The subject of this project, "Domestically-produced Dried Shiitake Mushrooms," is classified under the Product Category Rules (PCR) for the carbon footprint of "Arable and vegetable crops," corresponding to item "0712 - Dried vegetables..." (CCC Code: 0712.39.20.00-0). Based on existing literature, the production of fresh shiitake mushrooms generates about 1.87 to 2.38 kg of CO₂ equivalent. However, an increase in emissions is expected for our product due to the energy-intensive drying process. Preliminary life cycle mapping suggests that the primary emission hotspots will likely include waste from substrate bags, the use of heavy oil as a heat source for drying, and the energy required for prolonged cooking by consumers.

▲Figure: A customized flowchart illustrating the production life cycle of dried shiitake mushrooms.