MoreThanWaste.com - Life Cycle Analysis of Plasterboard (11/01/2007)

Work on the life cycle assessment of gypsum sources is about to be undertaken by the Waste Resources and Action Programme (WRAP). The project arises because, in its work, WRAP is often asked to comment on which sources of gypsum represent the best environmental option and also on the comparative environmental impacts of the different disposal and recovery routes for waste plasterboard. In particular, these questions are often asked in relation to carbon emissions and savings.

"It is intended that the results of this research will be used to inform decisions on the development of future policy in this area and also to provide a more robust evidence base for WRAP activities"

WRAP is seeking tenders from suitable consultants for undertaking this work. The objective of the work is to produce a Life Cycle Inventory and Assessment for plasterboard, in particular to ascertain and quantify the relevant environmental impacts of each stage in the product life cycle.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) can be defined as an objective process to evaluate the environmental burdens associated with a product, process, or activity by identifying energy and materials used and wastes released to the environment, and to evaluate and implement opportunities to affect environmental improvements (SETAC, 1990).

It is intended that the results of this research will be used to inform decisions on the development of future policy in this area and also to provide a more robust evidence base for WRAP activities.

In particular, this information will be used by WRAP’s Construction Programme in reporting on the performance of related projects and when strategically engaging with manufacturers and recycling companies.

It is intended that the study will focus on 3 primary areas, these being:

The production of primary, secondary and recycled gypsum, and comparison of these;
The manufacture of plasterboard; and
Different management methods for disposal and recovery of waste plasterboard, including specific focus on comparing recycling waste plasterboard with landfill disposal (both to mixed landfill and to high-sulphate monocell landfill).

Gypsum is the sulphate of calcium (CaSO₄.2H₂O) formed naturally in evaporite basins in hot arid climates. It is often associates with other salts such as rock salt. The anhydrous form of gypsum is anhydrite (CaSO₄). Deposits of gypsum are often found in the Permian Marls and associated limestones and the mineral has been mined in several parts of the country including near Sherburn-in-Elmet in North Yorkshire.

Further information can be found on the WRAP website. There is a requirement to register on the WRAP website to download the associated documentation. The closing date for tenders is the 22 January 2007.


	Life Cycle Analysis of Plasterboard (11/01/2007) Work on the life cycle assessment of gypsum sources is about to be undertaken by the Waste Resources and Action Programme (WRAP). The project arises because, in its work, WRAP is often asked to comment on which sources of gypsum represent the best environmental option and also on the comparative environmental impacts of the different disposal and recovery routes for waste plasterboard. In particular, these questions are often asked in relation to carbon emissions and savings. "It is intended that the results of this research will be used to inform decisions on the development of future policy in this area and also to provide a more robust evidence base for WRAP activities" WRAP is seeking tenders from suitable consultants for undertaking this work. The objective of the work is to produce a Life Cycle Inventory and Assessment for plasterboard, in particular to ascertain and quantify the relevant environmental impacts of each stage in the product life cycle. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) can be defined as an objective process to evaluate the environmental burdens associated with a product, process, or activity by identifying energy and materials used and wastes released to the environment, and to evaluate and implement opportunities to affect environmental improvements (SETAC, 1990). It is intended that the results of this research will be used to inform decisions on the development of future policy in this area and also to provide a more robust evidence base for WRAP activities. In particular, this information will be used by WRAP’s Construction Programme in reporting on the performance of related projects and when strategically engaging with manufacturers and recycling companies. It is intended that the study will focus on 3 primary areas, these being: The production of primary, secondary and recycled gypsum, and comparison of these; The manufacture of plasterboard; and Different management methods for disposal and recovery of waste plasterboard, including specific focus on comparing recycling waste plasterboard with landfill disposal (both to mixed landfill and to high-sulphate monocell landfill). Gypsum is the sulphate of calcium (CaSO₄.2H₂O) formed naturally in evaporite basins in hot arid climates. It is often associates with other salts such as rock salt. The anhydrous form of gypsum is anhydrite (CaSO₄). Deposits of gypsum are often found in the Permian Marls and associated limestones and the mineral has been mined in several parts of the country including near Sherburn-in-Elmet in North Yorkshire. Further information can be found on the WRAP website. There is a requirement to register on the WRAP website to download the associated documentation. The closing date for tenders is the 22 January 2007.