Title:
Ways Towards a Prospective Life Cycle Assessment of Industrial Biotechnology Processes - Emerging Technology Modeling of Methyl Ketone and Biosurfactant Production
Author(s):
Schonhoff, A., Zapp, P.
Document(s):
Paper
Abstract:
Today’s intention of research and product developments by the chemical industry is often driven to reach more sustainable products by using biotechnology. Approaches of prospective Life Cycle Assessment allow views into the possible future of emerging technologies, enable design corrections and reduction of impacts. By the example of two different emerging biotechnologies (low TRL; methyl ketone and biosurfactant production), methodological options of prospective assessments are explored. The contribution covers hotspot identification, process improvement options, scenario building and challenges (e.g., data scarcity, uncertainties). The study’s novelty is represented by the product side (chemical intermediates) and the approaches of prospective LCA, supporting the increasing importance of sustainability. By the example of methyl ketone production, it is possible to show the effects of applying a simplified prospective LCA approach. Experiences and results from this simplified modeling and the further development of different modeling aspects are transferred to the biosurfactant assessment. By an overview of different modeling and challenge handling approaches and the illustration of method application effects, advantages of prospective LCA in the context of emerging technology development are shown. Addressing these aspects enables more robust environmental impact results and the establishment of more sustainable chemical intermediates.
Keywords:
biotechnology, life cycle assessment (LCA), prospectivity, biosurfactants, methyl ketone
Topic:
Sustainability, Impacts, Policies and Systems Analysis
Subtopic:
Environmental impacts
Event:
34th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
2CO.8.2
Pages:
222 - 230
ISBN:
978-88-89407-27-1
Paper DOI:
10.5071/34thEUBCE2026-2CO.8.2
Price:
FREE
