Life Cycle Inventory Allocations for Recycling and Co-Products in the Forest Products Industries-an Example of the Interconnectivity of the System, 1996 Environmental Conference Proceedings

Allocation of environmental loading in Life Cycle Inventory is a very important step in LCI. Its consequences in the conclusions on the results of a study could be major. For purposes of consistency and credibility of results among different studies, there is need for guidance on how to allocate in different product systems. Surprisingly until now, the methodology lacks guidance on allocation procedures. Instead, it has confined itself to enumerate a multiplicity of different approaches. The potential for distortions and biases is great under this relaxed, incomplete methodology. The authors present allocation procedures that are the result of a coordinated action initiated by forest product industries experts. This action takes place at the levels of both the industry’s association (AF&PA, LCA Task Group) and the IS0 TC 207, Sub-committee 5, Working Groups 2-3. Wood and paper fibers flow from one sub-system to the other as either raw materials, recycled fibers or co-products. This interconnectivity among sub-systems is a good example of eco-efficiency in terms of sustainable development As presented by the authors, the allocation principles are applicable to all sectors of the forest product industry. It is possible to recognize they are terms describing elements of a very eco-efficient system.