JLCA NEWS ENGLISH EDITION MAR.2017

No.20

JLCA
NEWS LETTER
Innovations for Greenhouse Gas Reductions- Life Cycle Analysis of Chemical Products
in Japan and around the World carbon-Life Cycle Analysis (cLCA)
Japan Chemical Industry Association

Life-Cycle Assessment Society of Japan

Innovations for Greenhouse Gas
Reductions-Life Cycle Analysis of Chemical Products
in Japan and around the World-carbon-Life Cycle Analysis (cLCA)

Third Edition - Summary

March 2014
Japan Chemical Industry Association(general incorporated association)

Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 1
Executive summary....................................................................................................................... 3
1.

Overview and conclusions ..................................................................................................... 3
1.1

ICCA Report (July 2009) ................................................................................................ 3

1.2

Japan Chemical Industry Association (JCIA) Report (July 2011)................................... 3

1.3

JCIA Guidelines (February 2012) ................................................................................... 4

1.4

Second edition of the JCIA Report (October 2012) ........................................................ 4

1.5

JCIA Guidelines (October 2013)..................................................................................... 5

1.6

Third edition of the JCIA Report (March 2014).............................................................. 7

1.7

Conclusion..................................................................................................................... 72.

The chemical industry in Japan.............................................................................................. 7

3.

Concept of cLCA (extracted from the ICCA Report) ............................................................ 8

4.

Summary of the examples of assessment of products to be manufactured in Japan in
2020........................................................................................................................................ 9

5.

Summary of the examples of assessment in the world concerning products that are
expected to be manufactured in 2020................................................................................... 13

1.

About the chemical industry ................................................................................................ 14
1.1

Features of the chemical industry.................................................................................. 14

1.2

Features of the chemical industry in Japan (overview as of 2011)................................ 14

1.3

Approach taken by the chemical industry in Japan concerning the prevention of
global warming.............................................................................................................. 15

2.

Concerning cLCA (carbon Life Cycle Analysis) ................................................................. 22

2.1 Concept of cLCA (carbon Life Cycle Analysis) .................................................................. 22
2.2
3.

cLCA Report of ICCA................................................................................................... 23

On assessment using cLCA in Japan and around the world................................................. 27
3.1

Background and objectives ........................................................................................... 27

3.2 Selecting the level in the value chain................................................................................... 27
3.3

Object of assessment products to be assessed shall be based on the
products/technologies that are being put into the markets at the point in time thatis described in each of the examples, and not based on products that are expected
to be in widespread use in 2020 as a result of the progress of technologicaldevelopment. ................................................................................................................. 29

3.4

Ways of thinking about the period under assessment.................................................... 31

3.5

Calculation of emission abatement................................................................................ 32

3.6

Qualitative assessment of the degree of contribution of chemical products to the2avoided emissions in the value chain ............................................................................ 32
3.7

Name and description of the organization(s) commissioning the study and that
performing it ("the practitioner")................................................................................... 33

4.

5.

Conclusions and proposals................................................................................................... 33
4.1

Summary of assessed examples .................................................................................... 34

4.2

Conclusions and proposals ............................................................................................ 36

Plans to be pursued by the chemical industry hereafter ....................................................... 36
5.1

Contribution to reduction through the spreading of low-carbon products:
Increasing the number of examples of assessment using cLCA in Japan andaround the world............................................................................................................ 37

5.2

Promotion of international contributions by means of energy-saving
technologies and low-carbon products .......................................................................... 38

5.3
6.

7.

Development of innovative technologies ...................................................................... 39

Review for cLCA Report (Third Edition) ............................................................................ 41
6.1

Overview of the review ................................................................................................. 41

6.2

Opinions and response of the panel of experts on the cLCA Report (third edition) ..... 41

6-3.

Pending problems since the issuance of the first and second editions .......................... 46

Acknowledgements.............................................................................................................. 46

JLCA News English Edition No.20

Introduction
The chemical industry provides products that are essential to
our lives and, at the same time, contributes to humankind bycreating new markets through the development of new materials
and processes. In addition, the industry plays an important role
as a "solution provider" (a provider of a method of settlement)that provides the products and technologies required forpreventive measures against global warming that are centeredon a reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
In 2009, the International Council of Chemical Associations(ICCA) carried out logical and demonstrative analysis called carbon Life Cycle Analysis(cLCA) in which the avoided CO2 emissions were calculated based on the difference between
CO2 emissions of final products that use chemical products and CO2 emissions of products forcomparison, over the entire life cycle from the procurement of raw materials, throughmanufacture and usage, to disposal/recycling. The analysis showed that chemical products
made a great contribution to the reduction in CO2 emissions in the world.
ICCA engages in various activities concerning preventive measures against global warmingin the "Energy and Climate Leadership Group." On this subject, Japan is the chair country
and the Japan Chemical Industry Association (JCIA) serves as the secretariat, thereby playing aleading role in carrying out preventive measures against global warming in the world.
In February 2012, JCIA published "Guidelines for Calculating the Avoided CO2 Emissions",
which clarified the rules for calculating the avoided CO2 emissions and highlighted thepractical matters to be noted. Through this publication, JCIA sought to improve thetransparency and reliability of cLCA.
In the meantime, in October 2013, ICCA and the Chemical Sector of the World BusinessCouncil of Sustainable Development (WBCSD) issued "Addressing the Avoided GHG
Emissions Challenge," Global Guidelines on the basis of the Guidelines of JCIA, based on the
ISO standards for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and additionally consistent with the GHG
Protocol as well as advanced standards and specifications for the carbon footprint.
Furthermore, in July 2011, JCIA issued the first edition of its "Life Cycle Analysis ofChemical Products in Japan (JCIA Report)", in which examples of cLCA were presented byproviding a bird's eye view of the entire life cycle of chemical products, from the procurementof raw materials, through manufacture and usage, to disposal/recycling, and in December 2012,
it issued the second edition that contained ten examples of contributions in Japan and four
examples of contributions from around the world.
JCIA is now ready to issue the third edition of the JCIA Report that contains 15 examples ofcontributions in Japan and four examples from around the world. These examples include
new examples in addition to the examples included in the second edition of the report that havebeen re-evaluated according to the Global Guidelines.

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JLCA News English Edition No.20

It is our hope that this report and the range of JCIA initiatives concerning the problem ofglobal warming will lead to a renewed understanding that the chemical industry is a "solution
provider" that contributes to society through the reduction in CO2 emissions and that it isimportant to strive for a real reduction in CO2 emissions as a preventive measure against global
warming by understanding the state of CO2 emissions through a product's life cycle.
March 2014
Kyohei Takahashi, Chairperson, Japan Chemical Industry Association

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JLCA News English Edition No.20

Executive summary
1. Overview and conclusions
The Japan Chemical Industry Association has been soliciting parties engaged in discussions
related to GHG1 emissions from products and technologies to understand the importance ofevaluating GHG emissions in the life cycle of chemical products.
This report is the third edition following "Life Cycle Analysis of Chemical Products in Japan carbon Life Cycle Analysis (cLCA)" issued in 2011 and "Life Cycle Analysis of Chemical
Products in Japan and around the World - carbon Life Cycle Analysis (cLCA)" issued in 2012,
and addresses reduction in GHG emissions. Sections 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4 describe the main
points of the products of the chemical industry that were published before, while Section 1.5
outlines newly issued products, and 1.6 outlines the revisions made. The remainder of thereport summarizes the conclusions.

1.1 ICCA Report (July 2009)
The chemical industry (which includes plastic and rubber, butdoes not include metal, glass or cement) 2 contributes to the
reduction of GHG emissions in other industries and throughout
society as a whole through the use of products. From thisviewpoint, ICCA (International Council of Chemical
Association) prepared a cLCA report by investigating the GHG
emissions from chemical products in the world in their life
cycle, with a perspective that provides a bird's eye view of theFig. 1. ICCA Reportentire life cycle from the procurement of raw materials, throughmanufacture and usage, to disposal. The report makes
comparisons of the GHG emissions from chemical products in specific applications with those
produced through the second-best alternative measures that are employed in industries otherthan the chemical industry.

1.2

Japan Chemical Industry Association (JCIA) Report(July 2011)
The first edition issued by JCIA in July 2011 evaluated the
avoided CO2 emissions when the products that were expected tobe manufactured during the one year under assessment would
have been used until the end of their life. The year 2020 was
taken as the year under assessment. Nine examples were
1

Fig. 2. JCIA Report

Greenhouse Gases: Six types of gases, i.e. carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O = dinitrogenmonoxide), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and sulfur hexafluoride (SF 6).
2
Website of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, "Statistical Investigation of Industries, Material Related toClassification, Industrial Classification Code File"
http://www.meti.go.jp/statistics/tyo/kougyo/result-4.html#menu08 In the Subsection of Industrial Classification (2digits), 16, 18 and 19 are being considered.

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JLCA News English Edition No.20

analyzed quantitatively in the fields of renewable energy and energy saving, concerning the
avoided CO2 emissions throughout society resulting from the use of specific chemical products
in Japan. The report compares the emissions of finished products that incorporate chemical
products over their life cycle with the emissions of finished products that incorporate theproducts for comparison over their life cycle. As a result of these analyses, it has been madeclear that the chemical products described in the report are key materials that contribute to the
reduction of CO2 emissions by about 110 million tons on a finished-product basis.
Note that, as stated in the "Guidelines for Calculating the Avoided CO2 emissions" issued by
JCIA (described later), no allocation was made for the degree of contribution to the emission
abatement. The details of the description are given below.
“If a certain product being evaluated achieved a reduction in CO2 emissions, it is rare that theeffect is solely due to the individual product. In almost all cases, multiple constituent elements
contribute to the effect. In such cases, if the degree of contribution according to that for eachconstituent element can be obtained, then it can be expected that the effect of solicitation will
be increased as the avoided CO2 emissions by chemical products and technologies. However,no technique for the objective and reasonable calculation of the degree of contribution has
been established and it is difficult to obtain the degree of contribution. For these reasons, notechnique for calculating the degree of contribution has been defined.”

