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2025 Vol.57, Issue 6

Review

Recent Trends in Life Cycle Assessment Studies on Pulp- and Paper-Based Materials
Seokmin Hong1
,
Junhyeok Park1
,
Semin Kang1
,
Kyudeok Oh2
,
Soojin Kwon3†
1Department of Environmental Material Science, Gyeongsang National University, Student
2Program in Environmental Materials Science, Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Bioresources, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Professor
3Department of Environmental Material Science/Institute of Agriculture & Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Professor
†Corresponding Author: E-mail: soojin@gnu.ac.kr (Address: Department of Environmental Material Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, 52828, Republic of Korea)
30 December 2025. pp. 5-24
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Abstract

The pulp and paper sector is both highly energy- and resource-intensive. However, it remains a key supplier of renewable and recyclable materials in the transition away from fossil-based products. This review synthesizes approximately two decades of life cycle assessment (LCA) studies on pulp- and paper-based materials, with emphasis on research published from approximately 2003 to 2025. The literature is first mapped in terms of processes and products covered, system boundaries, functional units, and regional focus, revealing a strong concentration on mass-based functional units, European and Asian case studies, and attributional LCAs that prioritize climate- and energy-related indicators. Mill- and sector-level case studies consistently identify pulping, bleaching, and drying, as well as associated steam and electricity generation, as dominant contributors to global warming potential and other midpoint impacts. Additionally, they highlight the dual role of kraft mills as both major energy consumers and producers of biomass-based heat and power. Comparative LCAs further evaluate how recycling strategies, end-of-life options, alternative fibers, and paper-based packaging systems perform relative to virgin routes and nonpaper competitors, showing that environmental benefits are highly context-dependent and sensitive to background energy mixes, fiber-yield assumptions, and market-mediated effects. Overall, this review highlights that robust decarbonization and circularity strategies for the pulp and paper sector will require context-specific sets of measures, such as energy-efficiency improvements, fuel switching toward low-carbon and biomass-based energy, optimized waste and wastewater management, and more efficient fiber use, all supported by more consistent, dynamic, and decision-oriented LCA practice.

Keywords
Life cycle assessment (LCA)
pulp and paper industry
paper-based materials
environmental impact
recycling
carbon footprint
circular economy
sustainability
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Information
  • Publisher :Korea Technical Association of The Pulp and Paper Industry
  • Publisher(Ko) :한국펄프종이공학회
  • Journal Title :Journal of Korea TAPPI
  • Journal Title(Ko) :펄프종이기술
  • Volume : 57
  • No :6
  • Pages :5-24
  • Received Date : 2025-11-21
  • Revised Date : 2025-12-02
  • Accepted Date : 2025-12-02
  • DOI :https://doi.org/10.7584/JKTAPPI.2025.12.57.6.5
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