01/11/2023
CREA and Circular: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
Circular Srl supported CREA – the Italian Council for Agricultural Research and Economics – in assessing the environmental impacts of greenhouse cherry tomato production using an aeroponic cultivation system through the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. The study was developed within the INTESA research project, aiming to investigate the environmental sustainability of innovative agricultural technologies.
Who is CREA?
CREA – Council for Agricultural Research and Economics is Italy's leading public research organization dedicated to the agri-food sector. Through research and experimental activities, CREA promotes innovation in agricultural systems, efficient use of natural resources, and the development of environmentally sustainable production technologies.
The Collaboration with Circular Srl
Within the INTESA project, CREA entrusted Circular Srl with conducting a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of greenhouse cherry tomato production using an aeroponic cultivation system.
The study, carried out between November 2021 and December 2022, examined the main stages of the production process, from greenhouse preparation and cultivation to harvesting and end-of-cycle material management.
By applying the LCA methodology in accordance with ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 standards, Circular assessed several environmental impact categories, including climate change, acidification, eutrophication, and ozone layer depletion.
The study provided a scientific assessment of the environmental performance of the agricultural system, supporting research and the development of more resource-efficient production technologies.ì
The collaboration between CREA and Circular highlights the role of Life Cycle Assessment as a scientific tool supporting innovation in the agri-food sector, enabling the evaluation of environmental impacts associated with production processes and supporting more sustainable decision-making.
Circular supports companies, research institutions, and organizations in conducting LCA studies, helping them measure environmental performance and develop scientifically grounded improvement strategies.
Would you like to assess the environmental impacts of your products or processes? Partner with Circular to conduct a Life Cycle Assessment and integrate sustainability into your innovation strategies.