Eco-Profile of Aromatic Polyester Polyols (APP) - PU Europe

Final Report
Eco-Profile of Aromatic
Polyester Polyols (APP)
Sponsored by
PU Europe,
Federation of European rigid Polyurethane Foam Associations

Title of the Study: Eco-Profile of Aromatic Polyester Polyols (APP)
Client:
PU Europe, Federation of European rigid Polyurethane Foam Associations
March 2010
Authors:
Angela Schindler
Fabian Haßel
Dr. Martin Baitz
PE INTERNATIONAL GmbH
Hauptstraße 111 – 113
70771 Leinfelden – Echterdingen
Phone +49 711 341817 – 470
Fax +49 711 341817 – 25
E-Mail
Internet
a.schindler@pe-international.com
www.pe-international.com

List of Contents
List of Contents
List of Contents .................................................................................................................. 3
List of Figures .................................................................................................................... 5
List of Tables ..................................................................................................................... 6
Nomenclature .................................................................................................................... 8
Executive Summary ........................................................................................................... 9
1 Background and Introduction ......................................................................... 10
2 Goal of the study ........................................................................................... 11
3 System description ........................................................................................ 12
3.1 Product description ........................................................................................ 12
3.2 Functional unit ............................................................................................... 12
3.3 System boundary conditions .......................................................................... 12
3.4 Temporal, technological and geographical reference ..................................... 13
3.5 Cut-off rules ................................................................................................... 13
3.6 Allocation ....................................................................................................... 14
4 Data sources and quality ............................................................................... 15
4.1 Data collection and source of data ................................................................. 15
4.2 Data Quality ................................................................................................... 16
4.2.1 Precision ........................................................................................................ 16
4.2.2 Accuracy ........................................................................................................ 16
4.2.3 Completeness ................................................................................................ 16
4.2.4 Representativeness ....................................................................................... 17
4.2.5 Consistency ................................................................................................... 17
4.2.6 Reproducibility ............................................................................................... 17
4.3 Data Validation .............................................................................................. 17
5 Description of the System .............................................................................. 18
6 Life Cycle Inventory for APPs with Flame Retardant ...................................... 20
6.1 Energy Data .................................................................................................. 20
6.2 Raw Materials Input ....................................................................................... 22
6.3 Water Consumption ....................................................................................... 24
6.4 Air Emission Data .......................................................................................... 25
6.5 Wastewater Emission Data ............................................................................ 29
6.6 Solid Waste ................................................................................................... 29
7 Life Cycle Impact Assessment for APPs with Flame Retardant...................... 30
8 Supplement Data for APP without Flame Retardants ..................................... 31
8.1 Energy Data .................................................................................................. 31
8.2 Raw Materials Input ....................................................................................... 33
8.3 Water Consumption ....................................................................................... 35
8.4 Air Emission Data .......................................................................................... 36
3

List of Contents
8.5 Wastewater Emission Data ............................................................................ 40
8.6 Solid Waste ................................................................................................... 40
9 Life Cycle Impact Assessment for APPs without Flame Retardant ................ 41
10 Literature ....................................................................................................... 42
Supplement A Description of result parameters ........................................................... 43
Supplement A 1 Primary energy consumption ............................................................. 43
Supplement A 2 Global Warming Potential (GWP)...................................................... 43
Supplement A 3 Acidification Potential (AP)................................................................ 44
Supplement A 4 Eutrophication Potential (EP) ............................................................ 45
Supplement A 5 Photochemical Ozone Creation Potential (POCP)............................. 46
Supplement A 6 Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP)...................................................... 46
Supplement A 7 Abiotic Depletion Potential ................................................................ 47
4

List of Figures
List of Figures
Figure 5-1:
Esterification process for the production of Aromatic Polyester
Polyols ..................................................................................................18
Figure A 1: Greenhouse effect (KREISSIG & KÜMMEL 1999) .....................................44
Figure A 2: Acidification Potential (KREISSIG & KÜMMEL 1999) .................................44
Figure A 3: Eutrophication Potential (KREISSIG & KÜMMEL 1999) .............................45
Figure A 4:
Photochemical Ozone Creation Potential (KREISSIG & KÜMMEL
1999) ....................................................................................................46
Figure A 5: Ozone Depletion Potential (KREISSIG & KÜMMEL 1999) .........................47
5

List of Tables
List of Tables
Table 3-1: Typical specific APP products ...............................................................12
Table 5-1: Raw materials‟ list for APP-production ..................................................19
Table 6-1:
Table 6-2:
Table 6-3:
Primary energy input (gross calorific value) required to produce
1 kg of APP (split into energy types) .....................................................20
Primary energy input (gross calorific value) required to produce
1 kg of APP (split into energy content) ..................................................20
Primary energy input (gross calorific value) required to produce
1 kg of APP (referring to primary energy resources) .............................21
Table 6-4: Primary energy input (expressed as mass) ...........................................21
Table 6-5: Raw material input to produce 1 kg of APP ...........................................22
Table 6-6:
Water consumption to produce 1 kg of APP (without circulated
cooling water) .......................................................................................24
Table 6-7: Air emissions associated with the production of 1 kg of APP ................25
Table 6-8:
Wastewater emission associated with the production of 1 kg of
APP ......................................................................................................29
Table 6-9: Waste associated with the production of 1 kg of APP ...........................29
Table 7-1:
Table 8-1:
Table 8-2:
Table 8-3:
Environmental impact associated with the production of 1 kg of
APP ......................................................................................................30
Primary energy input (gross calorific value) required to produce
1 kg of APP (without flame retardant), (split into energy types) .............31
Primary energy input (gross calorific value) required to produce
1 kg of APP (without flame retardant), (split into energy content) ..........31
Primary energy input (gross calorific value) required to produce
1 kg of APP (without flame retardant), (referring to primary energy
resources) ............................................................................................32
Table 8-4: Primary energy input (expressed as mass) ...........................................32
Table 8-5:
Table 8-6:
Table 8-7:
Table 8-8:
Raw material input to produce 1 kg of APP (without flame
retardant) ..............................................................................................33
Water consumption to produce 1 kg of APP (without flame
retardant), (without circulated cooling water) ........................................35
Air emissions associated with the production of 1 kg of APP
(without flame retardant) .......................................................................36
Wastewater emission associated with the production of 1 kg of
APP (without flame retardant) ...............................................................40
6

List of Tables
Table 8-9:
Table 9-1:
Waste associated with the production of 1 kg of APP (without
flame retardant) ....................................................................................40
Environmental impact associated with the production of 1 kg of
APP (without flame retardant) ...............................................................41
7

Nomenclature
Nomenclature
Abbreviation
Explanation
AP
APP
ADP
EP
EPD
GWP
ODP
POCP
Acidification Potential
Aromatic Polyester Polyol
Abiotic Depletion Potential
Eutrophication Potential
Environmental Product Declaration
Global Warming Potential
Ozone Depletion Potential
Photochemical Ozone Creation Potential
8

Executive Summary
Executive Summary
This report provides a European average cradle-to-gate Life Cycle Inventory for Aromatic
Polyester Polyol (APP). APPs are used in the manufacture of polyisocyanurate (PIR) rigid
insulation foam. Data for other components of PIR are available, especially polymeric
MDI.
There are two sets of results included in the report, one for APPs with flame retardant and
one without.
The report is created in compliance with the latest PlasticsEurope methodology protocol
for uncompounded Polymer Resins and Reactive Polymer Precursors, [PLASTICS EUROPE
2009]. This document defines the methodology and scope of the data. The reference year
of the data is 2008.
In case of comparative assertions, the respective framework describing the study‟s system
boundaries has to be considered. Differences of cut-off criteria and geographical
situations with regard to energy carriers and energy grid mixes may influence the results.
APP may also be produced by varying technologies and so via different process chains
and intermediate products. Depending on the study‟s participants and the number of participants
a direct comparison of several studies may lead to wrong conclusions.
The LCI is intended for public use as “cradle-to-gate” building blocks of life cycle assessment
(LCA) studies of defined applications or products.
The report is as detailed and specific as the circumstances in a multi-client project with
highly confidential and competitive company data allows.
The data of this report show the inventory of the aggregated process chain, i.e. the input
and output flows of the Life Cycle as well as the Life Cycle Impact Assessment for the
impact categories abiotic depletion potential, global warming potential, acidification potential,
eutrophication potential, ozone depletion potential and photochemical ozone creation
potential according to the characterization factors of CML 2007.
9

