Process Simulation-Based Life Cycle Assessment of Dissolving Pulps
Darlene Echeverria1, Richard Venditti1, Hasan Jameel1
1Department of Forest Biomaterials, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607, United States.
Environmental Science & Technology
|March 11, 2022
Summary
Life cycle assessment of dissolving pulp (DP) reveals biomass feedstock significantly impacts environmental footprint. On-site emissions and chemicals are key contributors across all DP grades.
Area of Science:
- Sustainable materials science
- Environmental science
- Chemical engineering
Background:
- Dissolving pulp (DP) is a versatile specialty product derived from lignocellulosic biomass (hardwoods and softwoods).
- Life cycle assessment (LCA) for DP end-products is hindered by limited life cycle inventory (LCI) data for various DP grades.
Purpose of the Study:
- To generate LCI data for different DP grades using process simulations.
- To conduct an LCA for DP derived from hardwoods (HW) and softwoods (SW).
- To identify environmental hotspots in DP production.
Main Methods:
- Process simulations were employed to create LCI data for acetate and viscose DP grades.
- LCA was performed to evaluate environmental impacts associated with different DP grades and feedstocks.
- Hotspot analysis was conducted to pinpoint major contributors to environmental impacts.
Main Results:
- Biomass feedstock type (HW vs. SW) significantly influences DP's environmental impacts.
- HW acetate DP showed higher global warming potential than SW acetate DP.
- On-site emissions and chemical usage were identified as primary environmental impact contributors across all DP grades.
Conclusions:
- The generated LCI data and LCA results provide crucial insights into DP's environmental performance.
- This research supports future sustainability assessments for DP-derived end-products.
- Understanding feedstock impacts is vital for optimizing DP production sustainability.
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