Techno-environmental and life cycle assessment of ‘oat-milk’ production in Ecuador: A cradle-to-retail life cycle assessment

There is an increase in consumer demand for plant-based alternatives to common food products. A critical segment of the food industry is the dairy market, where milk alternatives are becoming the choice of many people throughout the world. Consumers purchase milk alternatives as they provide an environmentally friendly and healthier option than cow’s milk. The beef and cattle industry's negative impact on the environment has been well reported. The cattle industry accounts for almost 3% of the overall greenhouse gases emitted each year in climate change. This study analyses the life cycle assessment for the cradle-to-retail system in the production of oat-based milk in Ecuador. Importing the oat was considered, and a techno-environmental perspective was applied to the system modelling. It introduces oat milk as a new alternative to plant-based beverages. Soy and almond milk are compared as established options in the market. Results showed better environmental performance from the oat beverage when compared to the traditional cow’s milk (+80% lower GHG emitted). Also, it can be established as a competitor for plant-based alternatives. For instance, it requires significantly less water consumption than almond milk. The oat-milk beverage has a better environmental performance than the traditional cow milk-based options.