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Review of comparative LCAs on the recycling and disposal of paper and cardboard. 1. Basic data of the study. Framework: Input to the discussions of the Thematic Strategy on the Prevention and Recycling of Waste, in the European Commission Background hypothesis:
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Review of comparative LCAs on the recycling and disposal of paper and cardboard 1. Basic data of the study Framework: Input to the discussions of the Thematic Strategy on the Prevention and Recycling of Waste, in the European Commission Background hypothesis: Apparently, existing LCAs that compare recycling/ incineration/landfilling of paper arrive at results and conclusions that are different and sometimes even conflicting Objective: Review of existing comparative LCAs on paper recycling/disposal Procedure: 9 LCA studies containing in total 73 scenarios have been selected. The selection was based on their quality: • LCA method ~ does it follow ISO or similar standards? • Are the calculations and assumptions well documented and transparent? An in-depth analysis of the studies has been carried out, including variables such as system boundaries, perspective (society/company), time frame, and type of paper/cardboard
Review of comparative LCAs on the recycling and disposal of paper and cardboard 2. Results • short term / long term perspective
Review of comparative LCAs on the recycling and disposal of paper and cardboard 3. Lessons learned • In most LCA studies and scenarios analysed, produced in a variety of geographical areas, the environmental impacts of paper recycling are lower than incineration and also lower than landfilling. • There are important nuances in the results, depending on the environmental impact indicator considered. Some indicators are robust, whereas some are sensitive to system definition assumptions. • 15 system definition assumptions have been identified. The assumptions cover the whole paper life-cycle: from raw material extraction and forestry, through paper production processes, to the disposal/recovery options. A comparative LCA ought to include these 15 assumptions in order to make the systems comparable. • The report will be made available for download at: http://waste.eionet.eu.int/publications • In 2004, a similar study is being elaborated at the ETC/WMF, focusing on a review of comparative CBAs on paper