Background and Introduction
1 Background and Introduction
PU Europe, the Federation of European rigid Polyurethane Foam Associations, supports
the collection of detailed environmental data on the processes operated by its member
companies with the intention of making this information available for public use. The Ecoprofile
initiative [Plastics Europe 2009] provides an industry specific methodology protocol
for creating and reporting the Eco-Profiles. The Eco-profile protocol is based on ISO standards
for Life Cycle Assessment and Environmental Product Declaration [ISO 14040:
2006; and ISO 14021: 1999 et sqq.].
Eco-profiles 1 are widely acknowledged among life cycle practitioners and other stakeholders
worldwide as representative, objective and quantitative datasets. The average
industry Eco-Profile datasets can be used for internal company benchmarking allowing
individual process improvement. Furthermore, these data could be used as building
blocks in the LCA of products where APP is used. This allows APP customers to improve
their environmental management by:
evaluating the plastics contribution relative to the overall product;
enabling collaboration with recovery procedures to reduce collective impacts;
drawing attention to poor environmental links in user chains, which can lead to
subsequent improvement.
providing data to investigate alternative solutions for regulatory compliance.
Supporting the Eco-Profile initiative, this study aims to develop the Cradle-to-Gate Life
Cycle Inventory (Eco-profile) and Life Cycle Impact Assessment for the Aromatic Polyester
Polyol (APP). The APP cradle-to-gate lifecycle system is analyzed and the important
aspects of the LCI and LCIA are described in this report, following the latest PlasticsEurope
methodology protocol for uncompounded Polymer Resins and Reactive Polymer
Precursors, [PLASTICS EUROPE 2009]. The content and format of the report is be based on
the above mentioned methodology protocol.
In accordance with Eco-Profile requirements [PLASTICS EUROPE 2009], the following structure
is used for this study:
In chapter 1 “Background and Introduction” the motivation for the background to this study
is provided. Chapter 2 provides the goal of the study. The specific characteristics and
boundaries of the considered production-process are presented in chapter 3; chapter 4
discusses the data sources and quality. The respective process of the APP-production is
described in chapter 5. The life cycle inventory results are listed in chapter 6 and 8. Results
of the Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) are reported in chapter 7 and 9.
1
The terms „Eco-profile‟ and „Life cycle inventory‟ have the same meaning under the PlasticsEurope
methodology protocol and thus are used interchangeably in this report.
10

Goal of the study
2 Goal of the study
Goal of this study is to create an European average cradle–to-gate Life Cycle Inventory
(Eco-Profile) of Aromatic Polyester Polyols in compliance with PlasticsEurope Eco-Profile
Guidlines [PLASTICS EUROPE 2009].
Thus, the primary data from four APP producers were collected, the lifecycle system was
modelled in the GaB 4 software and the important aspects of the LCI and LCIA are reported
here, following the latest PlasticsEurope methodology protocol for uncompounded
Polymer Resins and Reactive Polymer Precursors, [PLASTICS EUROPE 2009].
The Eco-profiles (LCI) report is intended to be used as “cradle-to-gate” building blocks of
life cycle assessment (LCA) studies of defined applications or products.
11

System description
3 System description
This chapter describes the different circumstances and boundary conditions of the study,
which are vitally important to understand the system and allow the correct interpretation of
the results. A description of the LCI dataset and the underlying methodology is described
in the chapter in compliance with the Eco-Profile requirements.
The section includes the identification of the specific product, the supporting product system,
the scope of the study, the boundaries, the data description, the allocation procedures
and cut-off criteria.
3.1 Product description
Aromatic Polyester Polyols comprises a group of products which are polymers. Therefore
a CAS number, nor an IUPAC name, nor a chemical formula can be stated. The following
products are considered:
Table 3-1:
Typical specific APP products
Producer Aromatic Polyester Polyols Web-link
COIM ISOEXTER ® 3061 – 3557 – 4404 www.coimgroup.com
INVISTA TM TERATE ® polyols http://terate.invista.com/
STEPAN Stepanpol ® www.stepan.com
SYNTHESIA Hoopol ® F-1394/1396/3362/4361/4390 www.synte.es
The data for the production process considered in this study is not split into different steps
but comprises the overall procedure.
Polyester Polyols are important intermediate products for many production chains. APPs
are used to manufacture polyisocyanurate (PIR) and polyurethane rigid insulation foam,
which finds extensive use in the automotive, construction, refrigeration and other industrial
sectors. Other uses include flexible polyurethane foams, semi-rigid foams, and polyurethane
coatings. A major part of the world‟s polyols production is shared by two groups of
polyols, namely polyether and polyester polyols.
Both production and consumption of aromatic polyester polyols is strongest in Western
Europe, where the market is the largest and most established, which gives a high value to
the European average LCI dataset.
3.2 Functional unit
The study uses the following functional unit: 1 kg of aromatic polyester polyol on production
output, representing the average of the four participants‟ production lines. This implies
that the functional unit does not include blending in PU systems.
3.3 System boundary conditions
The APP product was modelled in a cradle-to-gate LCI system. Thus, the cradle-to-gate
LCI represents all life cycle processes from extraction of natural resources, up to the point
12

System description
where the product is ready for transportation to a customer. Packaging of the material is
not included. The construction of the APP-plant and equipment as well as the maintenance
of plants, vehicles and machinery is outside the LCI system boundaries of Eco-
Profiles.
The primary data from four major APP suppliers were collected and vertical averaging
was calculated, weighted by the yearly production tonnage of each chain. I.e. every single
production line was calculated separately according to data collected from the participants
of this study. The result of the Life Cycle Impact Assessment is then weighted according
to the total production amount of 2008. Hence the figures reflect the average of four actual
existing process chains.
3.4 Temporal, technological and geographical reference
Time related coverage: The LCI data for APP production are collected as 12 month averages
representing the year 2008. Background data have reference years from 2002 to
2008 although mostly coming from 2005 to 2008. If all data would be related to 2008, major
changes in the result are not expected, as technological breakthrough is not known for
refining, re-refining technology or one of the related up-stream technologies. The expected
temporal validity of the dataset: the data is considered to be sufficiently valid, till
the first significant change in the production chain will take place.
Geographical coverage: Primary production data for the APP production comes from
four different suppliers in the EU. Fuel and energy inputs in the system reflect the European
conditions, site specific to the extent possible. Therefore, the study results are intended
to be applicable in EU boundaries and need adjustments in order to be applied in
other regions.
Technological coverage: The APP production processes are modelled using specific
values, representing the specific technology for the four companies. The LCI data
represent technology in use in the defined production region employed by participating
producers. The considered participants cover 75-85 % of a total market of more than
100,000 t, so the technological coverage is understood as representative.
Primary data were used for all foreground processes (under operational control) complimented
with secondary data from background processes (under indirect management
control).
3.5 Cut-off rules
The cut-off criteria for the study include or exclude materials, energy and emissions data
as follows:
Mass – If a flow is less than 2 % of the cumulative mass of the model it may be excluded,
provided that its environmental relevance is not a concern.
Energy – If a flow is less than 2 % of the cumulative energy of the model it may be excluded,
provided that its environmental relevance is not a concern.
Environmental relevance – If a flow meets the above criteria for exclusion, yet is thought
to potentially have a significant environmental impact, it will be included. Material flows
which leave the system (emissions) and whose environmental impact is greater than 2 %
13

