Carbon footprint of cassava starch in Thailand: A comprehensive study of production scale and production chain

Abstract

The cassava starch industries of Thailand and Vietnam collectively dominate over 90 % of global cassava starch exports. Given this vast economic scale and potential for further expansion, proactive environmental measures are crucial to improve the industry's sustainability and reduce its carbon footprint (CF). This study evaluated the CF of cassava starch produced by 12 plants across Thailand, utilizing the CF methodology outlined by the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (Public Organization) and ISO/TS 14067:2018. The results revealed that the median CF of dry cassava starch was 468 kgCO_2eq/ton (dry basis), while the CF of premium grade cassava starch with a 13 % moisture content was 407 kgCO_2eq/ton. Production chain analysis identified three major contributors to the CF of cassava starch: cultivation, root transport, and starch processing. Cultivation is the primary contributor, accounting for 52 % of the overall CF, followed by electricity consumption associated with the cassava starch production process (33 %), and cassava root transport (8 %). Based on these findings, enhancing the sustainability of the cassava industry requires a multi-faceted approach focusing on four key strategies: the adoption of sustainable cultivation methods, utilization of renewable energy for electricity generation, optimization of root transport logistics, and prioritization of biogas over fuel oil and biomass for heat generation.