1.3 JCIA Guidelines (February 2012)
After the issuance of the first edition, JCIA devised the"Guidelines for Calculating the Avoided CO2 Emissions" toensure transparency and reliability of cLCA.
The
guidelines were issued as a booklet in February 2012.
The guidelines were prepared with a view to [1] presenting
consistent criteria for the method of calculating the avoided
CO2 emissions by the chemical industry by means of theFig. 3. JCIA Guidelines
cLCA technique, thereby identifying and organizing thepractical matters to be noted; and [2] preventing any
irregularities in the results as caused by differences in technique or the method of calculation,
thereby increasing the transparency and reliability of cLCA.
1.4

Second edition of the JCIA Report (October
2012)
Based on the guidelines devised in February 2012, it
was recently decided that the second edition would be
issued, in which more examples are presented byconducting assessments on ten examples of contribution
to the reduction in greenhouse gases in Japan and four
examples from around the world by [1] revising the4

Fig. 4. JCIA Report Second Edition

JLCA News English Edition No.20

results of assessment using cLCA for the examples given in the first edition and [2] byincluding new examples.
(Details of the revisions)[1] Review of numerical values for calculation by means of continued investigation forsources
As a result of continued investigations for the sources, the numerical values for motor
efficiency and the service lives of the products have been reviewed and re-evaluatedwith regard to the examples of Hall effect devices and Hall effect ICs.
[2] Addition of new examples
Japan: Materials for fuel-efficient tires; materials for high-durability apartments
World: Automotive materials (carbon fiber); materials for aircraft (carbon fiber);materials for air conditioners (Hall effect devices; Hall effect ICs)
1.5 JCIA Guidelines (October 2013)
ICCA and the Chemical Sector of the World BusinessCouncil for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) devised"Main title: Addressing the Avoided GHG Emissions
Challenge; Subtitle: Guidelines from the chemical industry
for accounting for and reporting greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions avoided along the value chain based oncomparative studies," Global Guidelines prepared on thebasis of the "Guidelines for Calculating the Avoided CO2
Emissions" devised by JCIA, and issued the guidelines in
October 2013. The guidelines are the first internationalguidelines for calculating avoided GHG emissions enabled
by chemical products.

Fig. 5. Global Guidelines

The Global Guidelines provide guidelines for calculating avoided GHG emissions enabled
by chemical products, by comparing two products with the same user benefit. The guidelines
also give guidance on how to communicate the results.
 Relationship to existing standards and guidelines
The Global Guidelines build on internationally accepted requirements and guidelines (foundin the ISO 14040 (1) and ISO 14044 (2) related to LCA) and are inspired by the "Guideline for
Calculating the Avoided CO2 Emission (2012)" devised by JCIA. In addition, the guidelines
aim to be consistent with leading standards and specifications for the product carbon footprint(including the GHG Protocol "Product Life Cycle Accounting and Reporting Standard (2011),""PAS2050 (2011)," and ISO/TS 14067 (2013). The guidelines provide a step-by-step procedure
to estimate the differences in GHG emissions between products. They focus on common
challenges of LCA practitioners (people and organizations carrying out studies) in the chemicalindustry. In particular, they take into account the upstream position of chemical products in thevalue chain and provide a way to reliably quantify the effect a chemical product can have on
environmental impacts of downstream activities. Accordingly, the guidelines go beyond

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JLCA News English Edition No.20

existing standards. Table 1 gives an overview of the extra guidelines provided in theguidelines compared to ISO 14040/44.
The guidelines have been devised for all chemical companies worldwide and for theirstakeholders. Companies that seek to measure, manage and communicate the avoided GHG
emissions of their chemical products are encouraged to use this guidance document.
Widespread use of these guidelines will increase consistent calculation and communication of
avoided emissions and make companies’ findings more credible.
Table 1. Extra guidelines provided in the Global Guidelines on accounting and reporting
avoided emissions compared to ISO 14040/44
Guidelines in this document
Goal and Scope definition

Purpose of study (Section 3.1)
Selecting the level in the value chain (Section 3.1))
Solution to compare (Section 3.2)

Life Cycle Inventory (LCI)

Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA)
Interpretation

Functional unit (Section 3.3)
Boundary setting (Section 3.4.1)
Methods/formulas used (Section 3.4.2)
Simplified calculation methodology (Section 3.4.3)
Methods/formulas used (Section 3.4.2)
Key parameters (Section 3.4.4)
Integrating uncertainties and scenarios of future developments (Section 3.4.5)-

Assignment of the Avoided CO2 Emissions with Value chain partners (Chapter 4)

ReportReport Guidelines (Chapter 5)(Note) Excerpts from the Global Guidelines
 Overview of the Guidelines (Japanese edition)

Overview of "Addressing the Avoided GHG Emissions Challenge" (Japanese edition)
Issued by: The Japan Chemical Industry Association (general incorporated association)
Edited by: ICCA & WBCSD Chemical Sector
Format: A4, 44 pages
Contents
Executive summary
1
Introduction
Purpose of the guidelines/ How the guidelines were developed/
Who should use the guidelines/
Relationship to existing standards and guidelines/ Limitationsof the guidelines in this document2
Principles
3
Guidelines on accounting avoided GHG emissions
4
Attribution of avoided GHG emissions to value chain partner
5
Reporting guidelines
6
Annexes
Report template /Glossary /References
7
Attachment
Matters to be noted on the Japanese translation of the
Guidelines /Examples of guidelines

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JLCA News English Edition No.20

1.6 Third edition of the JCIA Report (March 2014)
This report is the third edition that contains 15 examples of contributions in Japan and four
examples from around the world, by revising the contents of the existing examples and adding
six new examples with a view to seeking consistency with the Global Guidelines issued in
October 2013. Table 2 shows the major matters of revision that have been revised in linewith the Global Guidelines.
Table 2. Items added in line with the Global Guidelines
Constituent Steps of LCA
1. Definition of Goal and Scope of Study

2. Life Cycle Inventory Analysis
3. Life Cycle Interpretation
4. Others

Item(1) Description of the supervisor and practitionerof study(2) Selecting the level in the value chain(3) Life cycle flowchart(4) Key parameters that affect GHG emissions(5) Integrating uncertainties and scenarios of future
developments(6) Degree of contribution of a chemical product(7) Study
Limitations
andFutureRecommendations

1.7
Conclusion
 In the first edition through the third edition of the JCIA Report, we have presented specificexamples of chemical products that contribute to reduction in GHG emissions in the entire life
cycle. In order to promote the global problem of reducing CO2 emissions, it is important thatmeasures be taken from the perspective of pursuing total optimization through a fullunderstanding of the life cycle of products instead of taking measures from the perspective ofpartial optimization such as the reduction in CO2 emissions during manufacture. From now,the chemical industry is determined to promote the reduction in CO2 emissions throughout
society, aiming at contributing to reducing greenhouse gases, not only by reducing emissions
during manufacture, but also by utilizing chemical technologies and products in the entire life
cycle.
 With a view to increasing the transparency and reliability of the calculation of avoided
GHG emissions, the JCIA Guidelines and Global Guidelines were devised. We expect thatthese guidelines will not only provide more consistent guidelines for the chemical industry, butwill also become tools for improving social sustainability in cooperation with all the
stakeholders in the value chain.

2. The chemical industry in JapanThe chemical industry is a high energy-consuming industry that uses fossil fuels, mainly
petroleum, as fuels and raw materials. Nevertheless, after the oil crisis, the chemical industry
in Japan has taken active measures to conserve energy and has achieved the highest level ofenergy efficiency in the world. Consequently, CO2 emissions from energy sources during the
manufacture of chemical products in Japan in Fiscal Year 2011 were about 53 million tons,

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JLCA News English Edition No.20

accounting for about 4% of the emissions in Japan as a whole (about 1.24 billion tons), whichwere the second greatest emissions after steel in the industrial sector.
Disposal
Energy conversion

Industrial process

HouseholdPortion resulting
from electric
power

Industry

Total
Portion resulting
from electric
1.241 billion t
power

Portion resulting fromelectric power

Portion resulting
from electric
power

Commercial
andothersSectorbased

Transportation

Source: Ministry of the Environment Greenhouse gas emissions in Japan (Fiscal Year 2011)
Fig. 6. CO2 Emissions in Japan

3. Concept of cLCA (extracted from the ICCA Report)
The chemical industry is a basic industry that supports other industries by providing its
products to user enterprises in sectors that include automotive, electric machinery, electronics,
etc. The method of assessment using cLCA focuses on GHGs that are emitted when the
products are used in other industries and by consumers. The assessment compares theemissions of finished products that incorporate chemical products over their life cycle with theemissions of finished products that incorporate the products for comparison over their life
cycle, and the difference between them is considered to be emissions that increase when there
are no such chemical products, and is calculated as the net avoided emissions.
Method of assessment using cLCA (method of calculation of avoided CO 2 emissions)Concept of cLCA (carbon Life Cycle Analysis)
CO2

Emission
CO 2
Procurementof rawmaterials

CO2
Manufacture

CO2

CO 2

CO2

Consumption
In-useRecycling
Disposal
Incineration

CO 2
Distribution

Avoided CO 2 emissions
In-useIn-useExtraction Manufacture
Distribution

Focusing on CO 2 emissions through the entire life cycle, from the extraction, throughmanufacture, distribution, and product use, to disposal

Products
forFig. 7. Method of assessment using cLCA
8

Chemicalproducts

JLCA News English Edition No.20

4. Summary of the examples of assessment of products to be manufactured inJapan in 2020
[Period under assessment]
Taking 2020 as the year under assessment, the avoided CO2e emissions when
the products expected to be manufactured during the one year underassessment would have been used until the end of their life.
[Range of products under assessment contributing to the abatement
effect]Chemical products contribute to CO2e emissions reduction in cooperation
with all the partners in the value chain such as the energy sector,
transportation sector, consumer and household sector, etc.

Period underassessment of
reduction Usefullife of product2020 2021

Table 3. Summary of Assessed Examples
Renewable energy

Energy-saving

Materials for solar
Automotive materials
power generation

Materials for aircraft

Materials
forfuel-efficient tires

Concept

Abatement effect

No CO2 is emitted
Weight reduction
because fossil fuels are improves fuelnot used.
consumption andreduces fuelconsumption.

Fitted to an
automobile toSame as description reduce rollingon the left
resistance on theroad surface during
driving.
Aircraft that use
Automobile fitted
plastics reinforced
with fuel-efficientwith carbon fiber
tires
・For passenger
vehicles (PCR)・For trucks/buses(TBR)
Conventional aircraft Automobile fitted
with
non-fuel-efficienttires
Improved
automotive fuelSame as description
consumption by
on the left
reducing rolling
resistanceLife of finished products

20 years

10 years

10 years

PCR 30,000 km
TBR 120,000 km

Production volume1,760,000 kW

15,000 units

45 units

PCR 73 million
units.
TBR 5 million units.

Functions/ advantages

Products under assessment

Solar energy isconverted directly into
electricity by using theprinciple ofsemiconductors.
Electric power
produced by solar
power generation

Carbon fiber composite
materials are used toreduce weight while
maintaining the samelevels of performanceand safety.
Automobiles that use
plastics reinforced withcarbon fiber(finished products thatincorporate chemical products)

Products for comparison

Utility power

Conventional
automobiles

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JLCA News English Edition No.20

Finished products:
Emissions from raw
materials, manufacture, anddisposal (tons)
Chemical products:
Emissions from raw
materials, manufacture, anddisposal (tons)
Avoided CO2 emissions(tons)-

Automobiles 93,000

Aircraft 176,000

Si, etc. (1.29 million)---8.98 million-75 thousand-1.22 million

Synthetic rubber,
etc.
(1.74 million)-6.36 million

Avoided CO2 emissions when products that are expected to be manufactured in 2020 would
have been used until the end of their life (calculated by specifying a certain set of
conditions): Total for the examples in Japan -120 million tons

Avoided CO2 Emissions
The results of assessing the fifteen examples here clearly show that chemical products are key
materials that contribute to about 120 million tons in reduced emissions1) until the end of their life.
Any of these examples leads us to understand that chemical products or finished products thatincorporate chemical products contribute to reducing CO2e emissions that exceed the CO2eemissions of such chemical products or finished products themselves during manufacture.