System description
of the whole impact of an impact category that has been considered in the assessment is
covered.
The sum of the neglected material flows does not exceed 5 % of mass, energy or environmental
relevance.
The average of the reported output mass flows of the four participants shows 97 % of the
input mass flows. 100 % of the material end energy flows, provided by the participants as
primary data, are integrated in the calculations.
3.6 Allocation
Allocation was applied for the production process of some participants, as minor byproducts
result from their specific APP-processing. The by-products have lower values
than the main product APP. The process intention is the production of APP only. Therefore
an economic allocation was applied according to current market prices, stated by the
relevant company.
In the refinery operations, co-production was addressed by applying allocation based on
mass and net calorific value [GaBi databases, 2006]. The chosen allocation in refinery is
based on several sensitivity analyses, which was accompanied by petrochemical experts.
The relevance and influence of possible other allocation keys in this context is small.
In steam cracking allocation according to net calorific value is applied. Relevance of other
allocation rules (mass) is below 2 %.
14

Data sources and quality
4 Data sources and quality
4.1 Data collection and source of data
Gate-to-gate APP production: primary data
European producers act as a main source of data for the production of Aromatic Polyester
Polyols on the basis of a direct questionnaire. Primary data on gate-to-gate APP production
is derived from site specific information for processes under operational control supplied
by the participating companies of this study. Four different APP producers are participating
in the primary data collection.
Upstream supply chain data:
The data for the upstream supply chain until the precursors are taken from the database
of the software system GaBi 4. All relevant background data such as energy and auxiliary
material are also taken from the GaBi 4 database. Most of the background data used is
publicly available and public documentation exists [GABI 2006].
Carbon dioxide, which has been sequestrated by biomass is included in the calculation of
the balance. The overall considered input-flow of CO 2 as sink is 0.134 kg/kg APP. The
amount originates from biomass, directly used as raw material as well as from energy
which is generated from biomass. Many different small contributors sum up to the
0.134 kg/kg APP.
Special attention was paid to the appropriate specifications of related energy supply.
Based on the data from producers the following specific processes were modelled:
Country specific import mixes of resources and precursors
Country specific fuel mix and fuel import mixes
Country specific energy supply (depending on location of precursors and APP site)
After modelling the site-specific systems, the vertical average was calculated, weighted by
the production tonnage of each company.
The following companies participated in this study:
COIM GROUP
via A. Manzoni 28/32
20019 Settimo Milanese, Italy
www.coimgroup.com
INVISTA TM
Philipp Reis Str. 2
65795 Hattersheim, Germany
www.invista.com
Production site The Netherlands
15

Data sources and quality
Stepan Company
22 W. Frontage Rd
Northfield, Illinois 60093, USA
www.stepan.com
Production site Germany
SYNTHESIA INTERNACIONAL S.L.U.
c/Coure, 6 Àrea Industrial del Llobregat
08755 Castellbisbal (Barcelona), Spain
www.synthesia.eu
4.2 Data Quality
Data quality is judged by its precision (measured, calculated or estimated), completeness,
consistency (degree of uniformity of the methodology applied on a study serving as a data
source) and representativeness (geographical, time period, technology). To cover these
requirements and to ensure reliable results, first-hand data in combination with consistent,
background LCA information from the GaBi 4 database [GABI 2006] is used.
All considered pre-products are integrated into the calculation with their respective environmental
burden.
The background database of GaBi was initially set-up in 1991 and since then is frequently
updated and enlarged. A two-step quality assurance is applied. First, an internal expert
check by PE is performed and as a second step, an expert-check by the University of
Stuttgart takes place.
Additionally, an ongoing check by the users worldwide is done, comparing the GaBi data
to other data supply sources. The data sets have been used in LCA-models worldwide for
several years in industrial and scientific applications without any actual known negative
feedback on shortcomings from users.
4.2.1 Precision
As the relevant foreground data is primary data or modelled based on primary information
sources of the owner of the technology, better precision is not reachable within this goal
and scope. All background data is consistently GaBi professional data with the documented
(high) precision.
4.2.2 Accuracy
Primary data is collected with an accuracy of 0.01 kg.
4.2.3 Completeness
Primary data used for the gate-to-gate production of APP covers all related flows of in
accordance with the cut off criteria. Other data in the model that is coming from the GaBi 4
database covers all related flows accordingly to the system boundaries and cut off criteria.
There are not any missing data of known concern for the study.
16

Data sources and quality
4.2.4 Representativeness
The considered participants cover 75-85 % of a total market of more than 100,000 t in
2008. The selected background GaBi 4 data can be regarded as representative for the
intended purpose, as it is average data and not in the focus of the analysis.
4.2.5 Consistency
To ensure consistency only primary data of the same level of detail and background data
from the GaBi 4 databases are used. While building up the model cross-checks concerning
the plausibility of mass and energy flows are continuously conducted. The provided
primary data was checked by PE several times. Inconsistency could not be found.
4.2.6 Reproducibility
The study has been performed with the LCA software PE GaBi 4. GaBi software and associated
database integrate ISO 14040/48 requirements. All data and information used
are either documented in this report or they are available from the processes and process
plans designed within the PE GaBi 4 software. The reproducibility is given for internal use
since the owners of the technology provided the data and the models are stored and
available in a database. Sub-systems are modelled by ´state of art´ technology using data
from a publicly available and internationally used database. For the external audience it is
possible that full reproducibility in any degree of detail will not be available for confidentiality
reasons.
4.3 Data Validation
The data on APP production collected from the project partners was validated at PE IN-
TERNATIONAL and the data providing companies in an iterative process several times.
The collected data are validated using existing data from published sources [e.g. EYERER
1996, GABI 2006] or experts‟ knowledge from PE INTERNATIONAL and LBP.
The background information from the GaBi 4 database is updated regularly and validated
in principle daily by the various users worldwide.
17

Description of the System
5 Description of the System
The production of APP can be done in different ways. The four participants start from diverse
raw materials. The flow chart in Figure 5-1 shows the relevant materials. Primary
data refer to the “black box” process of esterification; data of the manufacturers are stated
as overall figures for the gate-to-gate process. Background data for the pre-products origins
from the GaBi 4 data base and complement the process chain.
Waste streams of the APP-process itself cross the system boundaries. Due to lack of further
information on the waste streams as e.g. heating value or physical treatment, the
waste treatment is not considered in this study.
Figure 5-1:
Esterification process for the production of Aromatic Polyester Polyols
The raw materials used for the production of APP are listed in Table 5-1.
As the companies‟ processes require different raw materials according to the respective
process version, only parts of the raw materials‟ list are used respectively.
18

Description of the System
Table 5-1:
Raw materials’ list for APP-production
Raw material
Dimethyl terephtalate (DMT)
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)
Phthalic Anhydride (PA)
Polyethylene glycol (PEG)
Diethylene glycol (DEG)
Catalyst
Additives
Flame retardants
Functionality enhancers
Due to confidentiality reasons details on software modelling and methods used cannot be
shown here. The calculation follows the vertical calculation methodology, i.e. that the averaging
is done after modelling the specific processes. Restrictions on competition and
confidentiality do not allow displaying and describing the systems and analysing details.
19

