Around 80 chemicals needed completely new datasets. Around 200 new
chemicals unit process datasets were created. The industry stakeholders group
discussion involved in the PEF pilot phase was organised jointly with the creation
of these datasets. The short timeframe made the collaboration difficult, but several
sources provided data. A framework model that provides a unit process result, was
created in a way that each part of the process is adaptable. Thanks to the “modular
model” approach chosen, the datasets can be upgraded on specific topics when data
becomes available. A stoichiometric model of the reactions was required, with
reactants and other reagents. Average values for yield, heat electricity, water and
supporting processes were available from industry reports. The air emission model
was based on vapour pressure, filtering systems and toxicity. The waste water
treatment model used determines the water emissions. Previous models existed but
all aspects of the new model have been updated and extended for this project.
The project was an interesting combination of data format and data requirement
issues and high efficiency data generation. The flexible model of chemical unit
processes allows users to work with various data availabilities. The model is
accessible, with all values and sources. The datasets list source types and
acknowledge industry sources in coordination with the data providers. The data are
now used in the PEF pilot projects, and many will also be published in the
upcoming ecoinvent 3.4 [2].
4 PlasticsEurope Experience in Managing Information
Along the Value Chain for RA and LCA
Risk assessments are carried out by PlasticsEurope members for each substance. It
takes the form of lists of substances with maximum limit of concentration or
migration. The full chemical composition of the plastics must be known, including
traces of starting substances, additives, impurities at very low thresholds. The
information must be transmitted in the supply chain so that the one putting the
packed product on the market has the data on the plastics available. When there is
no sectorial organisation, each actor interprets differently the requirements of
information and sends questionnaires upstream. They are all different and tend to
ask more than required. Suppliers hesitates to send information downstream since
they are afraid of misinterpretation and misuse due to the fear of being challenged
(substance ban, deselection…). There is a need for a common playing field in the
supply chain with a common interpretation of regulation, mutual understanding,
respect of confidentiality and trust.
The situation for life cycle inventory data is similar: confidentiality issues protection of competitiveness and know-how, competition law with a large grey zone
of interpretation, fear of giving readability on costs and of being deselected, etc.
That means also here it is primordial to build mutual understanding and trust. The
global guidance principles on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) databases are a good
Improving the Life Cycle Performance of Chemical Products …
97
chemicals unit process datasets were created. The industry stakeholders group
discussion involved in the PEF pilot phase was organised jointly with the creation
of these datasets. The short timeframe made the collaboration difficult, but several
sources provided data. A framework model that provides a unit process result, was
created in a way that each part of the process is adaptable. Thanks to the “modular
model” approach chosen, the datasets can be upgraded on specific topics when data
becomes available. A stoichiometric model of the reactions was required, with
reactants and other reagents. Average values for yield, heat electricity, water and
supporting processes were available from industry reports. The air emission model
was based on vapour pressure, filtering systems and toxicity. The waste water
treatment model used determines the water emissions. Previous models existed but
all aspects of the new model have been updated and extended for this project.
The project was an interesting combination of data format and data requirement
issues and high efficiency data generation. The flexible model of chemical unit
processes allows users to work with various data availabilities. The model is
accessible, with all values and sources. The datasets list source types and
acknowledge industry sources in coordination with the data providers. The data are
now used in the PEF pilot projects, and many will also be published in the
upcoming ecoinvent 3.4 [2].
4 PlasticsEurope Experience in Managing Information
Along the Value Chain for RA and LCA
Risk assessments are carried out by PlasticsEurope members for each substance. It
takes the form of lists of substances with maximum limit of concentration or
migration. The full chemical composition of the plastics must be known, including
traces of starting substances, additives, impurities at very low thresholds. The
information must be transmitted in the supply chain so that the one putting the
packed product on the market has the data on the plastics available. When there is
no sectorial organisation, each actor interprets differently the requirements of
information and sends questionnaires upstream. They are all different and tend to
ask more than required. Suppliers hesitates to send information downstream since
they are afraid of misinterpretation and misuse due to the fear of being challenged
(substance ban, deselection…). There is a need for a common playing field in the
supply chain with a common interpretation of regulation, mutual understanding,
respect of confidentiality and trust.
The situation for life cycle inventory data is similar: confidentiality issues protection of competitiveness and know-how, competition law with a large grey zone
of interpretation, fear of giving readability on costs and of being deselected, etc.
That means also here it is primordial to build mutual understanding and trust. The
global guidance principles on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) databases are a good
Improving the Life Cycle Performance of Chemical Products …
97