Do Miscanthus lutarioriparius-Based Oriented Strand Boards Provide Environmentally Benign Alternatives? An LCA Case Study of Lake Dongting District in China

Qianying Liao,Youzhi Li,Jun Zhang,Zili Yi

doi:10.3390/su132312976

Qianying Liao, Youzhi Li + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/su132312976

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Abstract

Miscanthus lutarioriparius(M. lutarioriparius) in Lake Dongting District are in the situation of being discarded due to the government’s environmental policy, the decomposition of which will bring another pollution risk. The purpose of this study is to environmentally analyze the production of M. lutarioriparius-based oriented strand particleboards(M.OSB) as alternatives to the conventional artificial boards. The production systems were evaluated from a cradle-to-gate perspective using the Life Cycle Assessment(LCA)methodology. Our results showed that the M.OSB had an overall better profile than wood panels, identifying the production of starch adhesives and bio-fuels as the main environmental hotspots. It was also found that annual harvesting and utilization of M. lutarioripariuscould ease the burden to the environment during the decomposition of this plant, and further improve the environmental performance of M.OSB. Sensitivity analyses were conducted on the key parameters, suggesting that there are opportunities for improvement. This study provides useful information for enterprises and policymakers on where to focus their activities, with the aim of making the future of M. lutarioriparius utilization more technically and environmentally favourable.

Highlights

IntroductionWooden panels are composite materials with modifiable properties, that are made from processed wood (or other biomass) and synthetic adhesives [1]
Wooden panels are composite materials with modifiable properties, that are made from processed wood and synthetic adhesives [1]
The physical performance comparison between M.oriented strand board (OSB) and OSB is shown in Table 1, and it refers to the requirements of OSB in LYT 1580-2010 (Chinese Industry Standard of Oriented Strand Board)

Summary

Introduction

Wooden panels are composite materials with modifiable properties, that are made from processed wood (or other biomass) and synthetic adhesives [1]. The most common artificial boards are particle board, oriented strand board (OSB), fiberboard, and veneer products including plywood and laminated veneer lumber [2]. China is the largest manufacturer (159,746,000 m3 /year) and supplier (9,956,625 m3 /year) of wooden panels in the world [3]. Particleboard output accounted for 20.8% of Chinese artificial board production in 2020 [3]. As China’s urbanization process continues, there is a favorable market perspective for OSB, but it faces the pressure of reducing environmental burden and harm to human health. There is an urgent need to conduct studies on improving the environmental performance of OSB production. One effective approach is to use agricultural residues or other nonwooden biomass as raw materials [4]

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