Evaluating greenhouse gas emissions in methanol production: A life cycle approach for a sustainable additive industry

Integrating sustainability into distribution networks remains a critical challenge for organizations aiming to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while maintaining competitiveness in the global market. This challenge is especially pronounced in the additive manufacturing industry, where natural gas is the primary energy source. While previous studies have assessed life cycle impacts of methanol production, region-specific analyses evaluating environmental consequences across methanol supply chains are limited. This study addresses this gap by conducting a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) of methanol production, focusing on Qatar as a case study. The analysis evaluates environmental impacts across all stages, from raw material acquisition to product synthesis, quantifying primary and secondary greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. Aspen HYSYS simulations, known for their engineering rigor, were employed. Results indicate that the Steam Reforming process contributes 81.9% of direct CO₂-equivalent emissions, making it the leading source of the carbon footprint. The methanol synthesis phase accounts for 52.4% of Scope 2 emissions, primarily due to energy-intensive separation operations. Based on these findings, this research proposes a framework to inform sustainability strategies and policy development aligned with corporate environmental goals.