In our individual paper grade analysis, we tried to compromise
on the allocation issue by directly transferring the benefits of recyclability
to the life-cycle of that grade. This method gives the paper
grade not only credits for the recovered fibre input, but also for
the recovered fibres that can be extracted from it after use. Therefore,
this approach also allocates recycling benefits to the virgin
paper grades, that are crucial in continuing the recycling loop.However,
since biomass energy input for recovered fibres is assumed to
be 0, the life-cycle energy use of paper products from recovered
fibres can become negative. This is because the benefits of recycling
are counted for both at the cradle as well as the grave for these
grades. On the other hand, the approach chosen gives best insights
in the impact of paper production during the various phases of its
life-cycle.