Abstract

In this period of energy crisis and factors such as greenhouse gas effect, companies are required to provide information about their products with regards to the environment to meet international standards. Life-cycle assessment techniques are been adopted gradually, as well as ISO/TR 14025 standards. Many countries have been promoting the use of type III Environmental products declaration. Japan and South Korea in Asia, USA, Canada and Sweden in Europe, have already have been on the lead in promoting Type III EPD project in the world. The TFT-LCD industry has an important role within the domestic industry and it can be used for a variety of display interface products, such as notebook, computers, and liquid crystal displays. International panel focusing on the impact of environmental issues and the establishment of the international LCD environmental organizations WLICC, have a target to promote cooperation in the global LCD industry. They have also been committed to environmental protection issues and domestic TFT-LCD industry in order to enhance the competitive edge and adhere to international regulations. The type III environmental product declarations and the concept of life-cycle assessment are closely related to the international development of the current number of analysis software. With regard to inventory data analysis, there are no fixed set of software as a standard, which may change the context of the assessment results, which may affect the effective use of EPD. Consequently, this study used a domestic LCD panel manufacturer of 22” TFT-LCD module as an example using VHK EcoReport v5, Simapro 7.0, GaBi 4 and Doitpro as life-cycle assessment software tool. A literature review on the issue and four different softwares which are use-oriented and results-oriented were explored during the course of this research. The result of this study is as follows: Simapro have full-features and constantly updated database, it is the initial tool for LCA and can be used for learning purposes too. GaBi secures the integrity of data management and analize softwares that can be applicable to internal assessment of products or improved design; EcoReport As a database was weak, it is proposed that it should be used as an example for academic research or teaching; and Doitpro have localized database that can be used to enhance sustainable development of the domestic life-cycle assessment based on the concept and results. The impact of those data are: Doitpro was used to assess the global warming potential which is highest among the softwares used (275 kgCO2). The TFT-LCD almost has no effect on the ozone layer. The acidification potential of Doitpro is the highest among the softwares used with a level 5.04 kgSO2. Eutrophication potential of TFT-LCD using Doitpro is 0.3 kgPO43-. The last aspect assessed is potential to cause photochemical smog is the highest (0.0156 kg C2H4) using simapro. Using four different software to conduct LCA on TFT-LCD products, discussions are made with regards to the data and the suitability of the type III environmental product declaration for businesses. In addition, these softwares will help in having detailed assessment on their choice of product characteristics, as well as appropriate software life-cycle assessment; reduce the amount of time spent and cost. It also shows a complete assessment of the product, declared the successful completion of its impact on the environment to enhance the business image and environmental awareness.

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