Abstract
In this work, a multiproduct sugar industry complex with six different configurations is envisaged in the Indian context, and each of these configurations is evaluated using sustainability metrics. The product portfolio of the integrated sugar complex constitutes sugar, ethanol, and one of six possible bagasse valorization products, namely, electricity, Bio-CNG, 2G ethanol, lactic acid, succinic acid, and xylitol. Material and energy balance for the integrated complex is carried out by adapting process data from various reports, experiments, and simulation studies. A detailed economic analysis is performed for different capacities and operating days of the integrated complex, followed by cradle-to-gate LCA and a social assessment. The results showed that xylitol production for a sugar mill processing 325 tph was economically the most favorable with an NPV of US $86.48 million. Bio-CNG production was desirable from a climate change impact reduction standpoint. All configurations showed improvement over the business-as-usual scenario. Social assessment revealed that stakeholders displayed a strong inclination toward Bio-CNG production.
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