Life Cycle Inventory for APPs with Flame Retardant
6 Life Cycle Inventory for APPs with Flame Retardant
The Life Cycle Inventory shows the results of the cradle-to-gate process for the production
of 1 kg APP with flame retardant (see page 31 for APPs without flame retardant).
6.1 Energy Data
Table 6-1 lists data for the primary energy demand (gross calorific value) broken down to
the types and areas the energy is used for.
Table 6-1:
Primary energy for
Primary energy input (gross calorific value) required to produce 1 kg of
APP (split into energy types)
[MJ]
Electricity in APP production 1.6
Thermal energy in APP production 2.8
Pre-products as input in APP production 72.4
Water / sewage treatment in APP production 0.2
Total 77.0
Table 6-2 shows the primary energy demand (gross calorific value) divided into energy
content of the energy carrier, including the fuel production and delivery, and the feedstock
energy, contained in the raw materials, used for the APP production.
Transportation processes are not considered. Transport of pre-products cannot be standardized
as industry sites may be manifold. Sensitivity analysis show, that transports contribute
mainly only up to 2 %. Assuming a transport of 1000 km in the product chain (truck
with 27 t payload, EURO 4) the emissions result in about 0.05 kg CO 2 -eq. (compared to
2,77 kg CO 2 -eq. for APP, chapter 7).. The effort for data investigation is not commensurate
with the increase of supposed accurateness of the results.
Table 6-2:
Primary energy
Primary energy input (gross calorific value) required to produce 1 kg of
APP (split into energy content)
[MJ]
Energy content of fuel (incl. fuel production and delivery) 31.5
Feedstock energy 45.6
Total 77.0
20

Life Cycle Inventory for APPs with Flame Retardant
Table 6-3:
Primary energy input (gross calorific value) required to produce 1 kg of
APP (referring to primary energy resources)
Energy carrier
Energy content
of fuel [MJ]
Feedstock
energy [MJ]
Total [MJ]
Lignite 2.5 2.5
Natural gas 2.6 12.6 15.2
Crude oil 17.6 33.0 50.6
Hard coal 2. 9 2.9
Uranium 3.7 3.7
Wood 2.3E-04 2.3E-04
Renewable fuels 6.7E-08 6.7E-08
Primary energy from geothermics 1.7E-02 1.7E-02
Primary energy from solar energy 1.5 1.5
Primary energy from hydro power 0.3 0.3
Primary energy from wind power 0.2 0.2
Total 31.5 45.6 77.0
Table 6-4:
Primary energy input (expressed as mass)
Energy carrier
[kg]
Lignite 0.2
Natural gas 0.3
Crude oil 1.1
Hard coal 0.1
Uranium
Wood
Renewable fuels
6.7E-06
1.4E-05
4.0E-09
Total 1.8
21

Life Cycle Inventory for APPs with Flame Retardant
6.2 Raw Materials Input
Table 6-5:
Raw material input to produce 1 kg of APP
Raw material
Barium sulphate
Basalt
Bauxite
Bentonite
Calcium chloride
Chromium ore
Clay
Colemanite ore
Copper - Gold - Silver - ore (1.0% Cu; 0.4 g/t Au; 66 g/t Ag)
Copper - Gold - Silver - ore (1.1% Cu; 0.01 g/t Au; 2.86 g/t Ag)
Copper - Gold - Silver - ore (1.16% Cu; 0.002 g/t Au; 1.06 g/t Ag)
Copper - Molybdenum - Gold - Silver - ore (1.13% Cu; 0.02% Mo;
0.01 g/t Au; 2.86 g/t Ag)
Copper ore (0.14%)
Copper ore (1.2%)
Copper ore (4%)
Copper ore (sulphidic)
Dolomite
Ferro manganese
Fluorspar (calcium fluoride; fluorite)
Gravel
Gypsum (natural gypsum)
Heavy spar (barytes)
Imenite (titanium ore)
Inert rock
Iron
Iron ore
Iron ore (65%)
Kaolin ore
Lead
Lead - zinc - ore (4.6%-0.6%)
[kg]
4.09E-14
4.73E-05
5.32E-05
1.85E-03
4.19E-12
3.29E-06
4.68E-04
5.99E-07
2.43E-06
1.48E-06
8.35E-07
2.03E-06
3.52E-04
2.52E-07
9.40E-16
1.11E-12
3.54E-08
2.00E-16
1.39E-05
5.62E-03
9.00E-05
4.48E-03
2.45E-06
3.30E+00
2.56E-07
2.35E-03
6.66E-07
1.08E-06
3.99E-16
6.38E-04
22

Life Cycle Inventory for APPs with Flame Retardant
Lead - zinc - silver - ore (5.49% Pb; 12.15% Zn; 57.4 gpt Ag)
Limestone (calcium carbonate)
Magnesit (Magnesium carbonate)
Magnesium chloride leach (40%)
Manganese ore
Manganese ore (R.O.M.)
Molybdenite (Mo 0.24%)
Nickel ore
Nickel ore (1.6%)
Olivine
Ore (antimony and gold)
Peat
Phosphate ore
Phosphorus minerals
Phosphorus ore (29% P2O5)
Potassium chloride
Potassium salt
Precious metal ore (R.O.M)
Quartz sand (silica sand; silicon dioxide)
Raw pumice
Rhodium
Rutil
Silicon
Slate
Sodium chloride (rock salt)
Sodium sulphate
Soil
Sulphur
Sulphur (bonded)
Talc
Tin ore
Titanium ore
Zinc - copper ore (4.07%-2.59%)
Zinc - lead - copper ore (12%-3%-2%)
8.04E-11
8.41E-02
5.31E-09
4.03E-03
6.34E-07
2.18E-03
1.26E-06
1.82E-07
7.29E-05
2.20E-15
8.76E-07
1.79E-04
6.51E-03
2.18E-09
3.92E-02
5.01E-04
2.72E-02
4.14E-08
1.02E-02
1.04E-07
5.59E-13
0.00E+00
3.87E-12
3.69E-15
2.72E-02
0.00E+00
1.19E-02
4.74E-10
2.43E-10
1.87E-08
3.55E-15
3.38E-07
2.02E-04
5.87E-05
23

Life Cycle Inventory for APPs with Flame Retardant
Zinc - lead ore (4.21%-4.96%)
Zinc ore (sulphide)
3.21E-16
3.95E-15
6.3 Water Consumption
Table 6-6:
Water source
Water consumption to produce 1 kg of APP (without circulated cooling
water)
[kg]
Water (unspecified)
Water (river water)
Water (ground water)
Water (sea water)
Water (surface water)
Water (lake water)
Water (potable water)
Water (bank filtrate)
Total
8.41E-02
0.00E+00
6.36E+00
4.62E-02
5.92E+00
1.16E-18
5.34E-07
7.08E-12
1.24E+01
24

Life Cycle Inventory for APPs with Flame Retardant
6.4 Air Emission Data
Table 6-7:
Emission
Air emissions associated with the production of 1 kg of APP
[kg]
Inorganic emissions
Ammonia
Ammonium
Ammonium nitrate
Argon
Barium
Beryllium
Born coumponds
Boron
Bromine
Carbon dioxide
Carbon disulphide
Carbon monoxide
Chloride (unspecified)
Chlorine
Cyanide (unspecified)
Fluoride (unspecified)
Fluorides
Fluorine
Helium
Hydrogen
Hydrogen chloride
Hydrogen cyanide (prussic acid)
Hydrogen fluoride
Hydrogen iodide
Hydrogen phosphorous
Hydrogen sulphide
Hydrogene Bromine
Lead dioxide
Nitrogen (atmospheric nitrogen)
Nitrogen dioxide
6.88E-05
1.79E-11
1.43E-12
2.70E-14
2.94E-06
7.36E-10
1.30E-06
1.59E-18
3.37E-07
2.71E+00
1.12E-11
1.05E-03
4.78E-06
3.00E-05
5.05E-08
4.13E-07
1.22E-06
4.64E-10
8.25E-09
4.90E-05
1.47E-05
9.49E-10
2.05E-06
3.00E-12
1.72E-13
1.24E-05
2.76E-09
1.46E-13
5.19E-03
1.57E-06
25

