of emissions is most affected by preservation methods undertaken. Impact profiles of the supply chain show that the greatest impact shares result from freezing and air-cabinet drying, both the two most energy-intensive processes, followed by the cultivation infrastructure, highlighting strategic optimization opportunities. Hatchery processes, harvesting, and the low-energy ensilage and hang-drying outdoors were found to have relatively small impact shares. These findings presage the environmentally friendliness of seaweed-based products by documenting their potential to mitigate eutrophication and climate change, even when taking a life cycle perspective.
Highlights
Virgil could not have been farther from the truth when proclaiming “nihil vilior alga”, which roughly translates as “nothing is more worthless than seaweed” (Virgil, 1922)
Results from the first type, i.e. life cycle assessments (LCAs) studies comparing a product system with an improved version of itself, typically inform product improvement processes aiming at environmental optimization of product systems
This type of LCA studies usually start with identifying impact hotspots, and their results shed light on trade-offs between different impact categories
Summary
Virgil could not have been farther from the truth when proclaiming “nihil vilior alga”, which roughly translates as “nothing is more worthless than seaweed” (Virgil, 1922). Seaweed extracts are used in a range of industries including the food processing, pharmaceutics, and textiles industries (Van Hal et al, 2014). In one form or another seaweed pervades everyday life owing to the valuable proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and other compounds they contain. Seaweeds are concealed in toothpastes, cosmetic creams, ready meals, and a host of other household goods and VC International Council for the Exploration of the Sea 2020.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
