A perspective on the environmental impact of plant- based protein concentrates and isolates

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Aimutis, William R.; Shirwaiker, Rohan
• 署名单位: North Carolina State University; North Carolina State University; North Carolina State University
• 刊物名称: PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0027-8796
• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2319003121
• 发表日期: 2024-12-10
• 关键词: life-cycle assessment; amino-acid score; optimization; QUALITY

摘要

Plant- based proteins are promoted as nutritious, environ mentallysafe, and a keyelementforfood security. Numerous studies using environmental life cycle assessments confirmed plant- based meat alternatives are more environmentally favorable than animal- derived meat. However, most missed other factors from protein extraction and concentration that contribute to environmental impact (both positive and negative). Furthermore, few studies examined the entire environmental impact because they overlooked social and nutritional life cycle assessments. Many publications assumed most environmental impact occurred in crop cultivation before high protein products are manufactured. However, industrial plant- based protein extraction, concentration, and purification require large amounts of natural resources, energy, chemicals, and highly specialized equipment seldom accurately assessed from an environmental, social, and nutritional perspective. This paper presents opinions and perspectives on additional information to consider to fully realize environmental benefits of highly proteinaceous plant- based food ingredients. Elements are also discussed we perceive as hot spots for future assessments in presenting a complete picture for minimizing environmental impact and how the numerous actors in this supply chain can transform our food system and secure protein availability for future generations.