Life cycle of cocoa with a circular economy focus in the Ecuadorian Amazon
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29076/issn.2528-7737vol18iss48.2025pp39-49pKeywords:
Tropical crop, waste management, agricultural production, by-product valorization, environmental sustainabilityAbstract
The cacao crop is one of the most important in Ecuador, particularly in the Amazon region; however, its production generates various environmental and social impacts, mainly related to inadequate waste management. This study analyzed the environmental impact of cacao plantations through a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) with a circular economy approach, using Loreto Canton, Orellana Province, as a case study. The analysis was conducted using the GaBi software, applying the TRACI 2.1 method to identify the main environmental impacts from plant transportation to the final product sale. The results revealed that CO2 (228 kg), SO2 (0.00462 kg), and N (0.00128 kg) emissions were primarily associated with diesel use during transportation. Significant impacts on water, air, and soil were identified during irrigation, fertilization, and soil preparation stages, as well as biodiversity loss caused by intensive use of chemical inputs. In conclusion, the valorization of cacao by-products under a circular economy approach, along with the implementation of sustainable input management strategies, can mitigate negative impacts and promote more sustainable production.
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