Life Cycle Assessment for Wildflowers

Wondu Business & Technology Services

  • Project code: PRJ-004805

  • Project stage: Closed

  • Project start date: Tuesday, June 30, 2009

  • Project completion date: Wednesday, August 17, 2011

  • National Priority: NEPI-Industry building and connectivity

Summary

The objective of this study is to undertake a life cycle assessment of five selected wildflowers (the number can be adjusted, with associated cost reductions). The Australian wildflower industry is an important component of the rural economy with the value of turnover estimated to be at least $50m/year (at wholesale level) and exports representing a large proportion of total fresh flower exports. The development of profitable and sustainable business models is an essential requirement for both stability and future growth. An emerging opportunity for growth is in the production and delivery of low carbon footprint products, especially to high income and consumer product sensitive countries, including Japan. In response to consumer interest Japan has recently launched a carbon footprint labeling program for consumer products which provides information about emissions from production, processing, distribution etc. Leading suppliers are responding to the demand to protect markets. Elsewhere, in Western Europe, comparative Life Cycle Assessments have been carried out into roses sourced for the UK market from Kenya and the Netherlands. The opportunity exists for a life cycle assessment to be undertaken for Australian wildflowers. This information would facilitate label and brand development and offer a new attribute for selling into these markets. It would also likely lead to opportunities for improved energy and water use efficiency. It’s also anticipated the report would be useful for policy makers dealing with agriculture generally and climate change. The benefits to consumers are obvious.

Program

New and Emerging Plant Industries

Research Organisation

Wondu Business & Technology Services

Objective Summary

The objectives of the research would be to identify the carbon footprint and assess the emission intensity, energy use and water use of Australian wildflowers (plan to examine 5 species). This would be compared to competing industries where life cycle assessments have been completed. The purpose of the study is to enhance international competitiveness of the wildflower industry through improved knowledge of emissions intensity and energy and water use efficiency.