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A master's thesis from Aalborg University
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FOOD WASTE CARBON FOOTPRINT: A Case Study at Dansk Supermarked A/S

Translated title

CARBON FOOTPRINT AF MADAFFALD: Et Case Study af Dansk Supermarked A/S

Authors

;

Term

4. Term

Education

Urban, Energy and Environmental Planning, Master

Publication year

2014

Submitted on

Pages

46

Abstract

Madspild er et globalt problem, som FAO har fremhævet. Dette projekt undersøger et konkret hotspot: klimaaftrykket (carbon footprint) fra madspild i Dansk Supermarked A/S. Vi bruger en konsekvensbaseret livscyklusvurdering (LCA) – en metode, der vurderer, hvordan ændringer i beslutninger påvirker miljøet gennem hele produktets livsforløb – til at beregne påvirkningen på nationalt plan i én måned (februar 2014). Analysen sammenligner flere behandlingsmåder for madspild: et 2013-basisscenarie (forbrænding og brød til dyrefoder), et 2014-scenarie (biogasbehandling) og tre alternative 100%-scenarier (kun forbrænding, kun kompostering eller kun dyrefoder). Resultaterne viser, at Dansk Supermarkeds klimaaftryk fra madspild afhænger af den valgte behandlingsform. De varekategorier, der bidrager mest til aftrykket, er forarbejdede fødevarer, mejeriprodukter og svinekødsprodukter. Samtidig viser analysen, at det giver større reduktion i udledningerne at mindske mængden af madspild – her eksemplificeret ved 10% lavere spild opnået ved lavere input uden lavere salg – end blot at skifte mellem forskellige behandlingsformer.

Food waste is a global issue highlighted by the FAO. This project focuses on a specific hotspot: the carbon footprint from food waste at Dansk Supermarked A/S. We use a consequential Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)—a method that looks at how changes in decisions affect environmental impacts across a product’s life cycle—to estimate the impact at the national level over one month (February 2014). The study compares several food waste treatment options: a 2013 baseline (incineration and bread sent to animal feed), a 2014 scenario (biogas treatment), and three alternative 100% cases (all incineration, all composting, or all animal feed). Findings show that the company’s food-waste carbon footprint depends on the chosen treatment. The food categories with the largest influence are food preparations (processed foods), dairy products, and pork meat products. The analysis also shows that cutting food waste—illustrated by a 10% reduction achieved by lowering inputs while maintaining sales—has a greater potential to reduce emissions than switching between treatment options.

[This abstract was generated with the help of AI]

Keywords

Food ; Waste ; Carbon Fooprint ; LCA ; Waste Treatment ; Sustainability ; Food Waste

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