Energy-saving
LED-related materials

Thermal insulationmaterials for housing

Aluminum-plastics
composite window/
Thermal insulationmaterials

Hall effect device,Hall effect ICs

A semiconductor that emits
light when a current passes
through it; it has highlight-emitting efficiency
and long service life.

Increases the
air-tightness andthermal insulation
performance of
housing.

Increases airtightness
and thermal insulation
performance by usingaluminum-plastics
composite windows

An inverter fitted witha commutator-less DC
motor increases the
motor efficiency.

LED light bulbs

Housing that meetsthe Fiscal Year 1999
energy-saving
standard (using
thermal insulationmaterials)

Inverter air
conditioner (using
Hall effectdevices/Hall effectICs as their parts)

Incandescent light bulbs

Housing before theenergy-saving
standard of 1980 (notusing thermal
insulation materials)

Long service life and low
power consumption.

Reduces power
consumption forcooling and heating
by improving thermal
insulation
performance.

Detached housing thatmeets the Fiscal Year
1999 energy-saving
standard (usingaluminum-plastics
composite windows
and thermal insulationmaterials)
Detached housing
before the 1980
energy-saving
standard was enforced(not using thermal
insulation materials)
Reduces power
consumption forcooling and heating
by improving thermal
insulation
performance.

10

Piping materials

Has the same
performance as that ofpipes made of cast iron,and is widely used inwaterworks andsewage.
PVC resin pipes

Non-inverter air
conditioners

Ductile cast iron piping

Reduction of power
consumption byincreasing motor
efficiency.

Low energy
consumption because
high temperatures are
not used during
manufacture.

JLCA News English Edition No.20

10 years

28 million units
LED light bulb: 92,000--7.45 million

Detached houses: 30
years
Apartments: 60 years
Detached houses:
367,000 units
Apartments: 633,000
units-

Detached houses: 30
years

14.8 years

50 years

Detached houses:
25,000 units

7,460 units(Number of air
conditioners)

493,092 tons

Aluminum-plastic
Thermalinsulation composite
materials(2.35 window/Thermal
million)insulationmaterials(107 thousand)Number of examples
included in those on-75.8 million-16.4 million
the left(-46 thousand)

PVC pipe (740,000)-3.3 million

1) Reference: CO2 emissions in Japan in Fiscal Year 2009 1.15 billion tons (Fig. 6)2) Preconditions for calculation are clearly stated in the explanatory sentences for each of the examples.

Energy-saving

Resource-saving

Concentrated liquid
Low-temperature
detergent for cleaning
steel plate detergent
clothesMaterials
high-durability
apartments

forHigh durability paintConcept

Functions/advantages

Products underassessment(finished products thatincorporate chemical
products)

Makes containers
more compact andreduces the numberof times of rinsing byconcentration

Reduces the cleaning Increases the strength Reduction of the number oftemperature for steel and durability ofcoatings by using highplates from 70ºC toreinforced concrete. durability paint
50ºC.

Concentrated liquid
Low-temperature
detergent for cleaning steel plate detergent
clothesConventional liquid Conventional steel
Products for comparison detergent for cleaning plate detergent(Products for
clothescomparison)

Abatement effectCO2 emissions
reduction by making
containers morecompact and electric
power reduction by
reducing the numberof times of rinsing

Life of finishedproducts

24 times of cleaning

Production volume

148 thousand tons

Reduction of theamount of steam as
required for heating

8.75 million tons ofsteel plates

11

High-durability
apartments

Paint composition:
Silicone resin paint,
fluororesin paint

Ordinary apartment
house

Paint composition:
Acrylic resin paint, urethane
resin paintImproves durability
by suppressing
cracking when theconcrete is drying.

Reduction of the amount ofpaint used by reducing thenumber of coatings

100 years

50 years

61,000 units

61,000 units

JLCA News English Edition No.20

Finished products:
Emissions from raw
materials, manufacture,and disposal (tons)
Chemical products:
Emissions from raw
materials, manufacture,and disposal (tons)

1.09 million
Detergent forcleaning clothes (32thousand)Avoided CO2 emissions-290 thousand(tons)

Apartments: 16.55
million3 thousand
Steel plate
detergent(3 thousand)-44 thousand

Recyclable resource

Drying and shrinkage Paint
agent, etc.
(240 thousand)-2.24 million

Suppression of N2Oemission

Shampoo container

Feed additives

Manufacturing ofpolyethylene byusing sugar cane thatis a renewable bio
resource as a raw
material

Adjustment of essential
amino acids balance byadding methionine

Biopolyethylene
container

Assorted feed
containing
DL-methionine as anadditive

Fossil resource
polyethylene
container

Additive-free assorted
feed

Biomass iscarbon-neutral

Reduction of theamount of nitrogen in
broiler chicken feces

Life of finished products

Number of uses
100 times

Breeding period
48 days

Production volume

1 million containers

3.96 million tons

Concept

Functions/ advantages

Products underassessment(finished products thatincorporate chemical
products)
Products for comparison(Products forcomparison)
Abatement effectFinished products:
emissions from raw
materials, manufacture,and disposal (tons)"( )" shows emissions
from chemical products*
Avoided CO2 emissions(tons)

300(0.03)-100

1.09 million(850 thousand)-160 thousand

12(12 thousand)-11 thousand

JLCA News English Edition No.20

5. Summary of the examples of assessment in the world concerning productsthat are expected to be manufactured in 2020
The global CO2e emissions avoided (potential) was calculated resulting from the use ofchemical products that are expected to be manufactured by Japanese businesses in Japan oroverseas in 2020.
Effect of emissions reduction
It can be seen that, based on the result of the assessments of the four examples conducted
here, chemical products are key materials that contribute to about 390 million tons in
reduced emissions until the end of their life.
Energy-saving
Desalination plants

Air conditioners

In the stage of
automobile usage

AircraftConcept

Function

Products underassessment(finished products thatincorporate chemical
products)
Products for comparison(products forcomparison)

Using semipermeable An inverter fitted
membranes,
with adesalinates seawater commutator-less DC
based on the principle motor increases theof reverse osmosis.
motor efficiency.
Desalination plant by Inverter airmeans of the RO
conditioner
membrane process

Carbon fiber composite
materials are used toreduce weight while
maintaining the samelevels of performanceand safety.
Automobiles that use
plastics reinforced withcarbon fiber

Evaporation process

For non-inverter air
conditioners

Conventional
automobiles

Low energy
consumption because
no heating isrequired.

Reduction of power
consumption byincreasing motor
efficiency

Life of finished products

5 years

Production volume

RO membrane
610,000 units

14.8 years
47,311,000 units(Number of air
conditioners)

Weight reduction
improves fuelconsumption andreduces fuelconsumption.
10 years

Abatement effectFinished products:
Emissions from raw
materials, manufacture,and disposal (tons)"( )" shows emissions
from chemical products*
Avoided CO2 emissions(tons)
Total

Seawater desalination
plant: 1.5 million---172.57 million-189.94 million

Same as description on
the left
Aircraft that use
plastics reinforced withcarbon fiber
Conventional aircraft

Same as description on
the left
10 years

300,000 units

900 units

Automobiles: 1.86
millionAircraft: 3.51 million-1.5 million-24.3 million

Avoided CO2 emissions when products that are expected to be manufactured in 2020
would have been used until the end of their life (calculated by specifying a certain set of
conditions Note)): -390 million tons globally

Note: Preconditions for calculation are clearly stated in the explanatory notes for each of the examples.

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JLCA News English Edition No.20

1. About the chemical industry
1.1

Features of the chemical industry

The chemical industry plays an important role in people's lives by providing many industries,
such as the automotive, electric machinery/electronics, pharmaceutical and cosmetics
industries, with raw materials and materials for processing.

Chemical industry that supports people's lives and other industries
Chemical products and related products
The chemical industry plays an important role in people's lives by providing other industries
Raw materials

Intermediate materials

Primary products

Hydrogen
Nitrogen
OxygenChlorine
Carbon dioxide

Industrial gases
Fertilizer

Water/airSalt
Petroleum(naphtha)Natural gas

Coal

Ore
Animals &plantsPigment
Dye
Surface active agent

Carbon monoxide

Agricultural chemicals

Inert gas
Caustic soda
Soda ashHydrochlori
Sulfuricc
Nitricacidacid
Phosphoric acid
Methanol
Ethanol
Ethylene
Propylene
Butylene
Butadiene
BenzeneTolueneXyleneStyrenePrinting ink
Paint

Printing ink
Synthetic fibers(Clothing)Petrochemical products

Synthetic fibers
Synthetic rubber
Plastics
Cosmetics
Toothpaste
Pharmaceuticals
Solvents
Fuels
Disinfectant
Bleaching agents
Adhesives

Cosmetics
Electronic parts, etc.
(highly functional components)

Electronic parts, etc.
(High-performance parts)
Silicon wafer
Pharmaceuticals

Synthetic detergents

Oil & fat products

Optical discs(DVD)

Industrial gas

Electronic parts & materials

Parts forIC chips
Parts for electronic
appliancesFig. 8. Chemical industry that supports everyday life and industries

1.2

Features of the chemical industry in Japan (overview as of 2011)[1] The first industry in added value ranking, of all manufacturing industries in Japan[2] Employs 860,000 people[3] It is a basic industry that supports the competitiveness of industries in Japan byproviding products to user enterprises in sectors such as the automotive and electricmachinery/electronics sectors through the supply of high-grade parts.
[4] A high energy-consuming industry that uses fossil fuels as raw materials and fuel[5] An industry that faces international competition from Europe, America, Asia andelsewhere
Table 4. Amount shipped, added value and number of employees for each industry

Total for manufacturing industries
Entire chemical industry (ratio to total for manufacturing industries)
Entire electric/information/electronics
Transportation machinery & equipment manufacturing industry
General machinery& equipment manufacturing industry

Amount shipped

Amount of added Number
value
employeesof Amount of added
value per capita

Trillion yen

Trillion yen

10,000 persons

10,000 yen

285.0

91.6

747.2

1,226

40.4
(14%)
40.4
50.6
32.2

15.6
(17%)
13.4
14.0
12.2

85.8
(11%)
111.3
94.7
106.5

1,818
1,204
1,478
1,146

Sources: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry "Industrial Statistics Table," Ministry ofInternal Affairs and Communications "Science and Technology Research Survey" andMinistry of Finance "Statistical Survey on Corporations"

