ENVIRONMENTAL LIFE-CYCLE OPTIMIZATION MODEL FOR THE EUROPEAN PULP ANDPAPER-INDUSTRY

Will paper recycling reduce the environmental impact of the European p ulp and paper sector? If so, is maximal paper recycling the best polic y to optimize the life cycle of the pulp and paper sector? We explore these questions using an approach that combines materials accounting m ethods and optimization techniques. Environmental impact data are inpu ts for a Linear programming network how model to find optimal configur ations for the sector. These configurations consist of a mix of differ ent pulping technologies, a geographical distribution of pulp and pape r production, and a level of recycling consistent with the lowest envi ronmental impacts. We use the model to analyse scenarios with differen t recycling strategies. Recycling offers a reduction in environmental impact in regions with a high population and a large production of pap er and board products. Regions with a large production of graphic prod ucts should focus on cleaner virgin pulp production with energy recove ry. We conclude that relocation of paper production also offers a redu ction in environmental impact. However, the severe effects on the econ omy make this policy less attractive than a combination of recycling, cleaner pulp production and energy recovery. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevi er Science Ltd.