Environmental Performance Assessment and Valorization Potential of by-Products from the Kalamansi Syrup Agroindustry in Bengkulu Province

Evaluasi Kinerja Lingkungan dan Potensi Valorisasi Hasil Samping Agroindustri Sirup Kalamansi di Provinsi Bengkulu

Abstract

Calamansi (Citrofortunella microcarpa) is an agricultural commodity developed and processed into value-added products in Bengkulu Province, including calamansi syrup. This study aimed to evaluate the environmental performance of the calamansi syrup agroindustry and identify the valorization potential of its by-products based on secondary scientific data. A descriptive-quantitative approach was applied by synthesizing published studies on production processes, life cycle assessment (LCA), by-product characteristics, and valorization technologies. Environmental performance was evaluated using secondary LCA results with a cradle-to-grave system boundary, a functional unit of 500 mL of calamansi syrup per bottle, and the CML-IA Baseline method. The results showed that the production stage was the main hotspot, particularly due to sugar use. The reported impact values were 4.98483 × 10⁻¹⁴ kg CO₂-eq/FU for Global Warming Potential, 3.04384 × 10⁻¹⁴ kg SO₂-eq/FU for Acidification Potential, 5.43431 × 10⁻¹⁴ kg PO₄-eq/FU for Eutrophication Potential, and 1.40336 × 10⁻¹⁵ kg CFC-11-eq/FU for Ozone Layer Depletion Potential. The by-products comprised peel, pulp, seeds, and settling liquid. Peel showed the strongest empirical basis for valorization through pectin extraction, while the combined use of peel and pulp showed strong potential for concrete (aromatic solvent extract) production. The settling liquid also showed potential for essential-oil production. The findings indicate that by-product valorization can support resource efficiency and sustainability, although comparative LCA and economic feasibility of each valorization scenario require further study