The global agricultural powerhouse of India grapples with a paradox of abundant production marred by significant post-harvest losses. As the nation’s population surges, so does the demand for farm produce. Yet, an inefficient supply chain leads to a staggering 16% waste of agricultural output, with 10% of oilseeds, pulses, and cereals lost entirely. A promising solution to this problem has emerged in the “Subjee Cooler” developed by Rukart Technologies in Solapur, Maharashtra. Subjee Cooler is a cold storage solution that can store up to 130 kg of vegetables (100 kg of leafy vegetables) and keep them fresh for 5 to 7 days without electricity. 

To understand the environmental impacts of the Subjee Cooler across its lifespan, it becomes crucial to quantify them through a life cycle assessment (LCA). The LCA was conducted per principles established by ISO 14040 and ISO 14044, the umbrella standards for LCAs. The evaluation also followed PCR 2010:08- Other Special and General-Purpose Machinery requirements. The environmental impact indicators selected for this LCA were based on the requirements set forth by the International EPD system. The impact indicators included the Global Warming Potential (GWP), Acidification Potential (AP), Eutrophication Potential (EP), Abiotic Depletion Potential (ADP), and Water Deprivation Potential (WDP). Evaluating water deprivation potential was particularly important because the refrigerator requires water to be filled in its walls when used.

The study used primary and secondary data sources to ensure a thorough analysis. Primary data, collected directly from the manufacturing unit, covered crucial aspects such as raw material manufacturing, transportation distances, and production processes. Secondary data was sourced from reputable third-party databases, including Ecoinvent 3.8 and One Click LCA. While the technology coverage for secondary data assumed generic processes for raw materials, the study maintained a high degree of completeness, consistency, and reproducibility.  

Monk Spaces evaluated the environmental impact of two variants of the Subjee Cooler. The assessment looks at two versions of the Subjee Cooler. The first is built using GI mesh and jute cloth. In contrast, the second one sees these materials replaced by aluminium composite panels (ACP) to increase durability. This approach was chosen to thoroughly understand the environmental implications of material choices in the product’s design.  

The key performance indicator for evaluation is the GWP-total expressed as a function of the agricultural produce saved.   This metric was chosen to directly relate the environmental impact to the product’s primary function of reducing food waste. The primary focus was calculating the Global Warming Potential (GWP-total), representing the product’s carbon footprint. The assessment encompassed the entire lifecycle of the Subjee Cooler, from raw material extraction to end-of-life, and even considered potential benefits beyond the lifecycle. This extensive scope was selected to provide a holistic view of the product’s environmental impact.

The GWP-total values were compared to familiar examples such as emissions from a commercial flight and typical household electricity consumption, to make the findings more relatable and understandable. Furthermore, the impact of substituting GI meshes and jute with ACP sheets was explicitly analyzed. This involved examining changes in raw material weight and assessing the subsequent effects on cradle-to-gate impacts. This detailed material analysis aimed to understand how specific design choices can influence the overall environmental footprint of the product.   

The analysis compared the Subjee Cooler’s performance against various cooling systems, including conventional deep freezers and solar-powered cold storage. This evaluation considered factors such as energy consumption and carbon footprint. The assessment looked at both operational impacts (like energy use during the product’s life) and embodied impacts (such as emissions from manufacturing and end-of-life disposal). It used data from multiple sources, including manufacturer specifications, national averages, and environmental databases. This approach offers valuable insights into Rukart’s environmental impact compared to conventional storage solutions.

This study underscores the indispensable role of LCA in driving sustainable innovation in agriculture. As we confront global challenges like food security and climate change, LCA is a powerful tool for evaluating and optimizing solutions. It enables developers, policymakers, and users to make evidence-based decisions that balance technological advancement with environmental stewardship.