Reducing Global Warming Potential Impact of Bio-Based Composites Based of LCA

Abstract

The view towards a sustainable bioeconomy is increasing the interest of using renewable natural resources in the production of composites. Until now, the production of sustainable composites has been mainly examined from the point of view of material composition and structure, by replacing petroleum-based components with those that are obtained from renewable resources known as natural fiber composites (NFCs). The usefulness of newly acquired materials is mostly evaluated considering their performance and economic costs, whereas the aspect of environmental protection is underestimated. The impact of composites that are made from renewable resources is examined within the two parts of this study—the first part compares different nitrogen (N) fertilization scenarios for plant origin (hemp and flax) fibers. When compared, hemp crops show higher CO2 accumulation, (−1.57 kg CO2 eq) than flax (−1.27 kg CO2 eq). In addition, the environmental impact of both fiber types is compared to polyamide composites, one of the traditionally used materials in the automotive industry in the second part of this study. According to the conducted life cycle assessment, Flax/PLA emits 1.19 kg CO2 eq per 1 kg composite, Hemp/PLA 1.7 kg CO2 eq per 1 kg composite, and PA66/GF 9.14 kg CO2 eq per 1 kg composite. After the comparison, it was concluded that bio-based composites are able to ensure lower CO2 emissions, because CO2 is accumulated and stored in the fibers, however the traditionally used composites are able to provide a lower impact in other environmental categories.

Enviro‐economic and feasibility analysis of industrial hemp value chain: A systematic literature review

“…In France, insulation solutions like glass wool, cellulose fiber, rigid foam polyurethane expanded‐polystyrene (XPS), and extruded‐polystyrene (EPS) were more economical (Colli et al., 2020). Moreover, the economic viability of hemp fibers for various applications depends on the cost‐effective acquisition of fiber material, influenced by fluctuations in the fiber process (Seile et al., 2022). In fact, high cultivation (particularly N fertilization) and manufacturing costs has led to relative cost inefficiencies at the upstream level as compared to alternative bio‐based solutions such as miscanthus (Schulte et al., 2021).…”

“…Shortening the supply chain phase of resource extraction (Di Capua et al, 2021) and the use of unfired binders alternatives (Florentin et al, 2017) instead of lime binder (Pretot et al, 2014) can further reduce hempcrete-associated emissions. The application of (nitrogenous) fertilizer and pesticides during cultivation of industrial hemp has been the subject of ecological concern, leading to regional consequences such as eutrophication, (Bernas et al, 2021), acidification (Casas, 2005), and ecotoxicity (Seile et al, 2022). Owing to these environmental constraints on input use, hemp as a pulp for paper remains less sustainable than flax (González-García, Hospido, et al, 2010;González-García, Teresa Moreira, et al, 2010), eucalyptus (Da Silva Vieira et al, 2010), and woody perennials (Sun et al, 2018).…”

Sustainable Composites: A Review with Critical Questions to Guide Future Initiatives

“…Since carbon dioxide is taken from the air during photosynthesis, the wood and other substances within a tree can be regarded as carbon-neutral. Thus, the mere inclusion of biobased components in a composite material is often taken as a favorable indication [18][19][20]. A more careful analysis, using an LCA approach, has to take into consideration such things as the usage of fossil fuels, either directly or in the form of electricity, during the planting and fertilizing of the plants, as well as the processing of the biomaterial and the preparation and initial transportation of the composite.…”

Absorption of Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Industrial and Residential Sources by Green Open Space in Sukorejo Village, Gresik

“…In addition, the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere can cause climate change (Rahimi et al 2021). Climate change poses a major threat in various sectors, such as environmental, social, and economic (Mentzafou et al 2020, Seile et al 2022.…”