Will paper recycling reduce the environmental impact of the European pulp and paper sector? If so, is maximal paper recycling the best policy to optimize the life cycle of the pulp and paper sector? We explore these questions using an approach that combines materials accounting methods and optimization techniques. Environmental impact data are inputs for a linear programming network flow model to find optimal configurations for the sector. These configurations consist of a mix of different pulping technologies, a geographical distribution of pulp and paper production, and a level of recycling consistent with the lowest environmental impacts. We use the model to analyse scenarios with different recycling strategies. Recycling offers a reduction in environmental impact in regions with a high population and a large production of paper and board products. Regions with a large production of graphic products should focus on cleaner virgin pulp production with energy recovery. We conclude that relocation of paper production also offers a reduction in environmental impact. However, the severe effects on the economy make this policy less attractive than a combination of recycling, cleaner pulp production and energy recovery.
Download Info
To download:
If you experience problems downloading a file, check if you have the
proper application to
view it first. Information about this may be contained
in the File-Format links below. In case of further problems read
the IDEAS help
page. Note that these files are not on the IDEAS
site. Please be patient as the files may be large.
As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to look for a different version under "Related research" (further below) or search for a different version of it.
Publisher Info
Article provided by Elsevier in its journal Omega.
Volume (Year): 24 (1996) Issue (Month): 6 (December) Pages: 615-629 Download reference. The following formats are available: HTML
(with abstract),
plain text
(with abstract),
BibTeX,
RIS (EndNote, RefMan, ProCite),
ReDIF
Cited by: (explanations, Please report citation or reference errors to , or , if you are the registered author of the cited work, log in to your RePEc Author Service profile, click on "citations" and make appropriate adjustments.)
Krikke, H.R. & Bloemhof-Ruwaard, J.M. & Wassenhove, L.N. van, 2001.
"Design of Closed Loop Supply Chains,"
Research Paper
ERS-2001-45-LIS Revision_, Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM), ERIM is the joint research institute of the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University and the Erasmus School of Economics (ESE) at Erasmus Uni.
[Downloadable!]
Quariguasi Frota Neto, J. & Walther, G. & Bloemhof-Ruwaard, J.M. & Nunen, J.A.E.E. van & Spengler, T., 2007.
"A Methodology for Assessing Eco-Efficiency in Logistics Networks,"
Research Paper
ERS-2007-037-LIS Revision, Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM), ERIM is the joint research institute of the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University and the Erasmus School of Economics (ESE) at Erasmus Uni.
[Downloadable!]
Other versions:
Quariguasi Frota Neto, J. & Walther, G. & Bloemhof-Ruwaard, J.M. & Nunen, J.A.E.E. van & Spengler, T., 2006.
"A Methodology for Assessing Eco-efficiency in Logistics Networks,"
Research Paper
ERS-2006-075-LIS Revision, Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM), ERIM is the joint research institute of the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University and the Erasmus School of Economics (ESE) at Erasmus Uni.
[Downloadable!]
Quariguasi Frota Neto, J. & Bloemhof-Ruwaard, J.M. & Nunen, J.A.E.E. van & Heck, H.W.G.M. van, 2006.
"Designing and Evaluating Sustainable Logistics Networks,"
Research Paper
ERS-2006-003-LIS Revision, Erasmus Research Institute of Management (ERIM), ERIM is the joint research institute of the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University and the Erasmus School of Economics (ESE) at Erasmus Uni.
[Downloadable!]
Other versions: