The balances encompass in a gate-to-gate analysis the pre-chain
processes (e.g. diesel fuel and electricity) and the slow pyrolysis
process for biochar production. The “gate-to-gate” analysis
includes a systematic inventory and examination of the environmental
impact caused by the product starting from its production,
transportation, processing and extraction of raw material, and distribution,
but not including the application of the product in the
field. The analysis includes the material and energy inputs and
outputs of each process stage. The emissions are calculated based
on the material and energy inputs on a per year basis. The total
material and energy inputs are related to the biochar output of
the plant, i.e. the functional unit is 1 kg of biochar from EFB. Fig. 1
shows the system boundaries of the gate-to-gate analysis in this
study