Greenhouse gas emissions assessment in the life cycle of biopolyol production

The global push for decarbonization has intensified interest in renewable raw materials capable of replacing fossil hydrocarbons, particularly those derived from lignocellulosic waste. This study quantifies the life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of a biopolyol produced at laboratory scale from cassava peel and crude glycerol via thermochemical liquefaction, assessing its potential contribution to a low-carbon bioeconomy. A cradle-to-gate carbon footprint analysis was performed using the GHG Protocol. Emissions ranged from 21.9 to 24.2 kg CO 2 -eq per kilogram of biopolyol, with electricity consumption dominating the impact across conditions (>98% of total GWP). Minor contributions arose from ethanol use, catalyst production, and waste disposal. These results underscore both the environmental relevance of valorizing lignocellulosic residues as renewable substitutes for petrochemical polyols and the need for improved energy efficiency and renewable electricity integration to enhance the climate performance of this production route. • Electricity consumption is the dominant emissions source (99.46%). • Renewable energy integration can reduce environmental burden. • Cassava peel valorization supports circular bioeconomy. • Results contribute to SDG 7 (Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).