An integrative framework for eco-efficiency assessment in plant-protein extraction processes: Hotspot analysis, protein loss tracking, and uncertainty analysis

Over the past few years, the growing demand for plant-based proteins has intensified the need to scale up extraction technologies, for efficient and sustainable protein production. Towards the adoption of existing methods, modified extraction methods as well as emerging technologies, there is the need to assess and ascertain the overall sustainability performance of the methods, integrating economic, product quality and environmental perspectives. However, a comprehensive assessment framework that integrates these three (3) sustinability dimensions, for the plant-protein industry, remains lacking. This study proposes a novel eco-efficiency assessment framework tailored to evaluate sustainability of plant-protein extraction methods, with a focus on industrial commercialization potential. The framework integrates eco-efficiency analysis, hotspot identification of economic value, protein loss tracking, protein purity, environmental impacts, and uncertainty and global sensitivity analyses to highlight key production variables that influences sustainability outcomes. The framework was applied to a case study of pea protein extraction by the alkaline-isoelectric precipitation (ALK-IEP) method with multiple trials using different yellow pea varieties. Results highlighted the major contribution of the spray drying, pasteurization and extraction-decantation sections to eco-environmental outcomes and protein content loss. The findings offer insights for optimizing the extraction process and improving eco-efficiency, contributing to more sustainable, scalable commercial pea protein production.