Resource flow and product chain analysis as practical tools to promote cleaner production initiatives

This paper demonstrates application of resource (material and energy) flow analysis combined with a product chain framework for profiling environmental burdens. The production of Australian wheat starch is used as an example. The primary objectives of the study were to determine benchmark information for assessing and improving environmental and economic operational performance, with particular reference to energy consumption and wastewater reduction. Data were collated on material and energy inputs, and emissions inventory data for the stages of wheat crop cultivation, grain storage and transportation, wheat flour milling, wheat starch production, product transportation, starch use and ultimate disposal were documented in this paper. A straightforward approach was then used to analyse environmental impacts in order to determine the key contributing stages in the demand and supply chain. The study helped focus cleaner production efforts to reduce overall environmental impacts in the product chain and improve economic returns.