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Eaternity Database (EDB)

The Eaternity Database is the primary scientific foundation underpinning all EOS environmental impact assessments. Since 2009, Eaternity has developed and continuously refined this peer-reviewed Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) database, which includes detailed environmental data on over 950 core food ingredients.

Quick Facts​

MetricValue
Total Products565,000+ convenience products
Core Ingredients950+ peer-reviewed items
Data Sources10+ scientific databases
Update CycleContinuous with quarterly releases
Quality AssurancePeer-reviewed, externally validated

Key Features​

Comprehensive Life Cycle Inventory​

The EDB provides detailed environmental data covering the complete lifecycle:

  • Production: Farming methods (organic/conventional), greenhouse cultivation, seasonality
  • Processing: Energy consumption, water usage, waste generation
  • Transportation: Distance, mode, refrigeration requirements
  • Preservation: Storage conditions, shelf life impacts
  • Consumption: Cooking energy, food waste factors

Robust Scientific Methodology​

Data is meticulously sourced from:

  • Peer-reviewed scientific publications
  • Recognized international databases
  • Validated industry reports
  • Direct primary data collection

Regular Updates and Adaptability​

The database is continuously revised to incorporate:

  • Latest research findings
  • New sustainability indicators
  • Updated emission factors
  • Emerging food products

Transparency and Accessibility​

Complete openness regarding:

  • Data sources and provenance
  • Calculation methodologies
  • Underlying assumptions
  • Uncertainty ranges

This enables independent verification and promotes trust among users and stakeholders.

Data Categories​

Environmental Impact​

CategoryUnitDescription
Carbon Footprintkg CO₂eqGreenhouse gas emissions using IPCC GWP100
Water FootprintLBlue water consumption with scarcity weighting
Land Usem²Agricultural land transformation and occupation

Extended Indicators​

IndicatorDescription
Animal WelfareHusbandry conditions assessment
Rainforest RiskDeforestation risk for relevant commodities
BiodiversityEcosystem impact evaluation

Nutritional Data​

  • Macronutrients (protein, fat, carbohydrates)
  • Micronutrients (vitamins, minerals)
  • Allergen information
  • Dietary fiber and sugar content

Supply Chain Data​

  • Geographic origins with FAO trade statistics
  • Transport modes and distances
  • Processing methods and energy use
  • Packaging materials

Semantic Integration​

Data points are semantically enriched through standardized glossaries:

  • FoodEx2: European Food Safety Authority classification system
  • GADM: Global Administrative Areas for geographic precision
  • EuroFIR: European Food Information Resource for nutrition data

This facilitates clear interpretation, data aggregation, and seamless integration with EOS Gap-Filling Modules.

Data Sources​

The EDB integrates data from leading scientific sources:

Primary Databases​

DatabaseCoverageIntegration
Ecoinvent18,000+ LCI datasetsBackground processes, energy, materials
AgribalyseEuropean agricultureFrench and EU food production
HestiaGlobal agricultureHarmonized environmental data
Quantis WFLDBWorld food productsGlobal food LCI
Agri-footprintAgricultural detailCrop and livestock systems

Supporting Data​

SourcePurpose
FAO StatisticsTrade flows, production data, origin estimation
EuroFIRStandardized nutrition information
IPCCEmission factors and GWP values
WRI AqueductWater scarcity factors

For detailed source information, see External Data Sources.

Research Collaborations​

The database is enriched through academic partnerships:

InstitutionFocus Area
ZHAWLife cycle assessment methodology, food LCI
ETH ZurichAgricultural science, sustainability metrics
FiBLOrganic agriculture, certification impacts
University of ZurichEnvironmental science, biodiversity
University of OxfordHestia integration, harmonized data

Scientific References​

The EDB builds on extensive peer-reviewed research:

Climate Score Methodology:

  • Wernet et al. (2016). The ecoinvent database version 3. Int. J. Life Cycle Assess. 21(9), pp.1218-1230
  • Koch & Salou (2015). AGRIBALYSE: Rapport Méthodologique. ADEME, Angers, France

Water Footprint:

  • Pfister et al. (2011). Environmental impacts of water use in global crop production. Environ. Sci. Technol. 45(13), pp.5761-5768
  • Scherer & Pfister (2016). Global Biodiversity Loss by Freshwater Consumption. Environ. Sci. Technol. 50, pp.7019-7028

Health Score:

  • GBD 2015 Risk Factors Collaborators (2016). Global comparative risk assessment. The Lancet 388, pp.1659-1724

Nutrient Data:

  • Bognár (2002). Tables on weight yield of food and retention factors. BFE, Karlsruhe

Commitment to Open Knowledge​

Eaternity advocates for open data and knowledge sharing. Our vision extends beyond proprietary usage:

  • Active participation in scientific knowledge hubs
  • Infrastructure for effective data storage and harmonization
  • Governance structure for responsible data exchange
  • Collaborative efforts toward a sustainable global food system

Using the Database​

Access the Eaternity Database through:

  • EOS API — Programmatic access to environmental data
  • GFM SDK (coming soon) — Build custom gap-filling modules
  • Direct data licensing — Contact sales@eaternity.org for enterprise access

Learn More​