14

JLCA News English Edition No.20

1.3

Approach taken by the chemical industry in Japan concerning theprevention of global warming(1) Current situation of CO2 emissions
Proportion of CO2 emissions in each sector
CO2 emissions in the industrial field account for 34% of the total emissions in Japan, withthe remaining 66% being emitted by the commercial, transportation, household sectors, etc.
The emissions resulting from chemical products were the second greatest after steel in theindustrial sector, accounting for 4% of the emissions in Japan as a whole.
(2) Approach taken by the chemical industry in Japan concerning energy saving
activities
Change in the amount of energy used in each sector
The energy consumption of the industrial sector to which the chemical industry belongs has
decreased compared with that in 1990. In recent years, however, the amount of energy used in
the commercial and household sectors has been increasing, and it has become a problem to beaddressed in the reduction in CO2 emissions in Japan as a whole.
18
Rate of increasein energy:
1990=> 200916
14

Transportation
6%

12
Commercial
sector10

23%

8Household sector38%

64
Industry sector-12%2Industry
産業部門
sectorHousehold
家庭部門
sectorCommercial
業務部門
sector

2009

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

1998

1997

1996

1995

1994

1993

1992

1991

1990

0

Transportation
運輸部門

Source: Energy Economic White Paper 2011

Fig. 9. Changes in the amount of energy used in each sector

Overall change in energy-saving activities
The chemical industry uses many fossil fuels, and it uses them as raw materials for various
types of products as well. To ensure security both in terms of fuel and raw materials after theoil shocks of the 1970s, a proactive approach to energy saving was adopted and substantial
energy saving was pursued until the latter half of the 1980s.
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JLCA News English Edition No.20

Concerning changes in the consumption of ethylene etc., as a raw material for petrochemical
products, the consumption as converted into energy shows an increasing trend as a result of anincrease in the amount of production. However, the amount used as energy (fuel, etc.) remains
flat, and it can be seen that continuing efforts are being made to reduce energy usage.

Change in Final Energy Consumption of the Chemical Industry
(PJ)
3,000

2,500

2,000

Energy use
1,500

1,000

500

Raw materials

Raw materials show 35% increasing trend
compared with that in FY1990.

01990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
FY
Source: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and Agency for Natural Resources and Energy: "Records ofEnergy Supply and Demand for Fiscal Year 2010"

Fig. 10. Change in final energy consumption in Japan3

Change in energy-saving activities for each product
When each product is analyzed, the energy efficiency in the production of ethylene was
reduced to about half by 1990. The intensity for electricity for caustic soda showed an
improvement of about 30%.

3

Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and Agency for Natural Resources and Energy: "Records of Energy Supply
and Demand for Fiscal Year 2010"

http://www.enecho.meti.go.jp/info/statistics/jukyu/result-1.htm

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JLCA News English Edition No.20

Record of achievement by energy-saving activities [1]Change in the production amount of ethylene and energy efficiency in Japan
Amount of ethylene produced: KT

Index of energy intensity: %Index of energy intensity
Amount of ethylene
produced

By 1990, improvements were made so that energy intensity was reduced roughly by half
Source: NEDO’s Investigational Material for 2003

Record of achievement by energy-saving activities [2]Change in the amount of caustic soda produced according to each manufacturing method and electric power intensity in Japan
Amount of production (thousand tons)

Ion exchange
membrane method

Basic unit for electric power

Diaphragm method
Mercury method
Ammonia method
Basic unit for electricpower

By 1990, the electric power intensity was improved by about 30%, and at
the same time in 1999, almost 100% was switched to the ion exchange
membrane method, which was the state-of-the-art technology

Fig. 11. Changes in energy intensity in the manufacturing processes of ethylene and caustic
soda in Japan

17

JLCA News English Edition No.20(3) International comparison of energy efficiency of the chemical industry
International comparison of overall energy efficiency
The chemical industry has proactively promoted energy-saving activities since the oil shocksof the1970s. These initiatives include: [1] Switching the manufacturing method, processdevelopment, [2] improving facility/equipment efficiency, [3] improving the method of
operation, [4] collecting discharged energy, and [5] streamlining the processes, etc. As a resultof these energy-saving efforts, the chemical/petrochemical industries overall have achieved thehighest level of energy efficiency in the world.
International comparison of energy efficiency (Entire chemical and petrochemicalindustries)

Japan

South Europe France The Germany
Korea (Benelux)
UnitedStates

Italy

Canada India

China

Fig. 12. International comparison of energy efficiency in the chemical industry
International comparison of the energy efficiency of each productBased on its business model, energy
consumption in the chemical industry isclassified

into

petrochemical

products,

chemical fibers, soda products, ammonia
products, and others. Of these, ethylene

Petrochemical products

plantsSoda product

and

soda

products

Chemical fiber

employAmmonia product
Othersmanufacturing processes that have achieved
the highest level of energy efficiency in theworld.

Source: Energy Balance Table, source: Agency for Natural Resources
and Energy

Energy Statistics of the Chemical Industry (FY2010)

Fig. 13. Details of energy consumption in the chemical industry in each sector (FY2010)18

index of electric power intensity(Japan=100)

JLCA News English Edition No.20

Japan South Taiwan Middle China Canada India
Korea
East

The Brazil
UnitedStatesEast
EuropeWest
EuropeMexico(Source: Estimated from iSRI Chemical Economic Handbook, August 2005 and Soda Handbook)

Fig. 14. Comparison of energy efficiency for caustic soda among various countries(electric power intensity for electrolysis, FY2004)

Japan

EuropeNorth America
M

Source: Chemical and Petrochemical Sector 2009 (International Energy Agency (aninternational agency within OECD))
Fig. 15. Comparison of energy efficiency for ethylene plants among various countries(energy intensity)

The chemical industry will continue with its energy-saving activities while supporting
energy saving and reduction in CO2 emissions by promoting measures such as: [1] Propagatingstate-of-the-art facilities when upgrading production facilities and BPT (Best PracticeTechnologies) that are at the highest level in the world (more specifically, building
19

JLCA News English Edition No.20

energy-saving process technologies for ethylene crackers, and the like), [2] achieving the best
fuel mix, [3] making effective use of waste, [4] using renewable energy, such as biomass.
(4)

Chemical industry - efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through voluntaryaction[1] Improvement in the index of energy efficiency
Since the establishment of its Global Environment Charter in 1991, the Japan Business
Federation has been taking an autonomous and responsible approach toward solving the
problem of global warming. In particular, in 1997, prior to the adoption of the Kyoto
Protocol, it devised the Voluntary Action Plan on the Environment (FY1997 - FY2012),
and has been making efforts to reduce CO2 emissions in Japan, focusing on the industry
and energy sectors. The chemical industry also participated in the "Keidanren Voluntary
Action Plan on the Environment" from the beginning of FY1997, engaging in work to
improve the index of basic units for energy, and achieved an improvement of 15% in theindex of basic units, with the results from FY2008 through FY2012 being 85% on
average.

140
3,000
130
2,500
120
2,000
110
1,500

100

1,000

Index

Amount of energy used (crude oil equivalent; in
10,000 kl)

Changes in the amount of energy used, index of energy intensity, and production index

90

500

80

0

70
1990 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
FY
エネルギー使用量
Amount of energy used

Production
生産指数index

Index
of energy intensity
エネルギー原単位指数

Fig. 16. Change in the indexes of energy efficiency in the chemical industry[2] Reduction in GHG emissions
As a result of implementing measures to reduce GHG emissions, a reduction of 29%
was achieved in 2011 compared with that in the reference year (FY1990 for CO2 and thecalendar year of 1995 for three alternatives to freon, etc.4). In particular, regarding thethree alternatives to freon, etc., efforts have been made to reduce emissions. These efforts
include reviewing the work processes, strengthening daily inspections, and systematicallyupgrading facilities. In addition, facilities to remove toxins through the combustion ofdiluted exhaust gases have been installed by utilizing subsidies from the national
government. These initiatives have resulted in a substantial reduction in emissions.

4

HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons), PFCs (perfluorocarbons) and SF6 (sulfur hexafluoride).

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JLCA News English Edition No.20

CO2e emissions originating from energy
CO2e emissions from 3 types of gases such as alternative
freons(Reference year=100%)

CO2 emissions originating from energy & emissions of three types of gasses including
alternatives to freon
120%

100%

80%

60%

40%

20%

0%

Estimated emissions related to manufacture of HFCs, etc.
(ten thousand GWPs)

CO2
in tenten thousand
thousand tons
tons ofof CO
CO2
CO2 emissions in2

Reference year: Three types of gasses including alternatives to freon 1995, CO2 FY1990

Fig. 17. Change in GHG emissions in the chemical industry

21

JLCA News English Edition No.20

2. Concerning cLCA (carbon Life Cycle Analysis)
2.1 Concept of cLCA (carbon Life Cycle Analysis)
The method of assessment using cLCA is a technique that focuses on CO2 emitted during
use in other industries or by consumers. The assessment compares the emissions of finishedproducts that incorporate chemical products over their life cycle with the emissions of finishedproducts that incorporate the products for comparison over their life cycle, and the difference
between them is considered to be emissions that increase when there are no such chemical
products, and is calculated as the net avoided emissions.
CO2 emissions in a life cycle become the total of emissions from the procurement of raw
materials, through manufacture, distribution and usage, to recycling/disposal.
Concept of cLCA (carbon Life Cycle Analysis)
CO2

Emissio
CO2

CO2

Procurement of rawmaterials

Manufactur
e

CO2

CO2

CO2

Distribution

Consumption
In-useCO2
Recycling
Disposal
IncinerationFocusing on CO 2 emissions through the entire life cycle, from the extraction, throughmanufacture, distribution, and product use, to disposal

Fig. 18. Concept of cLCA
Method of assessment using cLCA (method of calculation of avoided CO 2 emissions)

Amount generated throughout entire life cycle

Avoided CO 2 emissions
In-useIn-useExtraction Manufacture Distribution - Disposal
Products forcomparison

Chemical products

Fig. 19. Method of assessment using cLCA

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JLCA News English Edition No.20

2.2 cLCA Report of ICCA
(1) Purpose and overview
When striving to reduce GHG emissions globally, it is no longer sufficient to save energy
and reduce GHG emissions during manufacture, which have been the focus up to this point. It
has become important to strive to avoid GHG emissions in society as a whole through thedevelopment and propagation of products that lead to a reduction in GHG emissions in the
consumer sector, commercial sector and other sectors.
In a context such as this, ICCA published a cLCA report entitled "Innovations forGreenhouse Gas Reductions" in July 2009 as a means of highlighting the situation and callingfor action to help reduce GHG emissions from a new perspective that provides a bird's eyeview of the entire life cycle, from the procurement of raw materials, through manufacture,
distribution and consumption, to recycling/disposal.
The cLCA herein means a comparison of the GHG emissions, namely the CO2e emissions(where e stands for equivalent; carbon dioxide equivalent to greenhouse gases) of chemical
products in specific applications throughout the world. The scope encompasses the stages ofprocurement of raw materials, manufacture, distribution, usage, and disposal with the CO2eemissions of alternative products that are the second-best products other than those producedby the chemical industry. As part of the scope, "CO2e life cycle analysis" is carried out on morethan 100 examples of use of chemical products in order to evaluate the influence of chemical
products on the carbon balance in society as a whole.
Note that, to ensure objectivity and transparency, the cLCA of
ICCA adopted the method proposed by McKinsey & Company,
and all the quantified data for each field through numericalanalysis were verified by the Öko-Institut, a German third-party
organization.
cLCA Report"Innovations for Greenhouse Gas Reductions"Fig. 20. ICCA Report(2) Result of assessment for 2005
Global CO2e emissions in the chemical industry
As a result of cLCA, global GHG emissions related to the chemical industry in 2005 were
3.3 billion tons. Of this volume, 2.1 billion tons, more than half of the figure, were produced asa result of purchasing raw materials and manufacturing chemical products by the chemicalindustry. Also, the figure includes 400 million tons of three alternatives to freon, which has astrong greenhouse effect.

