Do Miscanthus lutarioriparius-Based Oriented Strand Boards Provide Environmentally Benign Alternatives? An LCA Case Study of Lake Dongting District in China

Abstract

Miscanthus lutarioriparius(M. lutarioriparius) in Lake Dongting District are in the situation of being discarded due to the government’s environmental policy, the decomposition of which will bring another pollution risk. The purpose of this study is to environmentally analyze the production of M. lutarioriparius-based oriented strand particleboards(M.OSB) as alternatives to the conventional artificial boards. The production systems were evaluated from a cradle-to-gate perspective using the Life Cycle Assessment(LCA)methodology. Our results showed that the M.OSB had an overall better profile than wood panels, identifying the production of starch adhesives and bio-fuels as the main environmental hotspots. It was also found that annual harvesting and utilization of M. lutarioripariuscould ease the burden to the environment during the decomposition of this plant, and further improve the environmental performance of M.OSB. Sensitivity analyses were conducted on the key parameters, suggesting that there are opportunities for improvement. This study provides useful information for enterprises and policymakers on where to focus their activities, with the aim of making the future of M. lutarioriparius utilization more technically and environmentally favourable.