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
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Products | 565,000+ convenience products |
| Core Ingredients | 950+ peer-reviewed items |
| Data Sources | 10+ scientific databases |
| Update Cycle | Continuous with quarterly releases |
| Quality Assurance | Peer-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
| Category | Unit | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon Footprint | kg CO₂eq | Greenhouse gas emissions using IPCC GWP100 |
| Water Footprint | L | Blue water consumption with scarcity weighting |
| Land Use | m² | Agricultural land transformation and occupation |
Extended Indicators
| Indicator | Description |
|---|---|
| Animal Welfare | Husbandry conditions assessment |
| Rainforest Risk | Deforestation risk for relevant commodities |
| Biodiversity | Ecosystem 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
| Database | Coverage | Integration |
|---|---|---|
| Ecoinvent | 18,000+ LCI datasets | Background processes, energy, materials |
| Agribalyse | European agriculture | French and EU food production |
| Hestia | Global agriculture | Harmonized environmental data |
| Quantis WFLDB | World food products | Global food LCI |
| Agri-footprint | Agricultural detail | Crop and livestock systems |
Supporting Data
| Source | Purpose |
|---|---|
| FAO Statistics | Trade flows, production data, origin estimation |
| EuroFIR | Standardized nutrition information |
| IPCC | Emission factors and GWP values |
| WRI Aqueduct | Water scarcity factors |
For detailed source information, see External Data Sources.
Research Collaborations
The database is enriched through academic partnerships:
| Institution | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| ZHAW | Life cycle assessment methodology, food LCI |
| ETH Zurich | Agricultural science, sustainability metrics |
| FiBL | Organic agriculture, certification impacts |
| University of Zurich | Environmental science, biodiversity |
| University of Oxford | Hestia 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
- External Sources — Detailed data source documentation
- Methodology — LCA methodology overview
- Standards Compliance — International standards and terminology