PHARIO LCA
We performed a Life Cycle Analysis for the PHARIO process. In this study all steps that have to be executed to obtain PHA are taken into account. This means that the whole value chain (from water purification to residuals) was investigated. Three different VFA sources for the PHA production were identified and the effects compared in three scenario’s.
PHARIO PHA: 70 % lower than pure culture PHA
The environmental impact to produce one kilogram of PHARIO PHA shows that the production of PHARIO PHA has a negative environmental footprint of 0,3 Pt/kg PHA when organic waste or primary sludge is used as a VFA feedstock. In this study the environmental footprint of pure culture was estimated at 1,0 Pt.kg PHA. This shows that the PHARIO concept has a 70% lower environmental footprint than PHA produced using monocultures. The reason for this lower footprint of PHARIO PHA are the lower energy requirements for the production and the possibility to use waste feedstocks. A detailed report is available on request.
Pure Culture PHA’s: lower greenhouse gas emissions than petroleum based polymers
Already pure culture PHA’s show a very positive environmental footprint compare to petroleum based polymers. This has been reported for instance in a meta-analysis of various LCA studies by the German Nova Institute in 2012.