Carbon Footprint of Agave sisalana Leaf Processing

Resumo

The aim of this work is to carry out a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to quantify the carbon footprint of 1 ton of sisal fiber production, including the stages of decortication, sun drying, brushing, grading, and baling. Diesel consumption significantly contributes to the carbon footprint during the decortication stage of sisal leaf processing for fiber extraction. It was observed that diesel consumption is a main contributor to the carbon footprint in the sisal leaf processing in the decortication stage for fiber extraction. The mixtures of diesel and biodiesel in 86:14 and 80:20 (on a volumetric basis) can reduce 5% and 10% of the carbon footprint, respectively, highlighting the potential strategy to make sisal fiber production more sustainable.