Carbon Footprint Analysis in the Palm Oil Agroindustry Supply Chain in Bengkulu Province Using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Approach

Abstract

The palm oil industry is a strategic sector that significantly contributes to the national economy; however, it is also a major source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study aims to identify emission sources, quantify the carbon footprint, and formulate mitigation strategies within the palm oil agroindustry supply chain in Bengkulu Province using a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach with a cradle-to-gate system boundary. The analysis covers the cultivation stage, transportation of Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB), and processing into Crude Palm Oil (CPO). The study utilizes secondary data from 2018–2025 obtained from statistical agencies, plantation offices, and scientific literature, with emission factors based on IPCC guidelines. The results indicate that total emissions reach 454.4 kg CO₂-eq per ton of FFB or equivalent to 2,065 kg CO₂-eq per ton of CPO. The processing stage is identified as the largest contributor (59.1%), primarily driven by methane emissions from Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME), followed by the cultivation stage (38.1%) due to nitrogen fertilizer application, while transportation contributes only 2.8%. The dominance of emissions in the processing stage highlights inefficiencies in current waste management practices, particularly the use of open ponding systems that allow methane to be released directly into the atmosphere. Recommended mitigation strategies include the implementation of biogas capture technology for POME, optimization of fertilizer application based on crop requirements, and improvement of transportation efficiency. These findings demonstrate that the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach is effective in identifying emission hotspots and provides a scientific basis for developing sustainable strategies in the palm oil agroindustry.