Technology-based comparative life cycle assessment for palm oil industry: the case of Nigeria

Abstract Oil palm dominates global oil production, trade, and consumption. Nigeria is one of the leading producers consumers. A significant challenge industry to reduce environmental impacts (e.g. pollution carbon footprint) integrate a circular economy in operation. This study aims comparatively quantify technologies used by different mills. We applied life cycle assessment case Nigeria. The covers reception processing fresh fruit bunch (FFB) end-product oil. inputs include generated empty (EFB), mesocarp fibre, kernel shell, mill effluent, diesel, water all outputs environment for functional unit 1-tonne FFB. results showed that large-scale mills perform worse (468 kg CO 2 -eq per t FFB) than semi-mechanised smallholder effects on climate change but better other impact categories, including human toxicity, ecotoxicity, fine particulate matter formation. In mills, decrease 75% when raw effluent (POME) composting EFB. Similarly, 44% biogas from POME substitutes diesel conclude regulatory measures are needed ensure improved management practices production processes. Particular attention should be paid generation reuse biomass POME. provides handy reference assist sustainable energy transition Nigeria’s parts sub-Saharan Africa’s mitigate form cleaner bioeconomy.