23

JLCA News English Edition No.20

CO2 emission coefficient originating in the chemical industry(2005)

Total
Emissions in life cycle ofproducts of chemical
substances

Procurement ofFig. 21. CO2 emissions originating from the chemical industry in 2005 (global)"Net emission abatement"
Based on the result of assessment using cLCA, net emission abatement in the chemicalindustry in 2005 came to 3.6 billion tons, which surpassed the 3.3 billion tons emitted in thelife cycle, excluding usage. Of these, the top two examples where the amount of reduction was
greatest were thermal insulation materials and lighting.
Figures for the field of agriculture were excluded from the total as there were great
variations in agricultural technology according to the country or region, and it could beconsidered that it was difficult to obtain a common understanding of the effect of reduced CO2
emissions in agricultural materials (agricultural chemicals, fertilizers, etc.).
Result of assessment using cLCA in 2005(excluding
Net amount of
reduction
Unit: Million tons of CO2

Net reduction in
GHG emissions
Unit: Million

Thermal insulation
Lighting
PackagingAnti-fouling of ships
Synthetic fibers
Automobile weight reduction
Solar power
Low-temperature synthetic
detergent
Improvement in engine efficiency
PipingWind turbine
Regional heating
Green tires
OthersSubtotal

When there is neither fertilizer nor crop

Net amount of reduction: 5160 - 1 600 = 35 6 0
million tons -> 3.6 billion tons

Fig. 22. Net emission abatement in 2005
24

JLCA News English Edition No.20(3) Result of assessment for 2030
Expected global CO2e emissions in the chemical industry
Emissions in the BAU case (business-as-usual: a case in which the present regulations andlifestyle remain unchanged and efforts to reduce energy consumption remain at the current
level) for 2030 originating from the chemical industry and emissions on a best-effort basis
incorporating the use of innovative technologies that are expected to emerge and possible
regulations in 2030 are shown below. In the BAU case for 2030, with the year 2005 being usedas the starting point, the portion of improvements in production efficiency was excluded fromthe portion of increased production based on BAU, and the portion of increase in emissions
associated with moving production bases was added. As a result, it is expected that emissions
will nearly double to 6.5 billion tons.
In the case of the best-effort basis, calculation was made by taking account of the effect of
reducing CO2 emissions through measures such as the proactive adoption of functional
products as compared to the BAU case and emissions that will increase as a result of producing
such functional materials themselves. As a result, it is expected that a nearly twofold increasein emissions (from 3.3 to 6.5 billion tons) will be able to be controlled to 1.5 times (from 3.3 to5 billion tons).

2030 best effort
Globalproduction
enlargement(assumption)

Unit: 100 million tons

2005
The CO2emissions

Increment Portion of Portion of BAU 2030
from BAU contribution geographical emissionsoftransfer of
production
production production
efficiency
base

Effect of Increment from CO2 emission
CO2
performancecoefficient
reduction
after taking
products
measuresmeasuresFig. 23. CO2e emissions originating from the chemical industry in 2030

Net emission abatement
Net emission abatement in 2030 on a best-effort basis is estimated to be 16 billion tons in
total, excluding CO2 emissions from agricultural materials. Among them, the greatest
emissions are from thermal insulation materials (6.8 billion tons), followed by lighting
apparatus (4.1 billion tons) and solar power generation (2 billion tons).
Global anthropogenic GHG emissions in 2005 are estimated to have been around 46 billion
tons (WEF 20076), and a net reduction of 16 billion tons translates into about 1/3 of such
emissions.
25

JLCA News English Edition No.20

Portion of reduction due to BAU
Reduction due to best effort portion

Net reduction in GHG
emissions
Unit: Million tons

Thermal insulation
Lighting
Solar power
LC ethanolWind turbine
CCS
Anti-fouling of ships
Synthetic fibers
PackagingAutomobile weight reduction
Green tires
Low-temperature synthetic detergent
Engine efficiency
Pipin
gRegional heating
OthersSubtotal
Fertilizer and plant
protection
Total

Products for which calculation cannot be made accurately
Products that have no substitute products

When there is neither fertilizer nor crop protection
Net reduction including agriculture: 18.45 billion tons
Net reduction excluding agriculture: 18.45 - 2.5 = 15.95 billion tons ⇒16 billion tons

Fig. 24. Net emission abatement in 2030 (on a best-effort basis)"Summary"

Possibility of GHG reduction to which chemical products
contribute (quantitative estimation on a global level)2030 best effort
Unit: 100 million
tons (converted
to CO2)

Total amountEmissions

Net emission
abatement

Excluding fertilizer & crop protection

Source:Fig. 25. Summary of emissions and net emission abatement originating from the chemicalindustry in 2030

26

JLCA News English Edition No.20

3. On assessment using cLCA in Japan and around the world
3.1 Background and objectives
In the timetable in the New Growth Strategy that the Ministry of Economy, Trade andIndustry published in August 2010 as a mid-term target for preventive measures against global
warming, the year 2020 is set as the target year. Under these circumstances, the chemicalindustry is striving to help reduce CO2 emissions at the usage stage of final products that use
chemical products and to contribute to the reduction in CO2 emissions in society as a wholethrough cooperation between different types of businesses. These objectives are in addition toefforts to reduce energy consumption and to reduce CO2 emissions at the stage of manufacture,
as described above.
The ICCA report calculated global emission abatement in 2005 and 2030 in the chemicalindustry throughout the world. Whereas, this booklet is intended to evaluate specific examplesof chemical products in Japan and to show the situation of CO2 emissions by taking account of
the timetable of the "New Growth Strategy" of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
1. Paying attention to the timetable of the New Growth Strategy of the Ministry of
Economy, Trade and Industry, the year 2020, which is the period considered in thetimetable, has been adopted as the target fiscal year.
2. Net avoided CO2 emissions by the use of specific chemical products in Japan andaround the world in 2020 have been quantified.
The first edition dealt with eight examples in Japan and one example from around the world,
for which LCI7 data were published and of which data sources were clear. In the third edition,
the number of examples has been increased to include 15 examples in Japan and four examples
from around the world. We are determined to continue to contribute to industry as a whole
hereafter as well, in order to realize a low-carbon society through the provision of chemical
products and technologies, thereby providing information proactively for the policies on
emissions reduction.
3.2 Selecting the level in the value chain
The objectives of studies on avoided emissions in the chemical industry can be grouped into
the following two categories, according to the level in the value chain (see Fig. 26).
1.

2.

7

Chemical product level: Make a comparison between the emissions of a certain productwith those of a (chemical) product for comparison or the industry average value
concerning how small the former is as compared to the latter. Commonly reported
reasons for making such a calculation include in-house purposes (for instance, productbenchmarking) and product differentiation, and the like.
End-use level: Assess the contribution of a chemical product to emissions avoided by theuse of a specific low-carbon technology that makes use of the chemical product in place ofthe currently implemented product (product composition). Commonly reported reasonsfor making such a calculation include in-house purposes (for instance, portfolio planning),
exchanges with partners in the value chain, and communications with stakeholders
Life Cycle Inventory：Environmental load from manufacture to disposal

27

JLCA News English Edition No.20(investors, policy planners, general citizens, etc.) on the roles of the chemical industry, andthe like.
Each of the levels is exemplified below.
● Chemical product level:
If the study is carried out at the chemical product level, the definition of the functional unit
takes into account the performance of the chemical product and the alternative product. In
this case the avoided emissions calculation is equal to the comparative assertion according to
ISO 14040/44, except that the avoided emissions calculation focuses on greenhouse gas
emissions only.
Examples of functional units specified in studies that place emphasis on chemical product level
 Production and disposal of 1,000 intake manifolds having thermal resistance of yxz
 Production, use and disposal of a resin hardening agent for hardening resin XYZ thatis used when manufacturing 10 wind turbine rotating blades in 30 - 60 seconds● End-use level:
Chemical products are often intermediate products integrated in technologies that are
manufactured downstream in the value chain. Chemical products may influence theperformance of technologies in such a way that emissions are avoided compared to a specificreference case. To assess how a chemical product influences an end-user technology, thefunctional unit of the study is chosen based on the end-use technology and taking into accountthe function of the chemical product in the technology.
Examples for definition of functional unit in studies that focus on the end-use level:
 Running a medium-sized gasoline automobile for 200,000 kilometers with fuel-efficienttires using special chemicals vs. regular tires.
 Living in an existing single-family detached house in Germany (building year: 1964)
with an average temperature of 19°C for 50 years, with polystyrene insulation andwithout.

End-use level

Other power generation

Wind turbine
Turbine for wind power generation

A different level may bechosen according to the
purpose of the study.

Blade for wind power generation
Other resins for blades

Resin for blades
Resin hardening agent for resins

Chemical product level

Chemical product X for resins

Other materials for resins

Fig. 26 Examples of wind power generation: Various levels in the value chain and analternative product that can meet the purpose of the same customer at each of the levels

28

JLCA News English Edition No.20

In the case of the examples of wind power generation in Fig. 26, each of the levels is
described as follows.
・ Chemical product level: Resin hardening agent for wind power turbine blades
・ End-use level: Electric power
3.3

Object of assessment products to be assessed shall be based on the
products/technologies that are being put into the markets at the point in time thatis described in each of the examples, and not based on products that are expected to
be in widespread use in 2020 as a result of the progress of technologicaldevelopment.
In addition, the products to be compared shall be the products that deliver the same function
to the user, and avoided emissions are calculated, based on this, by being multiplied by thequantity expected to be manufactured in 2020.
Note that avoided emissions include not only those of chemical products but those in theentire value chain as well, but at the present point in time no technique is available thatquantitatively sorts out avoided emissions resulting from chemical products and those from
non-chemical products, and therefore no attribution of avoided emissions has been performed.
Fig. 27 and Table 5 show chemical products for which the avoided CO2 emissions have been
calculated on a trial basis this time and the finished products and products for comparison thathave become the object of assessment using cLCA.

