The Carbon Footprint of Australian Hop Pellet Production: A Cradle–to–Gate Life Cycle Assessment
Tracks
Plenary 2
| Wednesday, March 5, 2025 |
| 1:50 PM - 2:10 PM |
Speaker
Mr George Webster
Laboratory & Sustainability Manager
Hop Products Australia
The Carbon Footprint of Australian Hop Pellet Production: A Cradle-to-Gate Life Cycle Assessment
Abstract
As the largest hop grower in Australia, it is vital that Hop Products Australia (HPA) defines the environmental impact of its operations. Our success and that of our customers are intrinsically linked to the natural environment and the impact of climate change. Therefore, understanding our carbon footprint is essential for developing sustainable practices that ensure the ongoing resilience of Australian hop horticulture.
Hop Products Australia has conducted a cradle-to-gate Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate the carbon footprint of hop production, from farm supplies to product distribution. The LCA revealed that HPA produces 4.2kg of CO2e per kilogram of pellets. Scope 1 emissions accounted for 35% of our total carbon footprint, primarily from LPG combustion for kilning and fuel consumption for farm equipment. Scope 2 emissions represented 18%, with a 70/30 split between renewable and non-renewable energy sources. Scope 3 emissions contributed 46%, encompassing agricultural inputs, infrastructure, and freight.
Notably, current horticultural practices of composting hop waste and increasing soil carbon offset 16% of these emissions. Further exploration of greenhouse gas mitigation scenarios, such as alternative drying methods and electrification of farm equipment, estimated additional reductions of our carbon footprint by 20-41%.
This LCA represents a significant milestone for HPA’s sustainability program, providing valuable insights for targeting emission hotspots through sustainable practises. Adaptability is crucial to the productive horticulture of great Australian hops under a changing climate.
Hop Products Australia has conducted a cradle-to-gate Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate the carbon footprint of hop production, from farm supplies to product distribution. The LCA revealed that HPA produces 4.2kg of CO2e per kilogram of pellets. Scope 1 emissions accounted for 35% of our total carbon footprint, primarily from LPG combustion for kilning and fuel consumption for farm equipment. Scope 2 emissions represented 18%, with a 70/30 split between renewable and non-renewable energy sources. Scope 3 emissions contributed 46%, encompassing agricultural inputs, infrastructure, and freight.
Notably, current horticultural practices of composting hop waste and increasing soil carbon offset 16% of these emissions. Further exploration of greenhouse gas mitigation scenarios, such as alternative drying methods and electrification of farm equipment, estimated additional reductions of our carbon footprint by 20-41%.
This LCA represents a significant milestone for HPA’s sustainability program, providing valuable insights for targeting emission hotspots through sustainable practises. Adaptability is crucial to the productive horticulture of great Australian hops under a changing climate.
Biography
George manages the sustainability program and laboratory for HPA. He has a degree in Biotechnology, majoring in plant science, graduating with honours. George spent some time in the UK working at the John Innes Centre as part of the Wheat and Barley research programs, before moving back to Tasmania as a scientist in Agricultural R&D for the poppy industry. He has been the lead for developing HPA’s lifecycle program which is helping with the transition to a low emission production strategy.
