Using lignin from local biorefineries for asphalts: LCA case study for the Netherlands

The production of bio-based asphalt utilizing lignin from amongst others local biorefineries is currently under development in the Netherlands. In this study, life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology was applied to investigate the environmental implications of replacing conventional asphalts with lignin-based asphalts. Inventory data for lignin were collected from two Dutch biorefining industries (Avantium and Vertoro). Eleven impact categories were considered, along with a single-score environmental cost indicator. For the comparative assessment, both kraft lignin asphalts and conventional asphalts were used as benchmarks. The effect of a change of allocation method was discussed.