1. Basic data of the study

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1. Basic data of the study
Review of comparative LCAs on the recycling and
disposal of paper and cardboard

• 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

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Review of comparative LCAs on the recycling and
disposal of paper and cardboard
2. Results

• short term / long term perspective

3
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