Life cycle assessment of a novel polyhydroxyalkanoates production process with mixed microbial cultures fed on winery waste

The study aims to assess the environmental performances of a novel process of bio-plastic (polyhydroxyalkanoates, PHAs) production using winery waste. Sustainability is measured by an attributional life cycle assessment and compared both with results reported in literature for PHAs, and with results of a fossil-based plastic (polypropylene, PP), and of an alternative bio-based plastic (bio-polypropylene, bio-PP). PHAs produced from wine industry residues, although generally better than other PHAs in terms of greenhouse emissions and energy demand, show mixed results. Large environmental benefits in terms of both global warming potential reduction, lesser energy use and resource depletion, are counterpoised to higher impacts on other categories also when compared to both PP and bio-PP. Research shall deeper investigate the effects of combining different waste and residues in input and of the fate of co-products and waste obtained by their processing.