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The environmental impact of introducing a potato protein for human consumption in Sweden

In this study, a Consequential Life Cycle Assessment (CLCA) was conducted on the introduction of a potato protein for human consumption in Sweden. The assessed environmental impact cathegories in the CLCA were the categories global warming potential, eutrophication and land use. Potato protein is a side-stream that occurs during the production of potato starch and is currently used for animal feed (feed-grade). With the use of the new gene-editing technique CRISPR-Cas9, the stability of proteins in a starch potato can be improved to make the potato protein fit for human consumption (food-grade). The food-grade potato protein can be used as an ingredient in the food products: plant-based meat, quiche, sauces, wine and smoothies. When using the potato protein in one of these food products seven protein sources could potentially be substituted: soybean protein, yellow pea protein, beef protein, pork protein, chicken protein, egg protein and milk protein. The results of the CLCA show that when using the potato protein as an ingredient in a food product instead of other protein sources environmental impact can potentially be reduced. Most environmental impact can be reduced by substituting animal proteins by the potato protein. Therefore, from an environmental point of view, the most interesting food products to use the potato protein in as an ingredient are the food products where currently animal products are used in as the main source of protein.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA1/oai:DiVA.org:uu-413595
Date January 2020
CreatorsTromp, Malou
PublisherUppsala universitet, Institutionen för geovetenskaper
Source SetsDiVA Archive at Upsalla University
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeStudent thesis, info:eu-repo/semantics/bachelorThesis, text
Formatapplication/pdf
Rightsinfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
RelationExamensarbete vid Institutionen för geovetenskaper, 1650-6553 ; 2020/31

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