Challenges for greening spirulina value chain in terms of freshwater input - A case study

To promote a shift towards more sustainable food productions greener approaches should be put in place. When it comes to process sustainability, one of the most important elements is water management. Water is surely the key to food security but, concurrently, food productions themselves must try to adopt all tolerable changes to achieve an increasingly positive water balance. The attention was focused on the optimization of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) production. The case study was BioSpira Srl, a start-up located in Alvignano (Caserta, Italy). An inventory assessment was carried out to take a snapshot of the current situation. To estimate the freshwater consumption, the chain summation approach was followed. Then, in order to conduct a structured strategic planning targeting process optimisation and environmental sustainability, the SWOT analysis (or SWOT matrix) was applied to identify the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats related to the production chain of Spirulina intended for human consumption.