Life Cycle Inventory for APPs with Flame Retardant
Nitrogen monoxide
Nitrogen oxides
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
Oxygen
Scandium
Strontium
Sulphur dioxide
Sulphur hexafluoride
Sulphuric acid
Tin oxide
Water vapour
Zinc oxide
Zinc sulphate
0.00E+00
3.41E-03
1.54E-04
7.36E-04
7.51E-13
3.02E-11
3.59E-03
1.02E-11
2.16E-09
1.27E-14
3.46E+00
2.54E-14
5.20E-10
Organic emissions
Group PAH
Anthracene
Benzo(a)anthracene
Benzo(a)pyrene
Benzo(ghi)perylene
Benzofluorantene
Chrysene
Dibenz(a)anthracene
Indenopyrene
Naphthalene
Penanthrene
Polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons
7.49E-11
3.77E-11
3.66E-10
3.36E-11
6.72E-11
9.25E-11
2.09E-11
2.50E-11
7.86E-09
2.47E-09
1.54E-06
Halogenated organic emissions
Dichlormethane (methylene chlorid)
Dioxins (unspec.)
Halogenated hydrocarbons (unspecified)
Organic chlorine compounds (unspecific)
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB unspecified)
Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (2,3,7,8 - TCDD)
R 11 (trichlorofluoroethane)
1.62E-15
2.01E-15
7.99E-16
7.16E-13
4.67E-11
7.47E-14
4.85E-08
26

Life Cycle Inventory for APPs with Flame Retardant
R 114 (dichlorotetrafuoroethane)
R116 (hecafluoroethane)
R 12 (dichlorodifluoromethane)
R 13 (chlorotrifluoromethane)
R 22 (chlorodifluoromethane)
Tetrafluoromethane (chloroform)
Vinyl chloride (VCM)
4.96E-08
1.86E-14
1.04E-08
6.54E-09
1.14E-08
2.65E-10
9.38E-09
NMVOC
Acetaldehyde (Ethanal)
Acetic acid
Acetone (dimethylcetone)
Acrolein
Aldehyde (unspecified)
Alkane (unspecified)
Alkene (unspecified)
Aromatic hydrocarbons (unspecified)
Benzene
Butadiene
Butane
Butane (n-butane)
Cumene
Cyclohexane (hexahydro benzene)
Diethyl amine (ethylene ethane amine)
Ethane
Ethanol
Ethene (ethylene)
Ethyl benzene
Fluoranthene
Fluorene
Formaldehyde (methanal)
Heptane (isomers)
Hexamethylene diamine (HMDA)
Hexane (isomers)
Mercaptan (unspecified)
2.30E-06
2.49E-04
5.28E-10
1.62E-08
1.01E-05
1.76E-06
8.82E-07
2.60E-06
1.43E-11
8.50E-05
2.51E-06
9.06E-18
2.56E-10
3.56E-16
9.13E-06
4.44E-06
3.13E-08
1.34E-06
2.44E-10
7.74E-10
9.17E-06
2.46E-06
8.41E-13
1.76E-05
1.24E-07
1.77E-03
27

Life Cycle Inventory for APPs with Flame Retardant
Methanol
NMVOC (unspecified)
Octane
Pentane (n-pentane)
Phenol (hydroxy benzene)
Propane
Propene (propylene)
Propionic acid (propane acid)
Styrene
Toluene (methyl benzene)
Trimethylbenzene
Xylene (dimethyl benzene)
1.72E-03
1.35E-06
3.47E-05
1.34E-11
3.81E-04
1.20E-07
1.23E-10
2.83E-13
6.45E-07
1.24E-13
5.57E-04
6.02E-03
Others
Methane
VOC (unspecified)
6.02E-03
7.45E-07
Particles to air
Dust (PM2.5)
Dust (PM10)
Dust (unspecified)
Metals (unspecified)*
Radioactive emissions to air
Wood (dust)
5.63E-05
3.40E-05
1.70E-04
1.40E-12
5.67E-08
4.68E-12
* The value for unspecified metals originates from a multitude number of upstreamprocesses
(as energy generation). In the APP production metal dust is not emitted directly.
The human toxicity potential (HTP) for this output-flow can be approximated by the
value of PM10. The reported flow does not significantly contribute to the HTP (CML 2007).
28

Life Cycle Inventory for APPs with Flame Retardant
6.5 Wastewater Emission Data
Table 6-8:
Emission
Wastewater emission associated with the production of 1 kg of APP
[kg]
Adsorbable organic halogen compounds (AOX)
Biological oxygen demand (BOD)
Chemical oxygen demand (COD)
Total suspended solids (TSS)
Dissolved organic carbon (DOC)
Total organic carbon (TOC)
1.21E-06
5.24E-05
4.35E-03
9.48E-06
3.65E-11
2.00E-05
6.6 Solid Waste
Table 6-9:
Waste
Stockpile goods
Waste associated with the production of 1 kg of APP
[kg]
3.30E+00
Waste for deposition
Waste for recovery
Municipal waste
Hazardous waste for deposition
Hazardous waste for recovery
Radioactive waste
Total
3.62E-04
6.15E-03
8.44E-03
2.93E-02
1.29E-02
1.32E-03
3.36E+00
29

Life Cycle Impact Assessment for APPs with Flame Retardant
7 Life Cycle Impact Assessment for APPs with Flame Retardant
The Life Cycle Impact Assessment follows the methodology and characterisation factors
of CML updated 2007.
(see page 41 for APPs without flame retardant)
Table 7-1:
Environmental impact associated with the production of 1 kg of APP
Impact category
Abiotic Depletion Potential
Global Warming Potential
Acidification Potential
Eutrophication Potential
Ozone Depletion Potential
Photochemical Ozone Creation Potential
Primary Energy Demand (fossil) (gross cal. value)
Primary Energy Demand (renewable) (gross cal. value)
Primary Energy Demand (total) (gross cal. value)
0.03 kg Sb-Eq.
2.77 kg CO 2 -Eq.
6.16E-03 kg SO 2 -Eq.
1.09E-03 kg PO 3- 4 Eq.
9.96E-08 kg R11-Eq.
1.96E-03 kg C 2 H 2 -Eq.
74.97 MJ
2.06 MJ
77.03 MJ
30

Supplement Data for APP without Flame Retardants
8 Supplement Data for APP without Flame Retardants
APP is available on the market with and without flame retardants. This part supplements
the above shown data. The results cover the cradle-to-gate process for the production of
1 kg APP without flame retardants (see page 20 for APPs with flame retardant).
The process chain of flame retardants also contains some credits. Therefore it may happen
that specific values of APP without flame retardant are slightly higher than the respective
values for APP with flame retardants.
8.1 Energy Data
Table 8-1 lists data for the primary energy demand (gross calorific value) broken down to
the types and areas the energy is used for.
Table 8-1:
Primary energy for
Primary energy input (gross calorific value) required to produce 1 kg of
APP (without flame retardant), (split into energy types)
[MJ]
Electricity in APP production 1.6
Thermal energy in APP production 2.8
Pre-products as input in APP production 69.5
Water / sewage treatment in APP production 0.2
Total 74.1
Table 8-2:
Primary energy
Primary energy input (gross calorific value) required to produce 1 kg of
APP (without flame retardant), (split into energy content)
[MJ]
Energy content of fuel (incl. fuel production and delivery) 29.3
Feedstock energy 44.8
Total 74.1
31

