Food Data Group
Accurate Life Cycle Assessments (LCA)
Data-Driven Approaches for Accurate Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) and Measurable Sustainability
The Food Data Group at DIL specializes in data-driven sustainability research
Data-driven approaches for precise life cycle assessments (LCA) and measurable sustainability involve comprehensively analyzing and systematically improving the environmental, social, and economic impacts of products, processes, and value chains. By utilizing state-of-the-art data analysis, precise life cycle assessment, and innovative research, it is possible to achieve transparent, scientifically sound results that help companies make informed decisions for sustainable growth.
The Food Data Group at DIL specializes in data-driven sustainability research, ranging from data search and management to structured data collection and the application of advanced analytical tools. This expertise makes it possible to integrate extensive and complex datasets into robust life cycle assessments (LCAs) that comply with international standards while also providing practical recommendations for action.
The Food Data Group at DIL serves as your link between research, data, and sustainability.
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Data-Driven Life Cycle Assessment, Socioeconomics, and Key Metrics for Robust Decision-Making in Practice
We place a special emphasis on the processing of plant-based proteins and the reduction of antinutritional substances in order to fully harness the potential of these raw materials. In addition, we are exploring encapsulation technologies that protect sensitive ingredients and release them in a controlled manner, as well as 3D printing processes that open up new avenues for product development and process design. Our research covers the entire innovation chain—from basic research to pilot-scale applications. To this end, we have a state-of-the-art machine park that allows us to test and optimize processes under real-world conditions and scale them up for industrial application.
The department sees itself as an interface between materials science and applied engineering. Our projects are primarily pre-competitive and are carried out in close collaboration with industrial companies and scientific institutions. These collaborations accelerate knowledge transfer and make us a reliable research partner for companies, startups, and institutes that wish to develop and test new processes together with us. Through this interdisciplinary approach, food processing engineering contributes to the development of processes that enable a more efficient, resource-conserving, and sustainable food system.
Our Research Methods
- Systematic Data Search and Evaluation for Sustainability Analyses
- Structured Data Management (Preprocessing, Versioning, Traceability)
- Integration of heterogeneous data sources along the value chain
- Methodological Collection of Process, Product, and Supply Chain Data
- Quality Assurance of Data Sets for Robust Evaluations
- Building Reliable Datasets for LCA and Sustainability Metrics
- Preparation of precise life cycle assessments for products, processes, and value chains
- Integration of Complex Datasets into LCA Models in Accordance with International Standards
- Use of modern data analysis for pattern recognition and impact assessment
- Analysis of Large/Complex Datasets to Inform Decision-Making
- Identification of Hotspots and Opportunities for Optimization
- Combining LCA with Socioeconomic Assessment
- Development/Application of Sustainability Metrics for Measurability
- Comprehensive Assessment of Environmental, Social, and Economic Impacts
- Assessment of the Environmental Footprints of Innovative Food Systems
- Evaluation of new processing technologies (e.g., bio-based processes)
- Analyses of novel foods (e.g., alternative proteins, precision fermentation)
- Joint Development of Valuation Approaches with Industry and Academia
- Translating scientific findings into practical recommendations for action
- Support in meeting legal and market requirements
Current Research Projects
| Projektbezeichnung | Projekttitel | Projektende |
|---|---|---|
| Algowert | Entwicklung eines Prototyps zur Umwandlung landwirtschaftlicher Reststoffe in Futtermittel mittels heterotropher Mikroalgen | 01.04.2025 |
| CLIMAQUA | Establishing an innovative and transnational feed production approach for reduced climate impact of the aquaculture sector and future food supply | 01.06.2024 |
| CLIMAQUA | Establishing an innovative and transnational approach to feed production to reduce the climate impact of the aquaculture sector and ensure future food supply | 01.06.2024 |
| Algo Value | Development of a Prototype for Converting Agricultural Waste into Animal Feed Using Heterotrophic Microalgae | 01.04.2025 |
