Life cycle assessment (LCA) of agrifood products with and without AI, Robotic & DIGitalisation (AIRDIG) services

This service shows how using AI, robotics, and digital tools can reduce the environmental impact of food production compared to traditional methods, helping the stakeholders see the benefits of adopting these technologies for more environmentally sustainable operations.

Interested in this service? Contact us at agrifoodtef@ri.se 

Overview

LCA of agrifood products provides a clear comparison of the environmental impacts associated with food production using advanced technologies like AI, robotics, and digital tools versus traditional methods. By examining every stage of the production process—from resource extraction to processing, packaging, and distribution—this assessment highlights how these innovative technologies can lead to significant reductions in energy consumption, waste generation, and overall environmental footprints. For example, AI can optimise crop management, while robotics can streamline harvesting, both contributing to more efficient resource use. This information empowers businesses to understand the tangible benefits of adopting AIRDIG services, enabling them to make informed decisions that not only enhance environmental sustainability but also improve operational efficiency and reduce costs. Ultimately, the LCA serves as a valuable tool for stakeholders looking to implement greener practices in their agrifood operations.

More about the service

Discover more about our service, including how it can benefit you, the delivery process, and the options for customisation tailored to your specific needs!

This service addresses the customer’s need to understand the environmental impacts of their production processes, both with and without the integration of AI, robotics, and digital tools. Before the service, customers may struggle with uncertainty about how their practices impact and may lack data on the efficiency of their current systems. After the service, they receive detailed insights into the environmental footprint of their operations, enabling them to identify key areas for improvement, such as reducing energy consumption or waste. For instance, a customer using automated harvesting might learn that this technology significantly lowers greenhouse gas emissions compared to manual methods. This actionable information empowers businesses to make informed decisions, enhance their sustainability strategies, and ultimately improve their competitiveness in a market increasingly focused on environmental responsibility.

The LCA service for agrifood products with and without AIRDIG services takes 6-10 weeks and can be repeated annually or after significant operational changes. It can be delivered year-round, independent of the vegetation period, and is conducted remotely, with no specific location requirements as long as the customer is able to communicate in English and provides relevant data (e.g., operational details, energy use, system specs). The customer receives a detailed report comparing the environmental impacts of their processes with and without AI, robotics, and digitalisation, along with recommendations for sustainability improvements. Required inputs include data on production processes, technology usage, and supply chain details.

Examples of agrifood processes that can be assessed include crop production with AI-driven irrigation systems, robotic harvesting, or digitalised supply chain management. Customisation options allow the LCA to focus on specific environmental impacts, such as carbon emissions, water use, or waste reduction, depending on the customer’s goals. Limitations may arise if complete data on energy use, system lifecycle, or supply chain specifics are unavailable, which can affect the precision of the assessment. Additionally, highly complex systems or those with multiple layers of digital tools may require more detailed analysis and longer assessment times. Customers should ensure they have accurate and comprehensive data to provide for the most reliable results and actionable insights.
Location
Remote
Sweden
Type of Sector
Arable farming
Food processing
Greenhouse
Horticulture
Livestock farming
Tree Crops
Viticulture
Type of service
LCA assessment
Accepted type of products
Data