Supplement Data for APP without Flame Retardants
Table 8-3:
Primary energy input (gross calorific value) required to produce 1 kg of
APP (without flame retardant), (referring to primary energy resources)
Energy carrier
Energy content
of fuel [MJ]
Feedstock
energy [MJ]
Total [MJ]
Lignite 2.2 2.2
Natural gas 1.9 12.3 14.3
Crude oil 17.4 32.5 49.9
Hard coal 2.5 2.5
Uranium 3.3 3.3
Wood 2.1E-04 2.1E-04
Renewable fuels 7.8E-08* 7.8E-08*
Primary energy from geothermics 1.7E-02 1.7E-02
Primary energy from solar energy 1.5 1.5
Primary energy from hydro power 0.3 0.3
Primary energy from wind power 0.2 0.2
Total 29.3 44.8 74.1
Table 8-4:
Primary energy input (expressed as mass)
Energy carrier
[kg]
Lignite 0.2
Natural gas 0.3
Crude oil 1.1
Hard coal 0.1
Uranium
Wood
Renewable fuels
6.0E-06
1.3E-05
4.7E-09*
Total 1.7
32

Supplement Data for APP without Flame Retardants
8.2 Raw Materials Input
Table 8-5:
Raw material
Barium sulphate
Basalt
Bauxite
Bentonite
Calcium chloride
Chromium ore
Clay
Colemanite ore
Raw material input to produce 1 kg of APP (without flame retardant)
[kg]
4.06E-14
4.45E-05
3.00E-05
1.79E-03
4.16E-12
2.97E-06
4.54E-04
5.35E-07
Copper - Gold - Silver - ore (1,0% Cu; 0,4 g/t Au; 66 g/t Ag)
Copper - Gold - Silver - ore (1,1% Cu; 0,01 g/t Au; 2,86 g/t Ag)
Copper - Gold - Silver - ore (1,16% Cu; 0,002 g/t Au; 1,06 g/t Ag)
2.19E-06
1.33E-06
7.53E-07
Copper - Molybdenum - Gold - Silver - ore (1,13% Cu; 0,02% Mo;
0,01 g/t Au; 2,86 g/t Ag) 1.84E-06
Copper ore (0.14%)
Copper ore (1.2%)
Copper ore (4%)
Copper ore (sulphidic)
Dolomite
Ferro manganese
Fluorspar (calcium fluoride; fluorite)
Gravel
Gypsum (natural gypsum)
Heavy spar (barytes)
Imenite (titanium ore)
Inert rock
Iron
Iron ore
Iron ore (65%)
Kaolin ore
Lead
Lead - zinc - ore (4,6%-0,6%)
2.76E-04
2.27E-07
8.97E-16
1.06E-12
3.26E-08
1.98E-16
1.39E-05
5.26E-03
8.63E-05
4.33E-03
1.15E-06
2.82E+00
1.35E-07
2.09E-03
9.86E-07
9.60E-07
3.96E-16
5.50E-04
33

Supplement Data for APP without Flame Retardants
Lead - zinc - silver - ore (5,49% Pb; 12,15% Zn; 57,4 gpt Ag)
Limestone (calcium carbonate)
Magnesit (Magnesium carbonate)
Magnesium chloride leach (40%)
Manganese ore
Manganese ore (R.O.M.)
Molybdenite (Mo 0,24%)
Nickel ore
Nickel ore (1.6%)
Olivine
Ore (antimony and gold)
Peat
Phosphate ore
Phosphorus minerals
Phosphorus ore (29% P2O5)
Potassium chloride
Potassium salt
Precious metal ore (R.O.M)
Quartz sand (silica sand; silicon dioxide)
Raw pumice
Rhodium
Rutil
Silicon
Slate
Sodium chloride (rock salt)
Sodium sulphate
Soil
Sulphur
Sulphur (bonded)
Talc
Tin ore
Titanium ore
Zinc - copper ore (4.07%-2.59%)
Zinc - lead - copper ore (12%-3%-2%)
8.04E-11
5.32E-02
5.24E-09
3.09E-03
5.71E-07
1.36E-05
1.14E-06
1.82E-07
6.51E-05
2.18E-15
8.76E-07
1.70E-04
6.51E-03
2.08E-09
7.35E-04
5.01E-04
2.32E-02
2.26E-07
1.35E-03
9.32E-08
5.59E-13
0.00E+00
3.87E-12
3.67E-15
1.46E-02
0.00E+00
5.47E-03
4.67E-10
2.40E-10
1.67E-08
3.52E-15
0.00E+00
1.63E-04
4.94E-05
34

Supplement Data for APP without Flame Retardants
Zinc - lead ore (4.21%-4.96%)
Zinc ore (sulphide)
3.06E-16
1.05E-14
8.3 Water Consumption
Table 8-6:
Water source
Water consumption to produce 1 kg of APP (without flame retardant),
(without circulated cooling water)
[kg]
Water (unspecified)
Water (river water)
Water (ground water)
Water (sea water)
Water (surface water)
Water (lake water)
Water (potable water)
Water (bank filtrate)
Total
6.92E-02
0.00E+00
5.51E+00
4.56E-02
5.82E+00
1.16E-18
2.54E-07
5.22E-12
1.09E+01
35

Supplement Data for APP without Flame Retardants
8.4 Air Emission Data
Table 8-7:
Emission
Air emissions associated with the production of 1 kg of APP (without
flame retardant)
[kg]
Inorganic emissions
Ammonia
Ammonium
Ammonium nitrate
Argon
Barium
Beryllium
Born coumponds
Boron
Bromine
Carbon dioxide
Carbon disulphide
Carbon monoxide
Chloride (unspecified)
Chlorine
Cyanide (unspecified)
Fluoride (unspecified)
Fluorides
Fluorine
Helium
Hydrogen
Hydrogen chloride
Hydrogen cyanide (prussic acid)
Hydrogen fluoride
Hydrogen iodide
Hydrogen phosphorous
Hydrogen sulphide
Hydrogene Bromine
Lead dioxide
Nitrogen (atmospheric nitrogen)
6.82E-05
1.65E-11
1.41E-12
2.70E-14
2.84E-06
6.53E-10
1.15E-06
1.59E-18
2.98E-07
2.53E+00
7.78E-12
8.29E-04
3.55E-06
1.42E-05
4.98E-08
3.95E-07
1.20E-06
3.42E-10
9.20E-09
4.46E-05
1.33E-05
5.27E-10
1.82E-06
2.73E-12
1.58E-13
1.23E-05
2.51E-09
1.35E-13
4.99E-03
36

Supplement Data for APP without Flame Retardants
Nitrogen dioxide
Nitrogen monoxide
Nitrogen oxides
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
Oxygen
Scandium
Strontium
Sulphur dioxide
Sulphur hexafluoride
Sulphuric acid
Tin oxide
Water vapour
Zinc oxide
Zinc sulphate
1.57E-06
0.00E+00
3.17E-03
1.49E-04
7.02E-04
8.14E-13
3.24E-11
3.40E-03
9.40E-12
1.91E-09
1.17E-14
3.69E+00
2.34E-14
5.03E-10
Organic emissions
Group PAH
Anthracene
Benzo(a)anthracene
Benzo(a)pyrene
Benzo(ghi)perylene
Benzofluorantene
Chrysene
Dibenz(a)anthracene
Indenopyrene
Naphthalene
Penanthrene
Polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons
7.25E-11
3.65E-11
3.61E-10
3.25E-11
6.51E-11
8.96E-11
2.03E-11
2.42E-11
7.61E-09
2.39E-09
1.53E-06
Halogenated organic emissions
Dichlormethane (methylene chlorid)
Dioxins (unspec.)
Halogenated hydrocarbons (unspecified)
Organic chlorine compounds (unspecific)
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB unspecified)
Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (2,3,7,8 - TCDD)
1.61E-15
1.95E-15
7.94E-16
7.05E-13
4.45E-11
6.31E-14
37