Examples of Assessment in Japan

Wind turbine power generation

Solar power generation

AircraftSolar panels
Highly insulated
housing

LED lighting

High-efficiency lightingHigh efficiency household
appliance

Energy-saving navigation
High-efficiency hot water servers

Automobiles
Hall effect devices
Piping for water supply and sewerageFig. 27.

Diagrams of the products to be assessed

29

JLCA News English Edition No.20

Table 5. List of products to be assessed JapanClassification
RenewableenergyChemical productMaterials for solar
power generation

Products to be assessed
Electric power produced by solar
power generation

Automobiles that use carbon fiber
Automotive materials reinforced plastic composite
materials (CFRPs)

Utility power
Conventional automobiles

Materials for aircraft

Aircraft that uses carbon fiber
reinforced plastic composite
materials (CFRPs)

Conventional aircraft

Materials forfuel-efficient tires

Automobile fitted with
fuel-efficient tires

Automobile fitted with
non-fuel-efficient tires

LED-related materials LED light bulbs

Incandescent light bulbs

Housing that meets the Fiscal Year
1999 energy-saving standard(using thermal insulationmaterials)

Housing before theenergy-saving standard of 1980
(not using thermal insulationmaterials)

Detached housing that meets the
Aluminum-resin
Fiscal Year 1999 energy-saving
composite windows
standard (using aluminum-plastics
and thermal insulation
composite windows and thermalmaterials
insulation materials)

Housing before theenergy-saving standard of 1980
(not using thermal insulationmaterials)

Hall effect device,Hall effect ICs

Inverter air conditioner

Non-inverter air conditioners

Piping materials

PVC resin pipes

Ductile cast iron pipes

Thermal insulationmaterials for housing
Energy-saving

Products for comparison

Concentrated liquid
Concentrated liquid detergent for
detergent for cleaningcleaning clothes
clothesConventional liquid detergent
for cleaning clothes

Low-temperaturesteel plate detergent

Low-temperature steel plate
detergent

Conventional steel plate
detergentHigh-durability apartments

Ordinary apartment house

Silicone resin based paint andfluororesin based paint

Acrylic resin based paint andurethane resin based paintMaterials forhigh-durability
Resource-sav apartments
ingHigh durability paint
Recyclable
resource

Shampoo container

Biopolyethylene container

Fossil resource polyethylene
container

Suppressionof N2Oemission

Feed additives

Assorted feed containing
DL-methionine as an additive

Additive-free assorted feed

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JLCA News English Edition No.20

GlobalClassification

Energy-saving

Chemical productProducts to be assessed

Products for comparison

Materials fordesalination plants

Desalination technology by
Desalination technology by means
means of the evaporationof RO membranes
process

Hall effect device,Hall effect ICs

Inverter air conditioner

Non-inverter air conditioners

Automobiles that use carbon fiber
Automotive materials reinforced plastic composite
materials (CFRPs)
Materials for aircraft

Aircraft that uses carbon fiber
reinforced plastic composite
materials (CFRPs)

Conventional automobiles

Conventional aircraft

3.4 Ways of thinking about the period under assessment
1. Evaluate avoided CO2 emissions when the products expected to be manufactured
in the year under assessment would have been used until the end of their life.
2. Evaluate the avoided CO2 emissions as a result of operation, for the year underassessment, of the total number of product units that will be in widespread use and put
into operation until the year under assessment.

Intellectual approach [2]Production period(Manufactured
products will be
accumulated as stock
in society.)

Production
periodIntellectual approach [1]In-use period tobe assessed for
reduction

In-useperiodUseful life of
product

In-use period
to beassessed
for reduction

2020 2021

Present

Fig. 28. Two ways of thinking about the period under assessment

Since the assessment using cLCA is intended to identify the potential of chemical products
for reducing emissions, in the assessment here, it has been determined that the thinking [1]should be adopted and the products to be manufactured during the year 2020, which is thereference year, should be considered.

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3.5 Calculation of emission abatement(1) CO2 emission factor
Since it is difficult to predict the level of technological sophistication for conventional
products in 2020, previous data that are known at present for the CO2 emissions ofalternative products that become the object of comparison have been used (except the CO2
emission factor for utility power).
(2) Geographical conditions
Regarding emission abatement for CO2 emissions resulting from the use of products underassessment, evaluation has been made based on the degree of use in Japan and throughout
the world.
(3) Method of calculation
Using cases where conventional products are manufactured as the baseline, the avoided CO2
emissions have been calculated by multiplying the difference when the conventional product(product for comparison) has been replaced with the product under assessment by the quantity
manufactured during the year under assessment.
Step 1: Calculate the avoided CO2 emissions per unit quantity (e.g. kg, piece) of the productunder assessment.
CO2 emissions over the life cycle per unit quantity of the product forcomparison- CO2 emissions over the life cycle per unit quantity of the product being
assessed = A
Step 2: Calculate the avoided CO2 emissions by multiplying A by the quantity of the
products under assessment that are expected to be manufactured in 2020.
Emission abatement of A × Quantity of the products under assessment that are
expected to be manufactured in 2020 (one year)
3.6

Qualitative assessment of the degree of contribution of chemical products to the
avoided emissions in the value chain
Life cycle avoided emissions almost always result from efforts of multiple partners along thevalue chain. This is particularly the case for a study at the end-use level. Since the avoided
emissions are the sum of changes made by all the partners in the value chain (raw material
suppliers, materials manufacturers (chemical product companies, materials processing services
suppliers, components assembly services suppliers), technology users, etc.), the avoided
emissions cannot be attributed to one partner. For this reason, the avoided emissions
calculated at the end-use level must always be attributed to the entire value chain.
It often occurs that partners in the value chain desire communications of the avoided
emissions in the entire value chain. In order to increase the credibility of such an assertion,
the reporting company needs to clarify the role in the value chain, and at the same time if value
chain avoided emissions are too small to communicate, the company needs to refrain from
reporting the avoided emissions. The reporting company must describe the degree of32

JLCA News English Edition No.20

contribution as shown in Table 6 in order to clarify the degree of contribution of its products tothe value chain avoided emissions. In this scheme, the degree of contribution is classified
based on the relations between chemical products and final products.
Table 6: The significance of the contribution of chemical products to value chain avoided
emissions
SignificancecontributionofRelationship between chemical products and final products

Fundamental

The chemical product is the key component that enables the GHG emission
avoiding effect by using the final product.

Extensive

The chemical product is part of key component and its properties and functions are
essential for enabling the GHG emission avoiding effect by using the final
product.

Substantial

The chemical product does not contribute directly to the avoided GHG emissions,but it cannot be substituted easily without affecting the avoided emissions by using
the final product.

Minor

The chemical product does not contribute directly to the avoided GHG emissions,but it is used in the manufacturing process of a fundamentally or essentiallycontributing product.

Too
small
communicate

3.7

to The chemical product can be substituted without changing the avoided GHG
emissions by using the final product.

Name and description of the organization(s) commissioning the study and that
performing it ("the practitioner")・ Organization commissioning the study for 19 assessed examples: Japan Chemical Industry
Association (general incorporated association)
・ Practitioner: Japan Chemical Industry Association (general incorporated association)

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4. Conclusions and proposals
4.1

Summary of assessed examples
Table 7. Summary of Assessed Examples

Finishedproducts:
CO2
emissionsfrom rawmaterials◆Examples in Japan-manufacture Production- disposal
volumeProducts under assessment(10,000 tons) (FY 2020)( ) shows CO2
emissions at
the stage ofmanufactureof chemical
products

The
avoidedCO2eemissions(thousandtons)Life offinishedproduct(years)

Products forcomparison

Electric power
produced by solar
power generation(129)

1,760,000 kW

-898

20

Utility power

Automobiles that use
plastics reinforced withcarbon fiber

9.3

15,000 units

-7.5

10

Conventional
automobiles

Aircraft that use
plastics reinforced withcarbon fiber

17.6

45 units-122

10

Conventional
aircraft(174)

PCR73,000,000
units
TBR5,000,000
units

-636

9.2

28 million units-745

Automobile fitted with
non-fuel-efficient tires(Note 1)

LED light bulbs
Housing that meets the
Fiscal Year 1999
energy-saving
standard: Thermal
insulation materials(Detached house)(Apartment)

(129)
(106)

367,000 houses
633,000
apartments

34

-953
-6,628PCR 30,000 Automobile fittedkm
with
TBR120,000 non-fuel-efficient
km
tires
10

30
60

Incandescent lightbulbs
Housing before
the energy-saving
standard of 1980
(not using thermal
insulationmaterials)

JLCA News English Edition No.20

Housing that meets the
Fiscal Year 1999
energy-saving
standard:
Aluminum-plastics
composite windows/
Thermal insulationmaterials(Detached house)(10.7)

25,000

Number ofthermalinsulationmaterials
for housing
included—

7,460 thousand
units-1,64014.8

Non-inverter air
conditioners

PVC resin pipes(74)

493,092 tons

-330

50

Ductile cast ironpipingConcentrated liquid
detergent for cleaning
clothes

109(32)

148 thousand
tons

-29

24 times ofcleaning

Conventionalliquid detergent
for cleaning
clothes

Low-temperature steel
plate detergent

0.3
(0.3)

Steel plates of
8.75 million
tons

-4.4

—

Conventional steel
plate detergent

High-durability
apartments

1,655
(24)

61,000 units

-224

100

Ordinary
apartment house50

Acrylic resin
based andurethane resin
based paint

Inverter air conditioner

Silicone resin paint andfluoro resin based
high-durability paint(1.2)

61,000 units-1.1

Biopolyethylene
container

0.03(0.03)

1,000,000
pieces-0.01

Assorted feed
containing
DL-methionine asadditive

109(85)

3.96 million
tons

-16

Total

30

Housing before
the energy-saving
standard of 1980
(not using thermal
insulationmaterials)

Fossil resource
polyethylene
container
Breeding
period48 days

Additive-freeassorted feed

-12,200

Note 1: Those for passenger vehicles are indicated as PCR, and those for trucks/buses as TBR.
Note 1: Difference between emissions during the procurement of raw materials through tomanufacture and disposal, instead of the difference in use

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 Global examples

Products underassessment

Finished products:
CO2 emissions fromraw materials-manufacture disposal (10,000
tons)

Production
volume(FY 2020)

The
avoidedCO2eemissions(thousandtons)Life offinishedproduct(years)

Products forcomparison

Desalination
Desalination
technology bymeans of RO
membranes

150

CFRP automobile

186

300,000 units

-150

10

CFRP aircraft351

900 units-2,43010Inverterair conditioner—-18,994

14.8

technology by
610,000 units-17,257

5means of theevaporation
process

47,311
thousand units

Conventional
automobiles
Conventional
aircraft
Non-inverter air
conditioners-38,831

Total

4.2 Conclusions and proposals
It can be seen from the total for the examples, chemical products are a key material in
reducing CO2e emissions by about 120 million tons in Japan and by about 390 million tons
globally. Note that the avoided CO2e emissions include not only those from chemical products
but those from other products related to raw materials and parts as well. Life cycle avoided
emissions almost always result from efforts of multiple partners along the value chain, andtherefore no attribution of avoided emissions to each constituent product has been performed.
Also, it can be inferred from the examples that chemical products contribute to the reduction
in GHG emissions for finished products in various fields, such as the energy sector (solar
power generation), consumer and home sector (LED light bulbs, housing, air conditioners,
piping, automobiles, detergents, shampoos), transportation sector (automobiles, aircraft), etc.,
in cooperation with products that are related to other materials for processing and parts.

