This study evaluates the environmental impacts of producing mannosylerythritol lipids (MELs) using life cycle assessment (LCA) and kinetic models. MELs are microbial biosurfactants with various applications produced from biobased sources. The LCA results indicate that substrate provision, bioreactor aeration and solvent use for purification are major environmental impact sources. The findings highlight areas for improving the environmental sustainability of the production processes.