Supplement Data for APP without Flame Retardants
R 11 (trichlorofluoroethane)
R 114 (dichlorotetrafuoroethane)
R116 (hecafluoroethane)
R 12 (dichlorodifluoromethane)
R 13 (chlorotrifluoromethane)
R 22 (chlorodifluoromethane)
Tetrafluoromethane (chloroform)
Vinyl chloride (VCM)
4.33E-08
4.44E-08
1.86E-14
9.32E-09
5.85E-09
1.02E-08
2.40E-10
9.15E-09
NMVOC
Acetaldehyde (Ethanal)
Acetic acid
Acetone (dimethylcetone)
Acrolein
Aldehyde (unspecified)
Alkane (unspecified)
Alkene (unspecified)
Aromatic hydrocarbons (unspecified)
Benzene
Butadiene
Butane
Butane (n-butane)
Cumene
Cyclohexane (hexahydro benzene)
Diethyl amine (ethylene ethane amine)
Ethane
Ethanol
Ethene (ethylene)
Ethyl benzene
Fluoranthene
Fluorene
Formaldehyde (methanal)
Heptane (isomers)
Hexamethylene diamine (HMDA)
Hexane (isomers)
2.29E-06
2.27E-06
5.11E-10
1.51E-08
9.89E-06
1.61E-06
8.72E-07
2.49E-06
1.28E-11
8.26E-05
2.29E-06
9.06E-18
1.78E-10
3.22E-16
9.00E-06
2.41E-04
4.39E-06
3.07E-08
1.19E-06
2.36E-10
7.49E-10
8.86E-06
2.42E-06
7.51E-13
1.76E-05
38

Supplement Data for APP without Flame Retardants
Mercaptan (unspecified)
Methanol
NMVOC (unspecified)
Octane
Pentane (n-pentane)
Phenol (hydroxy benzene)
Propane
Propene (propylene)
Propionic acid (propane acid)
Styrene
Toluene (methyl benzene)
Trimethylbenzene
Xylene (dimethyl benzene)
1.21E-07
1.77E-03
1.69E-03
1.33E-06
3.33E-05
1.33E-11
3.73E-04
1.07E-07
1.20E-10
1.97E-13
5.78E-07
1.14E-13
5.56E-04
Others
Methane
VOC (unspecified)
5.75E-03
7.17E-07
Particles to air
Dust (PM2.5)
Dust (PM10)
Dust (unspecified)
Metals (unspecified)*
Radioactive emissions to air
Wood (dust)
5.07E-05
3.28E-05
8.70E-05
1.38E-12
5.08E-08
4.32E-12
* The value for unspecified metals originates from a multitude number of upstreamprocesses
(as energy generation). In the APP production metal dust is not emitted directly.
The human toxicity potential (HTP) for this output-flow can be approximated by the
value of PM10. The reported flow does not significantly contribute to the HTP (CML 2007).
39

Supplement Data for APP without Flame Retardants
8.5 Wastewater Emission Data
Table 8-8:
Emission
Wastewater emission associated with the production of 1 kg of APP
(without flame retardant)
[kg]
Adsorbable organic halogen compounds (AOX)
Biological oxygen demand (BOD)
Chemical oxygen demand (COD)
Total suspended solids (TSS)
Dissolved organic carbon (DOC)
Total organic carbon (TOC)
1.18E-06
5.08E-05
3.23E-03
8.60E-06
3.24E-11
1.96E-05
8.6 Solid Waste
Table 8-9:
Waste
Stockpile goods
Waste associated with the production of 1 kg of APP (without flame retardant)
[kg]
2.80E+00
Waste for deposition
Waste for recovery
Municipal waste
Hazardous waste for deposition
Hazardous waste for recovery
Radioactive waste
Total
2.89E-04
4.89E-03
8.22E-03
4.57E-03
1.11E-02
1.18E-03
2.83E+00
40

Retardant
Life Cycle Impact Assessment for APPs without Flame
9 Life Cycle Impact Assessment for APPs without Flame
Retardant
The Life Cycle Impact Assessment follows the methodology and characterisation factors
of CML updated 2007.
(see page 30 for APPs with flame retardant)
Table 9-1:
Environmental impact associated with the production of 1 kg of APP
(without flame retardant)
Impact category
Abiotic Depletion Potential
Global Warming Potential
Acidification Potential
Eutrophication Potential
Ozone Depletion Potential
Photochemical Ozone Creation Potential
Primary Energy Demand (fossil) (gross cal. value)
Primary Energy Demand (renewable) (gross cal. value)
Primary Energy Demand (total) (gross cal. value)
0.03 kg Sb-Eq.
2.58 kg CO 2 -Eq.
5.79E-03 kg SO 2 -Eq.
1.02E-03 kg PO 3- 4 Eq.
8.91E-08 kg R11-Eq.
1.93E-03 kg C 2 H 2 -Eq.
72.14 MJ
2.01 MJ
74.15 MJ
41

Literature
10 Literature
EYERER 1996
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IKP, Universität Stuttgart und PE Europe GmbH, Leinfelden-
Echterdingen, 2006.“
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GUINÈE ET AL. 2001
GUINÉE ET AL. 2002
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ISO 14021: 1999
ISO 14024: 1999
ISO 14025: 2006
Guinée, J. et. al. Handbook on Life Cycle Assessment - Operational
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ISO 14024 Environmental labels and declarations -- Type I environmental
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ISO 14025 Environmental labels and declarations -- Type III environmental
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ISO 14040: 2006 ISO 14040 Environmental Management – Life Cycle Assessment –
Principles and Framework. Geneva, 2006
ISO 14044: 2006 ISO 14044 Environmental management -- Life cycle assessment --
Requirements and guidelines. Geneva, 2006
ISO 14048: 2002 ISO 14048 Environmental management -- Life cycle assessment --
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ISO 14049: 2000 ISO 14049 Environmental management -- Life cycle assessment --
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KREISSIG & KÜMMEL
1999
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42

Supplement A
Supplement A Description of result parameters
Supplement A 1 Primary energy consumption
Primary energy demand is often difficult to determine due to the various types of energy
source. Primary energy demand is the quantity of energy directly withdrawn from the hydrosphere,
atmosphere or geosphere or energy source without any anthropogenic
change. For fossil fuels and uranium, this would be the amount of resource withdrawn
expressed in its energy equivalent (i.e. the energy content of the raw material). For renewable
resources, the energy-characterised amount of biomass consumed would be
described. For hydropower, it would be based on the amount of energy that is gained from
the change in the potential energy of the water (i.e. from the height difference). As aggregated
values, the following primary energies are designated:
The total “Primary energy consumption non-renewable”, given in MJ, essentially
characterises the gain from the energy sources natural gas, crude oil, lignite, coal and
uranium. Natural gas and crude oil will be used both for energy production and as material
constituents e.g. in plastics. Coal will primarily be used for energy production. Uranium will
only be used for electricity production in nuclear power stations.
The total “Primary energy consumption renewable”, given in MJ, is generally accounted
separately and comprises hydropower, wind power, solar energy and biomass.
It is important that the end energy (e.g. 1 kWh of electricity) and the primary energy used
are not miscalculated with each other; otherwise the efficiency for production or supply of
the end energy will not be accounted for.
The energy content of the manufactured products will be considered as feedstock energy
content. It will be characterised by the net calorific value of the product. It represents the
still usable energy content.
Supplement A 2 Global Warming Potential (GWP)
The mechanism of the greenhouse effect can be observed on a small scale, as the name
suggests, in a greenhouse. These effects are also occurring on a global scale. The occuring
short-wave radiation from the sun comes into contact with the earth‟s surface and is
partly absorbed (leading to direct warming) and partly reflected as infrared radiation. The
reflected part is absorbed by so-called greenhouse gases in the troposphere and is reradiated
in all directions, including back to earth. This results in a warming effect at the
earth‟s surface.
In addition to the natural mechanism, the greenhouse effect is enhanced by human activites.
Greenhouse gases that are considered to be caused, or increased, anthropogenically
are, for example, carbon dioxide, methane and CFCs. Figure A 1 shows the main
processes of the anthropogenic greenhouse effect. An analysis of the greenhouse effect
should consider the possible long term global effects.
43

