Abstract
The challenge of developing a sustainable production system includes the reduction of emissions, the efficient use of resources, and the transition to renewable energy. The bioeconomy proposes a development model aimed at reducing impacts and risks associated with the use of non-renewable resources considering the life cycle of products. The European Union is promoting products from renewable sources focused on biochemicals and bio-based plastics, which are high added value products when compared to biofuels. The aim of this paper is to consider sustainability in terms of the environmental, economic, and social aspects of use of bio-based plastics in the fruit chain, considering the case study of raspberry supply chains in northwestern Italy. Different analyses (life-cycle assessment (LCA), life-cycle costing (LCC), and externality assessment (ExA)) were used to assess the impacts along the whole chain by means of an integrated approach. The results show that the bio-based plastic scenario has lower environmental and social impacts than the conventional one, whereas the latter is the best choice according to a classic economic approach. The introduction of bio-based plastics as a replacement for traditional plastics in agri-food chains is the first step toward the use of renewable resources with a low impact on society.
Highlights
In response to the economic–social–environmental crisis of recent years, a new paradigm is necessary as a driver toward a sustainable processing system and consumption, able to ensure a more balanced and lasting development over time, safeguarding environmental and social aspects [1,2].From this perspective, the bioeconomy proposes a development model that takes into account the impact and risks associated with the use of non-renewable resources, as well as the life cycle of products and the relationship between production activities and the territory
The European Union is promoting products from renewable sources focused on biochemicals and bio-based plastics, which are high added value products when compared to biofuels
The results show that the bio-based plastic scenario has lower environmental and social impacts than the conventional one, whereas the latter is the best choice according to a classic economic approach
Summary
In response to the economic–social–environmental crisis of recent years, a new paradigm is necessary as a driver toward a sustainable processing system and consumption, able to ensure a more balanced and lasting development over time, safeguarding environmental and social aspects [1,2]. From this perspective, the bioeconomy proposes a development model that takes into account the impact and risks associated with the use of non-renewable resources, as well as the life cycle of products and the relationship between production activities and the territory. This strategy is focused mainly on biochemicals and bio-based plastics, which are products with a high added value, compared to biofuels, and are able to create synergies between companies and research entities
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