Life Cycle Assessment of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural: Feedstock comparison and hotspot analysis

Abstract

5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is a versatile bio-based platform chemical that can substitute fossil-derived intermediates in polymers, solvents, and fuels, thereby contributing to a fossil-free chemical industry. While first-generation feedstocks such as high-fructose corn syrup have been widely studied, their use raises concerns about competition with food supply. In contrast, second-generation residues such as sugar beet pulp (SBP) represent a more sustainable alternative, though their environmental performance has been insufficiently quantified.
This study performs a cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment (LCA) of HMF production from SBP under Swedish conditions, using 1 kg of HMF as the functional unit. Foreground inventories were compiled from recent literature and pilot-scale studies, while background processes were modeled using the Ecoinvent database. The analysis evaluates four midpoint impact categories: climate change, particulate matter formation, freshwater eutrophication, and marine eutrophication and assesses the influence of different regional electricity mixes (Sweden, Norway, Poland, EU and Global). In addition, a location study was conducted to identify potential biorefinery siting options in Skåne based on feedstock availability, infrastructure, and energy integration. The LCA results show that climate change impacts are dominated by dimethyl carbonate production (47%), followed by sugar beet cultivation (31–32%). Particulate matter formation is mainly driven by activated carbon production (>22%) and fossil-based electricity inputs. Freshwater eutrophication arises largely from wastewater ( 41%) and municipal solid waste treatment ( 26%), while marine eutrophication is overwhelmingly linked to sugar beet production ( 86–87%). These findings highlight stage-specific hotspots and the need for targeted mitigation across agriculture, chemical synthesis, energy use, and waste management. The sensitivity analyses further demonstrate that electricity mix strongly shapes the results, with Sweden’s renewable-rich grid lowering impacts compared to fossil-heavy systems such as Poland. Location choices within Skåne also influence outcomes by affecting transport distances and access to renewable energy. Taken together, the findings indicate that while HMF from SBP can offer a sustainable alternative to fossilbased
chemicals, its overall performance depends heavily on cleaner energy integration, improved purification methods, and regionally optimized biorefinery siting.

Popular Abstract

Our world depends heavily on fossil fuels, not just for energy but also for making everyday materials like plastics, textiles, and packaging. To move towards a more sustainable future, we need renewable alternatives that can replace fossil-based chemicals. One such candidate is 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) — a bio-based chemical that can be made from plant residues and used in plastics, fuels, and other materials. If developed sustainably, HMF could help replace fossil-based chemicals in many industries. In this thesis, we studied the environmental footprint of producing HMF in Sweden, focusing on sugar beet pulp as the base case feedstock, a by-product of the sugar industry. Using a method called life cycle assessment (LCA), we traced the impacts of the process “from cradle to gate” — from the arrival of the raw material to the point where purified HMF leaves the factory. Instead of looking only at climate change, we also considered impacts on air quality (particulate matter) and on water systems (freshwater and marine eutrophication). We then compared sugar beet pulp with other possible feedstocks such as wheat bran, wood waste, and miscanthus. The results show that certain steps, like the use of solvents and activated carbon for purification, create large environmental burdens. Agriculture, especially fertiliser use in sugar beet cultivation, was another major driver of water-related impacts. By contrast, residues like wood waste and miscanthus showed lower overall impacts, highlighting that feedstock choice plays a critical role in sustainability. We also tested how different electricity mixes influence results: Sweden’s clean electricity grid kept impacts lower, while coal-heavy systems, like in Poland, increased emissions significantly. To make HMF production more sustainable, improvements are needed in purification processes, solvent recycling, and renewable energy integration. Our location study within the Skåne region identified promising sites such as Örtofta (near Sweden’s only sugar mill), Kristianstad, and Helsingborg, where access to residues, transport, and energy infrastructure could support future biorefineries. Our study shows that HMF has real potential to replace fossil-based chemicals, but it is not impact-free. By combining smarter feedstock use, cleaner chemistry, and renewable energy, Sweden can play a leading role in making HMF a key building block for a more sustainable chemical industry.

• author: Shyma Suresh, Ahalditha and Darade, Dhanashree Annasaheb
• supervisor: Nelly Garcia Gonzalez
• organization: Department of Energy Sciences
• course: MVKM05 20251
• year: 2025
• type: H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
• subject: Technology and Engineering
• keywords: Life cycle assessment, 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), biomass feedstocks, climate impact, solvent recovery, Swedish energy mix, Skåne siting, biorefinery integration.
• report number: ISRN LUTMDN/TMPH-25/5663-SE
• ISSN: 0282-1990
• language: English
• id: 9213657
• date added to LUP: 2025-10-08 09:13:52
• date last changed: 2025-10-08 09:13:52