Abstract
Sugarcane bagasse makes a valuable biobased resource with several reported applications. Different applications are evaluated with tools like life cycle assessment (LCA), quantifying their environmental impacts to support decisions involving comparison or substitution. However, the results of such studies often diverge because of the biases induced by differences in LCA methodological choices. Thus, individual case studies with distinct differences in the results pose a significant challenge to address. This study aimed to collate and assess the LCA studies on various bagasse utilization alternatives to identify the underlying analogies using qualitative and quantitative assessments. The review clearly indicated the variabilities in life cycle inventory data and LCA results. The main source of variabilities was identified in the lack of uniformity in the product system boundaries. Inclusion of broad range of environmental impact indicators was suggested for comprehensive comparison of bagasse valorization routes. Further, methodological propositions for harmonization of LCA studies were outlined for sugarcane bagasse product systems. Results of harmonized LCA studies would make reliable source of information to support decision makers. Moreover, the propositions would be amenable to other bio-based systems.
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