Supplement A
The global warming potential is calculated
in carbon dioxide equivalents
(CO 2 -Eq.). This means that the greenhouse
potential of an emission is given
in relation to CO 2 Since the residence
time of the gases in the atmosphere is
incorporated into the calculation, a
time range for the assessment must
also be specified. A period of 100
years is customary.
UV - radiation
Infrared
radiation
Absorption
Reflection
CFCs
CO 2
CH 4
Figure A 1: Greenhouse effect
(KREISSIG & KÜMMEL 1999)
Trace gases in the atmosphere
Supplement A 3 Acidification Potential (AP)
The acidification of soils and waters occurs predominantly through the transformation of
air pollutants into acids. This leads to a decrease in the pH-value of rainwater and fog
from 5.6 to 4 and below. Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide and their respective acids
(H 2 SO 4 und HNO 3 ) produce relevant contributions. This damages ecosystems, whereby
forest dieback is the most well-known impact.
Acidification has direct and indirect damaging effects (such as nutrients being washed out
of soils or an increased solubility of metals into soils). But even buildings and building materials
can be damaged. Examples include metals and natural stones which are corroded
or disintegrated at an increased rate.
When analysing acidification, it should be considered that although it is a global problem,
the regional effects of acidification can vary. Figure A 2 displays the primary impact pathways
of acidification.
The acidification potential is given in
sulphur dioxide equivalents (SO 2 -Eq.).
The acidification potential is described
as the ability of certain substances to
build and release H + - ions. Certain
emissions can also be considered to
have an acidification potential, if the
given S-, N- and halogen atoms are
set in proportion to the molecular
mass of the emission. The reference
substance is sulpher dioxide.
H 2
SO 44
HNO 3
SO 2
Figure A 2: Acidification Potential
(KREISSIG & KÜMMEL 1999)
NO X
44

Supplement A
Supplement A 4 Eutrophication Potential (EP)
Eutrophication is the enrichment of nutrients in a certain place. Eutrophication can be
aquatic or terrestrial. Air pollutants, waste water and fertilization in agriculture all contribute
to eutrophication.
The result in water is an accelerated algae growth, which in turn, prevents sunlight from
reaching the lower depths. This leads to a decrease in photosynthesis and less oxygen
production. In addition, oxygen is needed for the decomposition of dead algae. Both effects
cause a decreased oxygen concentration in the water, which can eventually lead to
fish dying and to anaerobic decomposition (decomposition without the presence of oxygen).
Hydrogen sulphide and methane are thereby produced. This can lead, among others,
to the destruction of the eco-system.
On eutrophicated soils, an increased susceptibility of plants to diseases and pests is often
observed, as is a degradation of plant stability. If the nutrification level exceeds the
amounts of nitrogen necessary for a maximum harvest, it can lead to an enrichment of
nitrate. This can cause, by means of leaching, increased nitrate content in groundwater.
Nitrate also ends up in drinking water.
Nitrate at low levels is harmless from a
toxicological point of view. However,
nitrite, a reaction product of nitrate, is
toxic to humans. The causes of eutrophication
are displayed in Figure A 3.
The eutrophication potential is calculated
in phosphate equivalents
(PO 4 -Eq). As with acidification potential,
it‟s important to remember that the
effects of eutrophication potential differ
regionally.
NOX
Air pollution
N2O
NH3
Waste water
PO4
Figure A 3: Eutrophication Potential
(KREISSIG & KÜMMEL 1999)
-3
Fertilisation
NO3 - NH4+
45

Supplement A
Supplement A 5 Photochemical Ozone Creation Potential (POCP)
Despite playing a protective role in the stratosphere, at ground-level ozone is classified as
a damaging trace gas. Photochemical ozone production in the troposphere, also known as
summer smog, is suspected to damage vegetation and material. High concentrations of
ozone are toxic to humans.
Radiation from the sun and the presence of nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons incur complex
chemical reactions, producing aggressive reaction products, one of which is ozone.
Nitrogen oxides alone do not cause high ozone concentration levels.
Hydrocarbon emissions occur from incomplete combustion, in conjunction with petrol
(storage, turnover, refuelling etc.) or from solvents. High concentrations of ozone arise
when the temperature is high, humidity is low, when air is relatively static and when there
are high concentrations of hydrocarbons. Today it is assumed that the existance of NO
and CO reduces the accumulated ozone to NO 2 , CO 2 and O 2 . This means, that high concentrations
of ozone do not often occur near hydrocarbon emission sources. Higher ozone
concentrations more commonly arise in areas of clean air, such as forests, where there is
less NO and CO (Figure A 4).
In Life Cycle Assessments, photochemical
ozone creation potential
(POCP) is referred to in ethyleneequivalents
(C 2 H 4 -Äq.). When analyzing,
it‟s important to remember that the
actual ozone concentration is strongly
influenced by the weather and by the
characterristics of the local conditions.
Hydrocarbons
Nitrogen oxides
Ozone
Dry and warm
climate
Hydrocarbons
Nitrogen oxides
Figure A 4: Photochemical Ozone Creation Potential
(KREISSIG & KÜMMEL 1999)
Supplement A 6 Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP)
Ozone is created in the stratosphere by the disassociation of oxygen atoms that are exposed
to short-wave UV-light. This leads to the formation of the so-called ozone layer in
the stratosphere (15 - 50 km high). About 10 % of this ozone reaches the troposphere
through mixing processes. In spite of its minimal concentration, the ozone layer is essential
for life on earth. Ozone absorbs the short-wave UV-radiation and releases it in longer
wavelengths. As a result, only a small part of the UV-radiation reaches the earth.
Anthropogenic emissions deplete ozone. This is well-known from reports on the hole in
the ozone layer. The hole is currently confined to the region above Antarctica, however
another ozone depletion can be identified, albeit not to the same extent, over the midlatitudes
(e.g. Europe). The substances which have a depleting effect on the ozone can
essentially be divided into two groups; the fluorine-chlorine-hydrocarbons (CFCs) and the
nitrogen oxides (NOX). Figure A 5 depicts the procedure of ozone depletion.
One effect of ozone depletion is the warming of the earth's surface. The sensitivity of humans,
animals and plants to UV-B and UV-A radiation is of particular importance. Possible
46

Supplement A
effects are changes in growth or a decrease in harvest crops (disruption of photosynthesis),
indications of tumors (skin cancer and eye diseases) and decrease of sea plankton,
which would strongly affect the food chain. In calculating the ozone depletion potential, the
anthropogenically released halogenated hydrocarbons, which can destroy many ozone
molecules, are recorded first. The so-called Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) results from
the calculation of the potential of different ozone relevant substances.
This is done by calculating, first of all,
a scenario for a fixed quantity of
emissions of a CFC reference (CFC
11). This results in an equilibrium
state of total ozone reduction. The
same scenario is considered for each
substance under study whereby CFC
11 is replaced by the quantity of the
substance. This leads to the ozone
depletion potential for each respective
substance, which is given in CFC 11
equivalents. An evaluation of the
ozone depletion potential should take
into consideration the long term,
global and partly irreversible effects.
UV - radiation
Stratosphere
15 - 50 km Absorption Absorption
CFCs
Nitrogen oxide
Figure A 5: Ozone Depletion Potential
(KREISSIG & KÜMMEL 1999)
Supplement A 7 Abiotic Depletion Potential
The abiotic depletion potential covers all natural resources (incl. fossil energy carriers) as
metal containing ores, crude oil and mineral raw materials. Abiotic resources include all
raw materials from non-living resources that are non-renewable. This impact category
describes the reduction of the global amount of non-renewable raw materials. Nonrenewable
means a time frame of at least 500 years. This impact category covers an
evaluation of the availability of natural elements in general, as well as the availability of
fossil energy carriers. The reference substance for the characterisation factors is antimony.
47