Title:
Carbon Footprint Assessment of Cold-pressed Hemp Oil in Italy: a Climate-friendly Opportunity
Author(s):
Suardi, A., Fischetti, E., Civitarese, V., Pagano, M., Scarfone, A., Tomasone, R., Assirelli, A.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
The demand for proteoleaginous plants is increasing, leading to expanded cultivation areas for industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa, L.) in Italy. By-products from seed oil extraction and agricultural residues are often unused due to market limitations. This study employs the carbon footprint (CF) methodology to analyze the hemp supply chain, considering the soil incorporation of all crop residues and by-products, from cultivation to oil extraction. The research also investigates the environmental benefits of incorporating these by-products into the soil, specifically regarding reduced mineral fertilizer needs and potential carbon sequestration. Results indicate that 1 kg of hemp oil releases 23.34 kg CO2-eq during cultivation and oil extraction. Agriculture is identified as the most impactful phase, particularly fertilization, tillage, and harvest. However, using by-products as soil amendments reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by - 7.87 kg CO2-eq per kg of hemp oil. Furthermore, carbon sequestration in biomass can lead to an additional reduction of - 33.6 kg CO2-eq per kg of hemp oil. If all crop biomass is buried, hemp has the potential to be more sustainable depending on various factors. This study provides insights for policy makers, farmers, and the agribusiness to promote sustainable hemp cultivation in Italy and its use in carbon farming business.
Keywords:
oil crops, carbon sequestration, carbon footprint, carbon farming, industrial hemp
Topic:
Sustainability, Impacts, Policies and Systems Analysis
Subtopic:
Climate impacts and GHG performance
Event:
33rd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
2AV.5.11
Pages:
342 - 344
ISBN:
978-88-89407-25-7
Paper DOI:
10.5071/33rdEUBCE2025-2AV.5.11
Price:
FREE
