Analyzing the environmental footprint of the chocolate industry using a hybrid life cycle assessment method

Abstract

This study develops a hybrid life cycle assessment (H-LCA) framework for the chocolate industry. The analysis focuses on the top ten chocolate-consuming countries, encompassing life cycle stages from raw material production to waste management. The findings reveal that raw material production (64.64%) and chocolate manufacturing (28.90%) are the most significant contributors to environmental impact of the chocolate industry, with milk powder, sugar, and cocoa derivatives being notable factors. Among different types of chocolate, dark chocolate exhibits the lowest carbon emissions (3.11 kgCO₂eq/kg), whereas milk chocolate has the highest emissions (5.94 kgCO₂eq/kg). The environmental footprint correlates positively with consumption levels, with the top ten consuming countries contributing a total environmental footprint of 1.43E+08 pt in 2020, and the United States having the largest environmental footprint at 3.94E+07 pt (27.6%). Suggestions for reducing environmental impact and optimizing product formulas are proposed, offering valuable benchmarks for the application of LCA within the industry.