Gate-to-gate life cycle assessment of petrochemicals production in Türkiye: a case study of acrylonitrile and C4

Abstract

ACN production emits 7.46 kg CO<inf>2</inf>eq/kg, C4 emits 1.62 kg CO<inf>2</inf>eq/kg. Production stage is hotspot: ACN − 58%, aromatics plant − 40% of impacts. Carbon footprint and acidification categories are influenced by the high energy intensity of the Acrylonitrile and C4 production phases. Waste disposal, natural gas use major contributors, energy efficiency crucial., The widespread use of acrylonitrile (Acyrlonitrile) and crude C4 across industries has significantly boosted global manufacturing of these energy-intensive petrochemicals. A life cycle assessment was employed to evaluate the environmental impact of Acyrlonitrile and C4 production, aiming to promote sustainability in the petrochemical supply chain. Modeling integrated refinery-petrochemical plant operations in Türkiye revealed that Acyrlonitrile production emitted 7.46 kg CO<inf>2</inf>eq./kg, while C4 production emitted 1.62 kg CO<inf>2</inf>eq./kg. The Acyrlonitrile production was found to be more environmentally polluting, especially in terms of acidification potential, photochemical smog potential and eutrophication potential with 4.5 kg SO<inf>2</inf>eq., 3.88 kg C<inf>2</inf>H<inf>4</inf>eq. and 2.39 kg PO<inf>4</inf>eq. per kg Acyrlonitrile respectively. Waste disposal, natural gas use, propane and nitrogen emission have been the major hotspots of Acyrlonitrile production, while natural gas use and lubricant oil for C4. On average, the production stage emerged as the primary hotspot, for Acyrlonitrile production contributing 58% to overall impacts. The results of water footprint identified 3.13 L per kg Acyrlonitrile and 0.99 L per kg C4 production, with aromatics and ethylene plants being the key contributors. Adoption of energy efficiency measures and circular economy principles is recommended to mitigate environmental impacts. This study sheds light on the resource-intensive petrochemical supply chain, offering valuable insights into environmental impact assessment in this sector. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.