Evaluating the greenhouse gas emissions footprint of chicken meat production in South Korea: A life cycle perspective

Abstract

A rising trend in the food industry involves calculating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to establish reduction targets, motivated by the increasing demand for sustainable food options. Poultry consumption is on the rise globally due to its affordability and high nutritional quality, with projections indicating that it will account for half of total meat production by 2030. This study focuses on quantifying GHG emissions using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, analyzing the various stages of chicken meat production, including feed production, slaughtering, processing, and transport. The findings reveal that 1 kg of domestically produced chicken emits approximately 4.08 kg CO₂-eq, with the highest emissions originating from the feed production stage, which accounts for 56.80 % of the total. In light of these results, the study advocates for effective strategies to reduce GHG emissions, such as prioritizing locally sourced feed and enhancing manure management practices. These efforts are vital to provide essential data for developing future emission reduction initiatives and promoting sustainability within the poultry industry.