Multi-criteria decision-analysis on the circularity and life cycle assessment direction in grains, cereals, crops, and pulses industry: A Canadian Case Study

This study extensively analyzes Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) and circular economy solutions in the Canadian grains, crops, cereals, and pulse (GCCP) industry. The analysis reveals that corn, canola, and wheat are the most represented GCCP commodities in existing LCAs. At the same time, Saskatchewan and Ontario remain underrepresented relative to provincial GDP derived from GCCPs, particularly in oilseed and coarse grain assessments. Environmental LCAs (ELCAs) dominate the sector, with a limited focus on economic and social LCAs (s-LCA). The multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) technique of Combined Compromise Solution (CoCoSo) and entropy method was conducted to identify commodities and relevant circular economy solutions that require further LCA assessments. Using the proposed circular economy for research conceptual framework, it was determined that wheat, barley, and corn should be prioritized for future LCAs, and more extensive efforts should be conducted for soybeans. Consequently, single cell protein, corn bioethanol, and corn pellets emerged as promising circular economy solutions despite potential challenges in implementation. A correlation analysis revealed that hemp should prioritize LCA assessments of systems at the farm and processing gate, whereas corn and wheat should prioritize LCA modeling in circular innovations.