5. Plans to be pursued by the chemical industry hereafter
In the "Keidanren’s Commitment to a Low Carbon Society," "Contribution to reduction
through the spreading of low-carbon products," "Promotion of international
contributions" and "Development of innovative technologies" were regarded as principal
areas of activities, in addition to the efforts for the reduction in CO2 emissions produced during
the manufacture of chemical products, and the activities were started in Fiscal Year 2013.

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5.1

Contribution to reduction through the spreading of low-carbon products:
Increasing the number of examples of assessment using cLCA in Japan and aroundthe world
In order to promote CO2 emissions reduction, it is important that measures be taken from theperspective of pursuing total optimization that provides a bird's eye view of the entire life cycle,
from the procurement of raw materials, through manufacture, distribution and consumption, torecycling/disposal, rather than from the perspective of partial optimization such as the
reduction in CO2 emissions in the manufacturing sector.
The role of the chemical industry is to contribute to CO2 emissions reduction in society as awhole through the supply chain by the development and spreading of chemical products andtechnologies.
It can be said that the implementation of cLCA here, as shown in the fifteen examples inJapan and four international examples, is very significant in view of the magnitude of the
avoided CO2 emissions that has been shown will be achieved by the contribution of thechemical industry in Japan. However, final products that are low in carbon, with which
chemical products help to reduce CO2 emissions, are not limited to those in the 19 examples
here. There are plans to expand that examples of cLCA to include those of materials for the
next generation of automobiles (materials for weight reduction, materials for secondary
batteries, materials for fuel cells, etc.), thermal insulation members for high-efficiency
architecture, materials for wind turbine power generation, etc.

Examples of contribution to reduction in
CO2 emissions by chemical products
Solar cell materials
Semiconductor materials
Displays (liquid crystal, organic
EL)
Cooling media/heataccumulating agents
Electrolytic membranes
Catalyst technology
Hydrogen storage technology
Biorefinery technology
Water separation membranes
Exhaust heat recovery
technology
Lithium secondary battery
materials
Capacitors
Superconducting materials CO2
separation membranes

Thermal insulationmaterials

Fluorescent lamps, LED
lamps
Contribution equivalent
to reduction of about 80
times the CO2 emissions
during production anduntil disposal* Achieving powersaving and long useful life

Contribution equivalent to
reduction of about 100 times theCO2 emissions during production
and until disposal* Improvement in cooling andheating efficiency, andothersMaterials of solar cells

Heat-resistant materials
Contribution equivalent to reduction of about 8times the CO2 emissions during production anduntil disposal*Renewable energy
22

Fig 29. Examples of the avoided CO2 emissions by chemical products

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5.2

Promotion of international contributions by means of energy-saving technologies
and low-carbon products
The chemical industry is determined to proactively contribute to the reduction in GHGs on a
global scale, based on the principle of "responsible care" in which the environment, safety andhealth are secured voluntarily, and improvements in reliability represented by society andcommunications are promoted in all processes, from the development of products through tomanufacture, use, and disposal/recycling, by continually engaging hereafter in the propagationand deployment overseas of chemical processes, energy-saving technologies and low-carbon
products of the world’s highest standard.
Table 8 exemplifies the fact that the use of Japanese products/technologies will have a great
avoided GHG emissions potential of about 400 million tons in the world in 2020, although justsix examples are given herein.
Thus it is thought that chemical products will be able to make a great contribution to the
reduction in GHG emissions in the world by spreading technologies.
Table 8 Contribution to the reduction in GHG emissions in the world

Contribution (potential) to the reduction in GHG emissions in
the world by means of Japanese products/technologies

Field

ExampleAbatement effect

Manufacturing
technologies

Caustic soda manufacturing
technology using the ion
exchange membrane process

Materials forprocessing/products

Desalination technology using
reverse osmosis membranes*

Improvement in power
consumption intensity

Automotive materials (carbon
fiber)*
Materials for aircraft (carbon
fiber)*

Makingalternatives toFreon, etc.
harmless

Energy saving using
substitution for theevaporation process
Improvement in fuelefficiency by weight
reduction
Improvement in fuelefficiency by weight
reduction
Increase in motor
efficiency

DC motor control device for use
in air conditioners*
Reduction of emissions of threealternatives to Freon, etc. by
Reduction of GHG
means of exhaust gas combustion emissions
technology

Abatement
potential
ten thousand
tons-CO2/year
650

17,000150

2,430
19,0002,000
About 40,000*Source: Calculated based on JCIA's "Life Cycle Analysis of Chemical Products in Japan" and "Guidelines for Calculating
the Avoided CO2 Emissions"
As for the examples of technology, those for which the share of Japanese businesses is 70% or more are described.

Shown below are specific examples of avoided emissions overseas including the examples
described in Table 8 and technologies for which deployment overseas are expected hereafter.

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Examples of contribution by the transfer of energy-saving and low-carbon technologies
overseas
Manufacturing technologies: Provision of chemical processes and energy-saving technologies
at the world’s highest standard
・ Manufacturing technology for polycarbonate using CO2 as a raw material in countries
in the Middle East and Asia
・ State-of-the-art manufacturing equipment for terephthalic acid in India and China
・ Manufacturing technology for acrylamide that uses biotechnology in South Korea
・ Caustic soda manufacturing equipment that reduces power consumption during
electrolysis by using the ion exchange membrane process in the Middle East, Asia,
Europe and America
・ Ethylene plant in Singapore having the highest level of energy efficiency in the world
Unprocessed materials/products: During the usage stage, CO2 can be substantially reduced ascompared with conventional unprocessed materials and methods.
・ Desalination technology using reverse osmosis membranes
・ Drainage treatment system by means of multistage aeration tanks
・ Control devices for DC motors for inverter air conditioners
Treatment for making three alternatives to Freon harmless:・ Reduction in the emissions of three alternatives to Freon by the installation of exhaustgas combustion equipment
For the results in 2012, achieved substantial reduction in PFCs to 92% and in SF6 to95%, using the basic unit for emissions relative to that in the reference year. From
now on, reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through transfer of technologies
overseas will be promoted in cooperation with the national government as well,through the use of production technologies for reducing the emissions of alternatives
to Freon and through the use of exhaust gas combustion equipment that is possessedby businesses.
5.3 Development of innovative technologies
The chemical industry uses fossil fuel both as fuel and as raw materials, and thedevelopment of innovative technologies both in terms of raw materials and fuel is an important
problem to be addressed on a mid to long-term basis.
For this reason, considering the situation in 2020 and thereafter, we will promote
development by sharing the roadmap and cooperating with the national government regarding
the technical problems and barriers to be overcome in development. It is also important that
information concerning the contribution to such environmental aspects be transmitted by
implementing quantitative assessments, such as that carried out by using cLCA with regard tosuch technical development.
Major mid and long-term technical development in the chemical industry is shown below.
[1] Innovative process development
・ Development of innovative processes that reduce waste and byproducts
・ Development of innovative processes for naphtha decomposition
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・ Development of distillation and separation technology by means of precision
separation membranes
・ Development of high-efficiency separation and refining processes for byproduct gases
by means of high-performance porous materials[2] Development of chemical product manufacturing processes that do not use fossil fuels
・ Development of chemical product manufacturing processes that use CO2 as raw
materials
・ Development of processes for manufacturing propylene from cellulose-based biomass
ethanol[3] Development of the next generation of high-performance materials that contribute to
reduction in GHG emissions in terms of LCA
・ Thermal insulation materials for high efficiency construction
・ Solar cell materials (high efficiency compound semiconductors, organic based solar
cells, etc.)
・ Next-generation automobiles
・ Materials for weight reduction (engineering plastics, etc.)
・ Parts for secondary batteries (positive electrode materials, negative electrodematerials, electrolytic fluids, separators, etc.)
・ Parts for fuel cells (catalysts, solid electrolytes)
・ Next-generation high-efficiency lighting (high efficiency LEDs, organic EL, etc.)
・ Materials for flat panel displays (organic EL, etc.)
・ Materials for high-efficiency heat pumps (cooling medium, heat accumulating agent)・ CO2 separation membranes, hydrogen manufacturing, and storage technologies, etc.
[4] Development of chemical technologies and creation of new parts, materials andproducts in line with the "Cool Earth Innovative Energy Technology Plan"

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6. Review for cLCA Report (Third Edition)
6.1 Overview of the review
During the period from December 2013 through January 2014, the "cLCA Report - Third
Edition" was presented to a panel of experts and their opinions were solicited. Four people
expressed their opinions: Masahiko Hirao (committee chairperson, Professor, Department ofChemical System Engineering, School of Engineering, the University of Tokyo), Atsushi Inaba(Professor, Department of Environmental and Energy Chemistry, Kogakuin University),
Yasunari Matsuno (Associate Professor, Department of Materials Engineering, School ofEngineering, the University of Tokyo), and Yuki Hondo (Professor, Graduate School ofEnvironment and Information Sciences, Yokohama National University).
Note that the four people in charge of the review were not concerned with obtaining the data
used in the investigation, and did not directly verify the completeness, representativeness,accuracy, etc. of the data given in the report. Hence, the data used for calculation and thevalues themselves obtained as the result of calculation are outside the scope of the review.
The matters pointed out are described below by itemizing them as the "Overview of theresult of review."
6.2 Opinions and response of the panel of experts on the cLCA Report (third edition)(1) Opinions of the experts
1) Levels in the value chain
・ It is felt that regarding the selection of levels in the value chain, all the examples
given are those at the end-use level. Assuming that the stage of chemical products
being used (the stage after cleaning in the case of a steel plate detergent; the stage
after coating in the case of a paint) is the end-use level, it can also be said that boththe steel plate detergent and the paint are not at the chemical product level, but are at
the end-use level. Also, if a consumer is given the status of being at the end-use
level, such examples can also be regarded as being at the chemical product level, andin this respect it is difficult to make a judgment on the status of the value chain level.
Concerning the terms to be used, classification of the terms such as the unprocessedmaterial level, final product level, and process level might also be necessary.
・ Explanations based on the chemical product level and end-use level only are not easy
to understand. The grouping of levels into unprocessed material level, part level,and process level could also be required.
・ All the examples given appear to be those at the end-use level. The explanations
given in page 15 of the Global Guidelines ("Addressing the Avoided GHG Emissions
Challenge") based on the chemical product level and the end-use level are not easy tounderstand. In addition, in the case of the chemical product level, it is thought thatthe comparison may also be equal to comparative assertion if the provisions of ISO
14040/44 are to be followed, and so measures for addressing such a comparison will
be required.
・ In the example of a shampoo container, it appears to be at the end-use level if thestudy is focused on the shampoo container.

