The production of pork is a global environmental challenge, especially given its status as the most widely consumed meat (Benton et al., 2023; Statista, 2023). The research project SPECK aims to conduct a comprehensive life cycle assessment of pork production in Germany, the fourth-largest pork producer in the world (FAO, 2023). This case study specifically focuses on the environmental impacts of producing pork halves at a slaughterhouse. The results for the impact categories of Global Warming Potential, Acidification, and Eutrophication are consistent with existing literature (Dorca-Preda et al., 2021; González-Garcia et al., 2015; Reckmann et al., 2013). Notably, slaughterhouse waste significantly impacts all categories. Furthermore, the production and use of heat and power also contribute significantly to Global Warming Potential and Acidification.
Treml et al. (Sun,) studied this question.