Abstract
A screening Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of tall oil-based bio-polyols suitable for rigid polyurethane (PU) foams has been carried out. The goal was to identify the hot-spots and data gaps. The system under investigation is three different tall oil fatty acids (TOFA)-based bio-polyol synthesis with a cradle-to-gate approach, from the production of raw materials to the synthesis of TOFA based bio-polyols at a pilot-scale reactor. The synthesis steps that give the most significant environmental footprint hot-spots were identified. The results showed the bio-based feedstock was the main environmental hot-spot in the bio-polyol production process. Future research directions have been highlighted.
Highlights
Most industrial polymers are presently produced from fossil resources that are non-renewable because they cannot be replenished at a rate comparable to the exploitation rate [1]
According to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14040 series, the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a standardized technique for assessing the potential environmental aspects associated with product or service, by compiling an inventory of relevant inputs and outputs, evaluating the potential environmental impacts associated with those inputs and outputs, interpreting the results of the inventory and impact phases in relation to the objectives of the study [8,9]
This study aims to perform screening LCA, the cradle-to-gate environmental impact of three different tall oil fatty acids (TOFA) based bio-polyols that have been demonstrated as suitable for the development of rigid
Summary
Most industrial polymers are presently produced from fossil resources that are non-renewable because they cannot be replenished at a rate comparable to the exploitation rate [1]. According to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14040 series, the LCA is a standardized technique for assessing the potential environmental aspects associated with product or service, by compiling an inventory of relevant inputs and outputs, evaluating the potential environmental impacts associated with those inputs and outputs, interpreting the results of the inventory and impact phases in relation to the objectives of the study [8,9]. It has become one of the main methods to inform developers, policymakers and the public about the potential environmental impacts of developed products and technologies. The standard ISO 14040 (2006) requires that all of a study’s limitations be transparently defined and discussed, clearly and adequately identified in accordance with the study’s aim and scope [8]
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