Abstract
The goal of this study was to assess the environmental impact of cellulose carbamate fiber production, using discarded cotton textiles as raw material, and compare the results to reference cotton and viscose fibers. Life cycle inventory and assessment was conducted for two production process scenarios within a cradle-to-gate system. Carbon footprint, water use, and water scarcity footprint were assessed. The results show that the carbon footprint of a cellulose carbamate factory integrated with a pulp mill, and that recycles water and chemicals in energy-intensive operations, is comparable to viscose production in Europe. Cellulose carbamate fiber production consumes less than 2% and 25% of the water consumed by cotton and viscose fiber production, respectively. For a factory located in Äänekoski in Finland, the water scarcity footprint was 15 m 3 water eq. per 1000 kg carbamate fiber. For Augsburg, Germany, a likely alternative location, the water scarcity footprint was 18 m 3 water eq. per 1000 kg carbamate fiber. Carbon footprint and local impact of water use give information that can be utilized to determine optimal locations for a carbamate factory. The study also indicated that discarded cotton textiles can be used as a cellulosic feedstock without increasing the carbon footprint and water use compared to the commercial viscose process. Additionally, by using cellulose carbamate technology, occupational health risks and the environmental burden of carbon disulfide and hydrogen sulfide emissions from viscose process vents can be avoided.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 871-881 |
| Number of pages | 11 |
| Journal | Journal of Cleaner Production |
| Volume | 222 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 10 Jun 2019 |
| MoE publication type | Not Eligible |
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Keywords
- Carbon footprint
- Life cycle inventory
- Regenerated cellulose
- Water scarcity footprint
Cite this
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Environmental impact of cellulose carbamate fibers from chemically recycled cotton. / Paunonen, Sara (Corresponding Author); Kamppuri, Taina; Katajainen, Leena; Hohenthal, Catharina; Heikkilä, Pirjo; Harlin, Ali.
In: Journal of Cleaner Production, Vol. 222, 10.06.2019, p. 871-881.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Scientific › peer-review
TY - JOUR
T1 - Environmental impact of cellulose carbamate fibers from chemically recycled cotton
AU - Paunonen, Sara
AU - Kamppuri, Taina
AU - Katajainen, Leena
AU - Hohenthal, Catharina
AU - Heikkilä, Pirjo
AU - Harlin, Ali
PY - 2019/6/10
Y1 - 2019/6/10
N2 - The goal of this study was to assess the environmental impact of cellulose carbamate fiber production, using discarded cotton textiles as raw material, and compare the results to reference cotton and viscose fibers. Life cycle inventory and assessment was conducted for two production process scenarios within a cradle-to-gate system. Carbon footprint, water use, and water scarcity footprint were assessed. The results show that the carbon footprint of a cellulose carbamate factory integrated with a pulp mill, and that recycles water and chemicals in energy-intensive operations, is comparable to viscose production in Europe. Cellulose carbamate fiber production consumes less than 2% and 25% of the water consumed by cotton and viscose fiber production, respectively. For a factory located in Äänekoski in Finland, the water scarcity footprint was 15 m 3 water eq. per 1000 kg carbamate fiber. For Augsburg, Germany, a likely alternative location, the water scarcity footprint was 18 m 3 water eq. per 1000 kg carbamate fiber. Carbon footprint and local impact of water use give information that can be utilized to determine optimal locations for a carbamate factory. The study also indicated that discarded cotton textiles can be used as a cellulosic feedstock without increasing the carbon footprint and water use compared to the commercial viscose process. Additionally, by using cellulose carbamate technology, occupational health risks and the environmental burden of carbon disulfide and hydrogen sulfide emissions from viscose process vents can be avoided.
AB - The goal of this study was to assess the environmental impact of cellulose carbamate fiber production, using discarded cotton textiles as raw material, and compare the results to reference cotton and viscose fibers. Life cycle inventory and assessment was conducted for two production process scenarios within a cradle-to-gate system. Carbon footprint, water use, and water scarcity footprint were assessed. The results show that the carbon footprint of a cellulose carbamate factory integrated with a pulp mill, and that recycles water and chemicals in energy-intensive operations, is comparable to viscose production in Europe. Cellulose carbamate fiber production consumes less than 2% and 25% of the water consumed by cotton and viscose fiber production, respectively. For a factory located in Äänekoski in Finland, the water scarcity footprint was 15 m 3 water eq. per 1000 kg carbamate fiber. For Augsburg, Germany, a likely alternative location, the water scarcity footprint was 18 m 3 water eq. per 1000 kg carbamate fiber. Carbon footprint and local impact of water use give information that can be utilized to determine optimal locations for a carbamate factory. The study also indicated that discarded cotton textiles can be used as a cellulosic feedstock without increasing the carbon footprint and water use compared to the commercial viscose process. Additionally, by using cellulose carbamate technology, occupational health risks and the environmental burden of carbon disulfide and hydrogen sulfide emissions from viscose process vents can be avoided.
KW - Carbon footprint
KW - Life cycle inventory
KW - Regenerated cellulose
KW - Water scarcity footprint
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85063356198&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.03.063
DO - 10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.03.063
M3 - Article
VL - 222
SP - 871
EP - 881
JO - Journal of Cleaner Production
JF - Journal of Cleaner Production
SN - 0959-6526
ER -