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・ If it is said that the study focuses on the chemical product level, perhaps the nameshould be changed to a resin for shampoo containers.
・ Regarding the value chain level and system boundary, methods of representation vary
between those at the end-use level and those at the chemical product level for the
topic of the entire value chain and for the system boundary part. In particular,differences in representation at the chemical product level between those for the topic
of the entire value chain and those for the system boundary part might be perplexing.
・ It is better to clearly indicate the selected level in the diagram of the value chain.
2) Degree of contribution[1] About Table 2 in the Global Guidelines
・ In the case of the chemical product level, if "Fundamental" is selected as the degree ofcontribution, a mismatch may occur with the specific contents of description of thedegree of contribution ("The chemical product is the key component that enables the
GHG emission avoiding effect by using the final product."), which might cause
misunderstanding.
・ Also, the translation into Japanese "Kansetsu Koken" (which means "indirectcontribution" in Japanese) of the term "minor" may be regarded as indirectcontribution that is used for an effect obtained by recycling, and the like. Also, in
the English language as well, a term corresponding to indirect contribution exists("Indirect") aside from "minor," and the Japanese translation may also be regarded as
the term corresponding to it, which might result in misunderstanding that "indirectcontribution" is small.
・ The Japanese translation should elaborate on expressions. For example, the term
"Hitsuyo Fukaketsu" (which means indispensable in Japanese) may also be construed
as having the meaning of fundamental or essential. Another possible way of
thinking might be that the portions indicating the degree of contribution shall not betranslated, but shall be represented by numbers or the alphabet, thereby giving an
indication that shows the order of priority to some extent.
・ The term "Contribution" has two different meanings: (1) Contribution to reduction in
CO2 emissions; (2) Contribution for realizing the product to be assessed that enables
reduction in CO2 emissions (essential product/technology), and therefore it is thoughtthat ways of using expressions that prevent confusion between them are important.
[2] About the judgment criteria for the degree of contribution
・ The degree of contribution involves factors such that the portion to be marked with"○" may vary with the perspective. It becomes a problem if a different judgment isreached by each perspective.
・ How about representing the evaluation of the degree of contribution of products byusing two axes? Specifically, how about depicting the intermediate product throughfinal product on the horizontal axis and describing the degree of contribution toemissions reduction on the vertical axis?
Also, how about depicting contribution enabled by processes separately?

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3) Others[1] The Global Guidelines state in 3.3.4 that the typical duration of a reference period is one
year. Perhaps the calculation of avoided emissions for each of the examples should bemade on a per-year basis.
[2] About assessed examples overseas
Not only in the chemical industry, Japanese technologies and products play a very largerole overseas, and therefore it is desirable that assessment should not be limited to thatin Japan only, and more examples of chemical products that are in widespread use
overseas/in the world as well as of Japanese chemical technologies should be described.
4) Individual matters[1] Materials for solar power generation
・ There is no diagram for the system boundary for utility power which is the product forcomparison, and it is not clear whether an evaluation of equipment required for power
generation has been made. In addition, in all the other examples the systemboundary for products for comparison is stated clearly, and it needs to be statedclearly for solar power generation as well.
・ In solar power generation, it is appropriate to assess the equipment required for the
manufacture of electric power as well. This is also true of power generation such as
thermal power generation, hydropower generation, nuclear power generation, etc.
While on the other hand, in general, manufacturing equipment (plant and equipment
for producing products) is not included in the object of assessment in LCA, although
it may depend on the product to be assessed, or its assessment is often omitted.
Actually in the other examples included in this report, manufacturing equipment is notincluded in the object of assessment. Hence, it is desirable that power generation
should be regarded as a special case and this point should be clearly stated.
・ In the sentence in 3. Product comparison, the following description is necessary, but it
is appropriate that the description should not be included in 3., but should be included
in some other place. "If the rate of electric power production by solar power
generation increases, which is a mode of power generation that is likely to be affectedby weather conditions, there may be a possibility that preparatory equipment andfacilities will additionally be required in order to realize stable electric power supply.
At the present stage, there are no examples of assessment of CO2 emissions which
was carried out bearing in mind such a mode of electric power supply in the future,and therefore in this example the comparison has been restricted to that of CO2
emissions in the life cycles of solar power generation and utility power."[2] Aluminum-resin composite window and thermal insulation materials
In the preceding chapter 1.6 for thermal insulation materials for housing, cLCA of
housing that uses thermal insulation materials was carried out. Perhaps relations withthis report should be described.
Regarding the examples of thermal insulation materials only and the examples ofcomposite window & thermal insulation materials, partly because their chapters are

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provided successively, confusion may occur as to whether the effect of the window has
been added to the effect of thermal insulation materials or whether evaluations weremade independently from each other, and therefore it is better to avoid any possibility of
misunderstanding.
For example, differences such as those given below, need to be described.
• Difference in boundary between the two (Tokyo and the entire Japan)• Whether the effect of thermal insulation materials is incorporated into thecalculation in the cLCA for the window frame (explanations should be made in aneasy-to-understand way).
[3] Concentrated liquid detergent for cleaning clothes
・ In order to realize contribution to reduction, cooperation from consumers is necessary,such as ensuring that the setting of "rinsing with water once" will be put into practice.
Perhaps this point should also be described as a factor of uncertainty.
・ Regarding the matters related to the stage of disposal of containers, calculation ismade by referring to the PCR of the CFP system. Although it may depend on the
unprocessed materials of containers, the ratio of incineration has increased in the PCR,
and this is also a method of calculation in which the effect given by the recycling ofcontainer packages is not sufficiently reflected. Fundamentally, when carrying out
life cycle assessment, the effect given by recycling should also be reflected.
However, in this example, there is no problem because the result gives conservativevalues and transparency of the data is also ensured.
[4] Low-temperature steel plate detergent"Fundamental" is selected as 6. Degree of contribution. On the other hand, in thecolumn for the "Relations between chemical products and final products" in the table,
the words "that enables the GHG emission avoiding effect by using the final product"
are stated, but what is the final product?
[5] Shampoo container
Perhaps the calculation boundary for the amount of consumption of water resources in
11. should be different from the calculation boundary for GHG emissions.
How about describing the amount of water consumption at the container level by also
creating a new item, if possible?
For example, it is better to include the item in Appendix, thereby stating clearly thatsuch an item is evaluated separately from the evaluation of the calculation of GMGemissions.
(2) Response to the opinions
1) Level in the value chain
The level in the value chain was described in the 16 examples and presented to theexperts. On the basis of the opinions given by reviewers, it has been decided to examine
the following points as the problems to be addressed hereafter, and not to clearly state thelevel this time.

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・ Examination will be implemented so that reasonable explanations can be made on awide range of examples, not only using the concept of the chemical product level andend-use level, but also giving explanations, etc. in the classification into unprocessedmaterials, parts, and processes.
・ When the selection criteria for the level in the value chain have been clarified, theselected level will be clearly indicated in the value chain diagram.
2) Degree of contribution
The degree of contribution was described by using 16 examples and presented to theexperts. On the basis of the opinions given by reviewers, it has been decided to examine
the following points as the problems to be addressed hereafter, and not to clearly state thedegree of contribution this time.
[1] Portion of the Japanese translation in Table 2 of the Global Guidelines
Expressions that match the contents of the "Degree of contribution of chemical products
to value chain avoided emissions" will be reexamined.
[2] Judgment criteria for the degree of contribution
Judgment criteria will be clarified including the examination of the methods ofindication of the degree of contribution in products and processes, and explanations will
also be elaborated on so that the judgment criteria are easy to understand.
3) Others[1] In the examples, avoided CO2 emissions when the products expected to be
manufactured in the year (2020) under assessment would have been used until the endof their life are evaluated. A description is given to that effect in 4.4 "Temporal andgeographical standards" in each of the examples.
[2] From now on, efforts will be made to expand the examples that have already been
published. The chemical industry has participated in the "Keidanren’s Commitment toa Low-Carbon Society" that started in Fiscal Year 2013, and is engaging in work for the"Promotion of international contributions" as one of the four principal areas of activities.
It is planned that examples of reduction in GHG emissions in the world by using
Japanese products and technologies will also be reported in the " Commitment to a
Low-Carbon Society."4) Individual matters[1] Materials for solar power generation
・ Whether or not evaluation has been carried out concerning the equipment required for
power generation has been stated clearly.
・ The following has been described in the item of "10. Problems to be addressed.""If the rate of electric power production by solar power generation increases, which isa mode of power generation that is likely to be affected by weather conditions, there
may be a possibility that preparatory equipment and facilities will additionally berequired in order to realize stable electric power supply. At the present stage, there

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are no examples of assessment of CO2 emissions which was carried out bearing in
mind such a mode of electric power supply in the future, and therefore in this example
the comparison has been restricted to that of CO2 emissions in the life cycles of solar
power generation and utility power."[2] Aluminum-plastics composite window and thermal insulation materials
1.7Added sentences that describe the relations with 1.6 "thermal insulation materials forhousing" as 10. in 1.7 "Aluminum-resin composite window and thermal insulationmaterials."[3] Concentrated liquid detergent for cleaning clothes
In "9. Study Limitations and Future Recommendations," sentences concerning
cooperation to be given by consumers have been added.
[4] Low-temperature steel plate detergent
Steel plate is assumed to be the final product. Note that with regard to the term "final
product," "solution" is used in the original English text, and the "final product" has beenused when translating the text into Japanese.
[5] Shampoo container
The calculation of the amount of consumption of water resources in the life cycle ofshampoos has been described in Appendix.
6-3. Pending problems since the issuance of the first and second editions(Opinions of the experts)
Concerning the avoided CO2 emissions in 2020
The calculation of the avoided CO2 emissions in 2020 was made on condition that the
products under assessment were excluded. This method may be good for product comparison,
but with regard to emission abatement as of 2020, it is thought that the present scenario isinsufficient. How about examining a new scenario as a problem to be addressed hereafter?
(Response to the opinions)
Considering this issue as the problem to be addressed hereafter in JCIA's LCA WG, work will
be performed while soliciting guidance from the experts as well.

7. Acknowledgements
We would like to express our gratitude to Mizuho Information & Research Institute, Inc., K.K．
Industrial Information Research Center, K.K. Etisa, and the experts of the Review Committee(Committee chairperson Mr. Hirao, Committee member Mr. Inaba, Committee member Mr.
Matsuno, and Committee member Mr. Hondo) for the guidance and support provided by themin the issuance of this report.

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