Environmental Impact Evaluation of the Industry of Panela by Life Cycle Analysis

Abstract

The objective of the study is to evaluate the environmental impacts generated by the industry of the panela in Ecuador, using the Life Cycle Analysis methodology. The in situ information gathered allowed the identification of the sensitive environmental factors that are affected in all the operations that are carried out in the agroindustry of panela. The results show that the craft activities prevail rather than the industrial activities, due to the low industrial development, application and control of regulations, rudimentary manufacturing practices, among others; which have led to insufficient productivity, competitiveness, quality and safety of their products. The results of the Environmental Impact Assessment, using the Eco-Indicator 99 method, according to the Life Cycle Analysis technique, show that the industrial stage has the greatest contribution to the impact, being more representative the impact to the effects by respiration of inorganic compounds, acidification / eutrophication, climate change and land use. The impact level of this type of industry according to Ecuador's environmental legislation, places it as an industry that generates moderate environmental impacts, it does not require intensive protective or corrective practices. However, it requires environmental executive actions oriented to the control and prevention to mitigate these impacts