Comparative Life Cycle Assessment for Different Spent Coffee Grounds Utilization Strategies.

• Grant number: 24/05646-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): June 24, 2024
• Effective date (End): September 23, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Kelly Johana Dussán Medina
• Grantee: Matheus Costa Monteiro dos Santos
• Supervisor: Antonella Petrillo
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil
• Research place: Università Degli Studi Di Napoli Parthenope, Italy
• Associated to the scholarship: 22/11905-3 - Optimization of spent ground coffee pretreatment to obtain a hydrolysate rich in fermentable sugars, BP.IC

Abstract

The coffee industry, which moves billions of dollars annually, is confronted with environmental challenges due to the substantial production of spent coffee grounds, which in large quantities, contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. There arises the urgency to value spent coffee grounds not only as an environmental strategy but also to promote the circular economy. Against this backdrop, this research project takes on a crucial role by seeking a comprehensive life cycle assessment of spent coffee grounds considering two scenarios. The first scenario represents conventional disposal in sanitary landfills, while the second scenario involves the production of oligosaccharides. The methodology employed is based on the principles of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), a systematic and comprehensive approach that aims to quantify and evaluate environmental impacts throughout all stages of the product's life cycle. The objectives of this study also include the quantification of greenhouse gas emissions, energy and water demand, in addition to identifying critical points and opportunities for improvement. To carry out this analysis, the GaBi and SimaPro software will be used, tools recognized for conducting life cycle assessments. The results of this project are not limited to academic implications, aiming also to establish a solid basis for sustainable practices in managing spent coffee grounds contributing to the circular economy. Thus, the research aims to promote more conscious management of coffee ground waste, encouraging more sustainable and responsible practices.