Research Focus: Building Value Chains for Low-Carbon Crops
Developing value chain models for low-carbon crops means looking closely at how sustainably cultivated crops are transformed into industrial and consumer products. Ideally, these products not only reduce emissions during production but also lock in carbon throughout their use and at the end of their life. By mapping these models, we can help processors and product developers identify opportunities to strengthen their sustainability measures and adopt climate-smart innovations.
At CHCx3, our value chain modelling follows the journey from farm gate to end of life across a wide range of cropping systems. These include cover crops, herbal leys, fibre crops, perennial crops and perennial biomass crops.
The Six Stages of the Crop-to-Product Journey
We break value chains into six key stages, each one adding value from raw material to final product. While our partners focus on cultivation and harvesting through tools such as the Envirocrops calculator, our work concentrates on the activities beyond the farm gate. These include:
Primary and secondary processing
Manufacturing and product development
Packaging
Distribution
Use phase
Circular end-of-life pathways
Cross-Cutting Themes
Across these stages, several common themes consistently emerge, many of which are being explored through our wider network of partners:
Research and development to improve yields and develop climate-adapted crop varieties
Policy and regulation that encourage uptake of low-carbon crops
Technological innovations in biomass and fibre pre-treatment and processing
Training and knowledge exchange between growers and processors
Quality standards for end uses such as fire and water resistance, along with certification for life cycle analysis
Tools to Support Better Decisions
Our team is also creating an Environmental Performance Decision and Guidance Tool. This will help manufacturers identify the most effective environmental and carbon assessment tools for their products and customers. The aim is to launch this alongside the Envirocrops calculator, creating a simple, accessible and joined-up set of decision-making tools for both farmers and manufacturers.
This research is being carried out by the Biorenewables Development Centre at the University of York and Lucid Insight, led by:
Professor Peter Ball, Chair of Operations Management, University of York School of Business and Society
Helen Shiels, Business Partnerships Manager, Biorenewables Development Centre
Lukie Tolhurst, Director at Lucid Insight and BDC Associate
Project Website: www.carboncapturecropping.com
Email: Biorenewables@york.ac.uk
