Environmental Impact Assessment of the Paper Recycling Process using a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Approach: A Case Study of Persia Golestan Paper Factory

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

1 Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran

2 Department of Agroecology, Agricultural Systems and Sustainability, Arhus University in Arhus City, Denmark

Abstract

This research conducts a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Top White Liner paper produced by Persia Golestan Paper Factory, utilizing SimaPro software and the ReCiPe method to assess its environmental effects. The functional unit for this assessment was 1 ton of Top White Liner paper. Notably, this marks the first application of this method to assess the effects of paper production in Iran. Findings indicate that calcium carbonate is the primary contributor to adverse environmental impacts, including global warming, particulate matter formation, acidification, ecosystem toxicity, and resource depletion. Furthermore, Alkyl Ketene Dimer (AKD) and sodium hypochlorite significantly influence ozone depletion, marine eutrophication, and water consumption. Prioritizing human health and ecosystem quality, the overall environmental score for the product was determined to be -19.8 Pt, signifying a net environmental benefit. A comparative analysis with similar recycled paper products from global SimaPro databases reveals that while Top White Liner demonstrates superior performance in critical categories such as global warming and particulate matter formation, further optimization is required in toxicity, eutrophication, and resource depletion. These findings underscore the imperative of integrating recycled materials and implementing process improvements to mitigate the environmental footprint of paper production. This study exemplifies the utility of integrated LCA methodologies in guiding sustainable production practices and informing policy development within the paper industry, thereby contributing to broader sustainable development goals.

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Main Subjects

Sustainable Earth Trends

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 03 June 2025

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