ABSTRACT
The goal of this study was to understand the potential burdens associated with a new bio-based polyurethane foam using eucalyptus globules residues liquefied instead of an oil derivative. An LCA study was elaborated based on ISO 14040/44 series standard. Ecoinvent, was used within SimaPro to model utility process operations, transportation, and other material inputs. CML-IA (baseline) was the method chosen for Life Cycle Impact Assessment. The study considered the impact categories of abiotic depletion; abiotic depletion (fossil fuels); global warming; ozone layer depletion; human toxicity; fresh water aquatic ecotoxicity; marine aquatic ecotoxicity; terrestrial ecotoxicity; photochemical oxidation; acidification; and eutrophication. The results show that electricity and MDI Voranate (isocyanate) consumption during the foam production are the dominant sources of all potential environmental impacts. These two processes (together) play a major role in all impact categories (84–97%).
