Phosphorus Footprint Model : A Model Development and Application to the Swedish Bovine and Poultry Industries

Sammanfattning: For this master’s thesis a Phosphorus footprint model is developed for and applied to the Swedish bovine and poultry industries. The flows of phosphorus are identified and quantified to create an input-output balance of phosphorus per single life stage of a meat product. The Phosphorus footprint model is validated by applying it to Kronfågel, part of the food production sector at Lantmännen. The results are presented as a “Phosphorus declaration” for one kg of fresh, boneless chicken meat. The declaration shows potential for Kronfågel to be more effective in their phosphorus management by closing the loop between their core processes (animal husbandry and livestock industry) and the upstream process (crop production) and re-circulating manure plus slaughter waste back to agricultural land. The largest losses are identified in feed production and animal husbandry. The conclusion is that the Phosphorus footprint is the accounting methodology framework for creating a quantified flow chart and the Phosphorus declaration illustrates the losses and management improvement possibilities. Also the declaration can be used to label products, increase consumer awareness, as well as implement conscious consumption and a life cycle perspective on all levels related to Swedish bovine and poultry industries.