Life Cycle Assessment and Carbon Footprint Reduction Strategies towards an Eco-Halal Slaughterhouse Model: A Case Study of a Halal Chicken Slaughterhouse in Saraburi Province

Abstract

This study was undertaken to analyze the carbon footprint of a halal chicken slaughterhouse in Saraburi Province, to identify key factors influencing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions throughout the production process and to propose effective mitigation strategies. A mixed-methods approach was adopted integrating the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) framework with Carbon Footprint of Product (CFP) analysis alongside in-depth interviews with experts in halal compliance production systems and quality control.Quantitative data were obtained from energy consumption records within the production system and subsequently calculated using emission factors provided by the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO). In parallel, qualitative data were systematically analyzed through process-based assessment to identify critical emission hotspots in accordance with Halal Control Points (HCPs).The findings revealed that the average GHG emission was 4.21 kg CO₂eq per kilogram of chicken produced. The dominant contribution originated from upstream farming activities (93.40%), followed by halal slaughtering operations (4.66%), gas-based scalding (1.81%), water utilization (0.11%), and transportation (0.02%). Critical hotspots were primarily associated with energy-intensive cooling systems, gas consumption during scalding, water usage in cleaning processes and non-compliant halal waste generation.To address these challenges several mitigation strategies were identified. These include the adoption of renewable energy sources, particularly solar power, optimization of transportation distances, implementation of water recycling systems, waste minimization in accordance with HCP principles and the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies for real-time monitoring and enhanced energy efficiency.Overall the results provide empirical evidence to support the sustainable transformation of the halal poultry industry, ensuring alignment with environmental standards, Islamic principles and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Furthermore, the study offers practical implications for advancing carbon labeling initiatives in the future.