LCA of the Pork Value Chain in Germany – Case Study of a German Slaughterhouse

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.