Environmental data on plant proteins
In recent years Blonk Consultants has carried out various studies into plant proteins, including a
baseline assessment of pulses and the development of a
plant protein selection chart. Building on these studies, Amber studied the following plant proteins:
chickpea protein concentrate and isolate;
lupin protein concentrate and isolate;
rapeseed protein concentrate and isolate;
soy protein concentrate and isolate; and
yellow pea protein concentrate and isolate. The study determined the sustainability of the products by means of a life cycle assessment (LCA), which provided insight into the environmental impact across the whole life cycle of the production system for the protein ingredients. Amber collected data from industry experts, literature sources, patent information and brochures. Her study covered the following environmental impact categories: land use, climate change, water consumption, depletion of fossil resources, eutrophication of freshwater bodies and acidification. The study was a ‘cradle-to-gate’ assessment that included the following life cycle phases:
Agriculture (crop cultivation, processing before the crops go to the factory (e.g. drying), transport to the factory);
Processing (production of protein isolates and concentrates);
Drying (of the isolates and concentrates); and
Waste (waste treatment of solid and liquid wastes).