Evaluating the Environmental Impact of Orange Juice Production in Egypt Through Life Cycle Assessment

The traditional linear model of orange juice production in Egypt’s Mediterranean region, characterized by its “produce, use, dispose” approach, poses significant environmental challenges. This study delves into the potential of transitioning to a circular model, aiming to mitigate these environmental impacts. A comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology was employed. This study compared the environmental effects of a traditional linear model with a proposed circular model that incorporates a composting unit. The scope of the study encompasses the entire supply chain, from cultivation to distribution, following a “Cradle to Gate” strategy. The functional unit for this analysis was defined as one liter of concentrated (NFC) orange juice production. The LCA results revealed that the circular model significantly lowered the environmental impact of orange juice production. Specifically, the circular model demonstrated a 6.53% reduction in global warming potential (GWP100a), 58.05% decrease in ozone depletion (OD), 28.70% reduction in eutrophication (freshwater), and 53.15% decrease in eutrophication (marine) compared to the linear model. These findings underscore the effectiveness of adopting a circular model to enhance the sustainability of orange juice production in Egypt. This study’s insights hold potential for global application, offering a promising strategy for sustainable agricultural practices in the citrus industry.