Knowledge Agora



Scientific Article details

Title Sustainability assessment of integrated forest biorefinery implemented in Canadian pulp and paper mills
ID_Doc 75410
Authors Ben Daya, B; Nourelfath, M
Title Sustainability assessment of integrated forest biorefinery implemented in Canadian pulp and paper mills
Year 2019
Published
DOI 10.1016/j.ijpe.2018.06.014
Abstract To overcome declining markets and low-cost competition, the integrated forest biorefinery (IFBR) business model has received a lot of attention from the pulp and paper (P&P) sector. This article deals with sustainability assessment of IFBR implemented in P&P mills for bioenergy production. The objective is to develop a mathematically-based approach, for decision makers within the forest sector, that aims to optimize the sustainability of the IFBR value creation network. A multi-objective optimization model, applied to a Canadian case study and integrating environmental life cycle assessment (LCA), is developed. The life cycle inventory is performed for the whole system. The objective functions consist in minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and maximizing the financial value of the IFBR over a long-term planning horizon, while optimizing the existing P&P activity. Different economic and environmental indicators are introduced to compare Pareto optimal investment road maps. The proposed model leads to a decision support tool for the transformation of P&P companies by planning sustainable bioenergy investment implementation. Furthermore, this model may assist decision makers in emissions planning and reporting according to related regulations requirements. The obtained results show that the IFBR allows the P&P industry to diversify its portfolio and generate new revenues, while contributing substantially to emission reduction efforts in Canada and producing clean and renewable energy. However, government support will be needed to perform a successful business plan.
Author Keywords Sustainability; Life cycle assessment; Value creation network optimization; Multi-objective modeling; Integrated forest biorefinery; Pulp and paper
Index Keywords Index Keywords
Document Type Other
Open Access Open Access
Source Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED)
EID WOS:000474324300019
WoS Category Engineering, Industrial; Engineering, Manufacturing; Operations Research & Management Science
Research Area Engineering; Operations Research & Management Science
PDF
Similar atricles
Scroll