Sustainability strategies in international logistics: a study based on Life Cycle Analysis - LCA and Environmental Costing - ABC applied to Peruvian mining exports to Asia

Chávez-Zavaleta R.; Jhonatan Sanchez-Pittman A.; Conde-Curiñaupa R.; Gustavo Lino-Chilet L.; Ernesto Ramos-Manrique J.; Esthefany Honorio-Acuña Y.; Rosa Aguirre-Espinoza C. · Proceedings of the LACCEI international Multi-conference for Engineering, Education and Technology (2026) · DOI: 10.18687/laccei2026.1.1.2231

Resumen

The growing demand for Peruvian minerals in Asian markets has intensified international logistics operations, generating differentiated environmental impacts throughout land transportation, port operations, and, primarily, maritime transport. This study evaluates the environmental and economic performance of Peruvian mining logistics oriented toward exports to Asia by quantifying emissions, energy consumption, and environmental costs, as well as analyzing sustainability strategies applicable to the logistics system. A quantitative approach with an explanatory scope was adopted, integrating Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), in accordance with ISO 14040-14044 standards, and the Environmental Activity-Based Costing (ABC-Environmental) model. The assessment covered land transportation, port operations, and maritime navigation stages, using international databases and considering indicators such as CO2-equivalent emissions, total energy consumption, and acidification potential. The results show that maritime transport constitutes the main critical point of the logistics system, accounting for between 75% and 82% of greenhouse gas emissions, between 73% and 78% of energy consumption, and between 78% and 82% of total environmental costs. Land transportation presents a moderate contribution, while port operations show a marginal participation, with values ranging between 2.6% and 4.5% of total emissions. Scenario analysis indicates that the adoption of alternative fuels in vessels allows emission reductions between 18% and 22%; however, it implies increases in environmental costs that can reach approximately USD 40 to USD 120 per transported ton, revealing a trade-off between environmental performance and economic feasibility. It is concluded that the sustainability of Peruvian mining logistics depends mainly on the decarbonization of maritime transport, complemented by efficiency improvements in land transportation and port operations. The integration of LCA and the ABC-Environmental model is consolidated as a robust tool for strategic decision-making aimed at more efficient and environmentally responsible logistics chains.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional José Faustino Sánchez Carrión