Discrete Event Simulation with Lifecycle Assessment Data at a Juice Manufacturing System

Paper in proceeding, 2008

In order to measure and evaluate productivity and environmental parameters simultaneously and in consideration to each other, they need to be presented on the same basis and put up on the same table, at the same time. Otherwise, while considering only parts of the relevant parameters at a time, there is a great risk for sub-optimisation. The study presented in this paper shows one way of putting productivity parameters such as batch size, batch frequency, production planning, and resource management on the same table as environmental parameters such as emissions, waste and energy consumption. This is done through the use of lifecycle assessment in combination with discrete event simulation. The result gives an example of a sound basis for decision-making when changes are to be made in the juice production system at hand. The presented case study gives information on energy consumption, waste and pollutants such as CO2, NOx, SO2, and ethene generated from production of juice. Results show that some changes of the system improves both environment and productivity, others improves one and worsens the other!