Title:
Analysis of the Environmental Impacts of Different Options for Energy Utilisation of Cork Residues
Author(s):
Romero, P., Miranda, M.T., Valero, V., García, R., Arranz, J.I., Sepulveda, F.J., Montero, I.
Document(s):
Paper
Poster
Abstract:
Extremadura is one of the most important cork producers. The processing and transformation of this raw material into finished products results in the generation of various types of waste. It is key that waste is revalued by recovering and reusing it for other purposes to conserve the environment while maximizing the benefits of the Circular Economy. On the other hand, this contributes to the implementation of the Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC) following the objectives and targets of the Roadmap for a Resource Efficient Europe, in line with the 2030 Agenda adopted by the United Nations. This study analyses the impact of different waste recovery options from a cork industry located in the region of Extremadura from an environmental perspective. For this purpose, a life cycle assessment (LCA) was carried out. The functional unit selected was the production of 1 MJ of primary energy through the recovery of cork with the different technologies studied, and a final comparison was made between them. CO2 emissions balance of any of the cork waste treatment options can be considered very positive, ranging between 95 and 170 kg CO2 eq. The effective impact of the correct management of waste to produce energy can be seen.
Keywords:
biomass, energy, waste, cork, circular economy, life cycle assessment (LCA)
Topic:
Sustainability, Impacts and Policies
Subtopic:
Environmental impacts
Event:
30th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
2AV.3.13
Pages:
368 - 376
ISBN:
978-88-89407-22-6
Paper DOI:
10.5071/30thEUBCE2022-2AV.3.13
Price:
FREE
