LCA of the Pork Value Chain in Germany – Case Study of a German Slaughterhouse

The production of pork is a global environmental challenge, especially given its status as the most
widely consumed meat (Benton et al., 2023; Statista, 2023). The research project SPECK aims to
conduct a comprehensive life cycle assessment of pork production in Germany, the fourth-largest
pork producer in the world (FAO, 2023). This case study specifically focuses on the environmental
impacts of producing pork halves at a slaughterhouse. The results for the impact categories of
Global Warming Potential, Acidification, and Eutrophication are consistent with existing literature
(Dorca-Preda et al., 2021; González-Garcia et al., 2015; Reckmann et al., 2013). Notably,
slaughterhouse waste significantly impacts all categories. Furthermore, the production and use of
heat and power also contribute significantly to Global Warming Potential and Acidification.