Quantifying GHG emissions savings potential in magazine paper production: a case study on supercalendered and light-weight coated papers. (15th September 2015) - Leon, Jorge
Abstract: Purpose: The aim of this work is to quantify the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions savings potential in magazine paper production through the application of the innovative manufacturing strategies using advanced sheet structure design and fibre modifications. Methods: The study applies Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology to two different magazine paper products: supercalendered (SC) paper and light-weight coated (LWC) paper. A cradle-to-gate approach is used aiming to assess the environmental benefits gained through the implementation of new manufacturing strategies in both products. The functional unit of the system was defined as the production of one square meter of finished paper for printing magazines. Conventional and new production processes have been compared. Results and discussion: The strategies applied to SC paper resulted in reduction of GHG emissions by 22.9%, with a total of 10.7 gCO2 eq emissions saved per square meter of SC paper. In the case of LWC paper, GHG emissions are reduced by 20.3%, which are equal to a total of 19.7 gCO2 eq saved per square meter of LWC paper. The influence of certain methodological approaches -functional unit, electricity mix and avoided impacts- in the final results is also discussed in the paper. Conclusions: The manufacturing strategies implemented show a remarkable potential for reducing GHG emissions. Taking into account that the pulp and paper industry is a very energy-intensive sector and one of the main GHG emitters, the potential of the strategies for the improvement of the environmental performance of the papermaking processes is significant. Highlights: Can advanced sheet structure design and fibre modifications reduce GHG emissions? Fibres are placed in the optimal position depending on the required properties. Innovative manufacturing processes lead to a decrease in energy consumption. A total of 10.7 gCO2 eq (22.9%) emissions per m 2 were saved in SC paper production. A reduction of 19.7 gCO2 eq (20.3%) per m 2 was achieved in LWC paper production.