"With supporting evidence," Cascades notes, "this comparative LCA demonstrates that Rolland Enviro100 and Rolland Opaque50 each have a much smaller impact, 68% and 46% respectively, compared with generic North American papers." These results are primarily due to the types of energy used, biogas and hydroelectricity, as well as the use of recycled fibers, the company adds. Generated from landfill waste decomposition, biogas is a local and renewable energy that serves 93% of the thermal energy needs for Cascades' Rolland Mill.
"An LCA breaks through the confusion surrounding green certifications and claims and curbs 'greenwashing' by providing comprehensive, quantifiable, and rigorous results," says Julie Loyer, a specialist in communication and sustainable development for Cascades Specialty Products Group.
The LCA is a scientific method that assesses the environmental impacts of a product throughout its life cycle. Specifically, for each component of the product under evaluation, its environmental impact is quantified and then aggregated to yield a final result demonstrating the potential damages to Human Health, Ecosystems, Non-Renewable Resources and Climate Change.
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