Abstract
A feasibility analysis is reported of reduction opportunities for volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions in manufacturing office furniture partitions, aimed at contributing to efforts to improve the sustainability of the process. A pollution prevention methodology is utilized. The purpose is to provide practical options for VOC emissions reductions during the manufacturing of office furniture partitions, but the concepts can be generally applied to the wood furniture industry. Baseline VOC emissions for a typical plant are estimated using a mass balance approach. The feasibility analysis expands on a preliminary screening to identify viable pollution prevention options using realistic criteria and weightings, and is based on technical, environmental and economic considerations. The measures deemed feasible include the implementation of several best management practices, ceasing the painting of non-visible parts, switching to hot melt backwrapping glue, application of solvent recycling and modification of the mechanical clip attachment. Implementation, measurement and control plans are discussed for the measures considered feasible, which can enhance the sustainability of the manufacturing of office furniture partitions. Reducing VOC emissions using the measures identified can, in conjunction with other measures, improve the sustainability of the manufacturing process.
Highlights
Canada’s furniture industry, the second largest exporter in the world according to IndustryCanada [1], generates wastes during manufacturing that impact land, air and water
Formaldehyde and other volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions have been investigated in temporary housing of the U.S Federal Emergency Management Administration [19], with the results suggesting that the extensive use of composite wood products, sealants and vinyl coverings, combined with the low air exchange rates relative to material surface areas, likely cause high concentrations of some VOCs and formaldehyde
The control in various manufacturing processes has been investigated of formaldehyde and total VOC emissions from wood-based flooring composites that are bonded by urea-formaldehyde resin, focusing on the emission variations for different surface finishing materials [21]
Summary
Canada’s furniture industry, the second largest exporter in the world according to Industry. As part of an investigation to identify strategies for improving the sustainability of the manufacturing of office partitions by reducing VOC emissions in the manufacturing operations and processes, a preliminary screening of emission reduction options was carried out by the present authors [5]. More comprehensive feasibility analyses based on technical, environmental and economic considerations are performed for selected measures (based on the results of the preliminary screening of options) for reducing VOC emission levels in typical manufacturing operations for office furniture partitions. The objective is to identify reasonable strategies for reducing VOC emissions in the manufacturing of office furniture partitions, and thereby to contribute to enhancing the sustainability of the industry by balancing many of the competing factors. The investigation adopts in large part an engineering approach, aimed at developing feasible options for reducing VOC emissions for the manufacturing process, from the perspective of an industrial company.
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