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An Integrated Life Cycle Assessment of a Hemp-Based Craft Beer: A Case Study from Italy

Author

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  • Marco Ruggeri

    (Department of Management, Sapienza University of Rome, Via del Castro Laurenziano 9, 00161 Rome, Italy)

  • Giuliana Vinci

    (Department of Management, Sapienza University of Rome, Via del Castro Laurenziano 9, 00161 Rome, Italy)

  • Marco Savastano

    (Department of Management, Sapienza University of Rome, Via del Castro Laurenziano 9, 00161 Rome, Italy)

  • Lucia Maddaloni

    (Department of Management, Sapienza University of Rome, Via del Castro Laurenziano 9, 00161 Rome, Italy)

Abstract

With over 180 million tons produced annually and a global market exceeding 500 billion dollars, beer is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, thanks to its broad variety of styles, traditions, ingredients, and brewing techniques. However, behind this widespread popularity lies a potentially impactful production chain, whose environmental impacts remain underexplored, particularly within the craft segment. This research evaluates the sustainability of a hemp-based craft beer produced in the Lazio region (Italy) using an integrated approach that combines life cycle assessment with environmental impact monetization. The results indicate that the main impacts in beer production are related to global warming potential (0.916 kg CO 2 eq/L), terrestrial ecotoxicity (0.404 kg 1.4-DCB eq/L), land use (0.841 m 2 a crop eq/L), and fossil resource scarcity (0.211 kg oil eq/L), primarily due to malt production and hop transportation. Packaging analysis revealed that including environmental costs, aluminum cans may add an additional environmental cost of €0.80–1.60 per unit, while glass bottles, despite their weight, incur a lower additional cost. For a beer priced at €3.50, this would translate to a real cost of €4.30–5.10, reflecting a 22–45% increase. Improving sustainability in the brewing sector requires strategic actions, such as careful supplier selection and appropriate packaging choices. Overall, sustainability in brewing emerges as a balance between production needs, distribution impacts, and systemic decisions.

Suggested Citation

  • Marco Ruggeri & Giuliana Vinci & Marco Savastano & Lucia Maddaloni, 2025. "An Integrated Life Cycle Assessment of a Hemp-Based Craft Beer: A Case Study from Italy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-24, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:13:p:6232-:d:1696655
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Pal, Preeti & Gopal, P.R.C. & Ramkumar, M., 2023. "Impact of transportation on climate change: An ecological modernization theoretical perspective," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 130(C), pages 167-183.
    2. María Belén Salazar Tijerino & M. Fernanda San Martín-González & Juan Antonio Velasquez Domingo & Jen-Yi Huang, 2023. "Life Cycle Assessment of Craft Beer Brewing at Different Scales on a Unit Operation Basis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-11, July.
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