LCI data selection criteria for a multidisciplinary research team: LCA applied to solvents and chemicals

Abstract The use of life cycle assessment (LCA) has increased rapidly across the chemical industry. However, the reliabilities of any LCA investigation for chemicals and solvents are entirely dependent on the quality and adequacy of data used in constructing LCA models, especially in lab-scale setups. As LCA evolves to serve different levels of sustainability objectives, it would prove worthy to exercise precaution and extra steps in data selection. Data sourcing becomes a challenge when industrial information for emerging new technologies, especially bio-derived materials, is unavailable due to commercial confidentiality. The overall goal of this article is to discuss and emphasize a few factors associated with data selection for LCA studies involving the chemical industry. Suggested responsibilities are assigned for a research group consisting of chemists, systems engineers, industrial/technical experts and environmental scientists in data checking, revision and selection. The application of data quality ranking with a particular focus on 12 selected chemicals/solvents, and their corresponding LCA results, is discussed.