The Czech biotechnology startup, Bene Meat Technologies (BMT), in collaboration with scientists from the Czech Technical University in Prague, presents the first comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) study focused on the industrial cultivation of meat. This study, peer-reviewed by an LCA expert from the University of Nottingham, provides the most accurate insight to date into the environmental impacts of cultivated meat production at an industrial scale. The results of the study indicate that cultivated meat has significantly lower environmental impacts, compared to traditional animal production.
The study is based on data derived from real technology, prepared for the factory that Bene Meat is currently building near Prague. “This LCA study provides the first comprehensive insight into the actual impacts of industrial meat cultivation. Our findings demonstrate that this technology has enormous potential, in terms of environmental impacts, and achieves significantly better results than, for example, traditional beef production,” the study’s lead author, Dr. Ing. Miroslav Žilka, Ph.D., from the Czech Technical University in Prague, says. Ing. Petr Bubeníček, Head of Production at BMT, emphasizes that the study includes, among other factors, all of the input materials, which account for more than half of the total emissions per kilogram of meat. This implies that the cultivation technology is so optimized and efficient that most of the related emissions occur outside the biotechnology facility – at the raw material suppliers.
Key findings from the study include:
• Land use: Currently, only 3.1 m² (including the growing of the necessary raw materials) is needed to cultivate 1 kg of meat (less than for any conventional farmed meat). The study predicts a future reduction to 2.0 m² per kilogram.
• Greenhouse gas emissions (carbon footprint): Currently, 5.28 kg of CO2 equivalent (CO2 eq.) emissions are produced per kilogram of meat, which is less than most meats from conventional farming. The study predicts a gradual decrease to 3.29 kg CO2 eq. For comparison, producing 1 kg of beef generates between 20 and 100 kg of CO2 eq., depending on the type of farming (Ourworldindata, 2020). This value includes not only all necessary raw materials and energy, but also the impacts of producing all of the equipment needed for cultivation, as well as all of the other inputs.
The comprehensive independent review of the study was conducted by Professor Jon McKechnie from the University of Nottingham, who specializes in cost-effective resource utilization strategies contributing to environmental sustainability goals. He confirmed that the study was conducted in accordance with established standards, with the key results presented transparently and adequately.
More detailed information about the LCA study will be presented by its author, Dr. Ing. Miroslav Žilka, Ph.D., at the 10th annual ISCCM10 conference for experts in cultivated meat, in the Netherlands on November 19th, 2024. The results will also be published in a scientific journal. “We believe that this study marks a key milestone in understanding the environmental impacts of cultivated meat, and confirms its potential as a sustainable source of protein,” Ing. Tomáš Kubeš, Head of Strategic Projects at BMT adds.
Bene Meat Technologies
A Czech start-up company founded in 2020, with a focus on the development and commercialization of cultivated meat in the human and pet food industry. Currently, Bene Meat employs an international team of over 100 scientists. In the autumn of 2023, BMT received registration from Czech authorities, permitting the production of cultivated cells as a raw material for pet food. BMT is the first company able to commercialize this product for pet food within the EU. It continues to develop cultivated meat for human consumption.
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