Life cycle inventory for the production of Zeolite A for detergents

Zeolite A is a crystalline aluminosilicate which has been used as a builder component in laundry detergents for many years. An LCI for the production of Zeolite A ('cradle-to-factory-gate') was carried out on behalf of the European Zeolite producers. Data from five European production sites were collected to generate an average LCL for Zeolite A. The plants covered more than 77% of the total European production in 1993 an therefore represent an average situation. The original LCI tables show detailed figures about raw material, intermediates and auxiliary material consumption. The overall energy flow for the production of 1 t of anhydrous Zeolite is 22400 MJ with a minimal spread of ± 5% over the individual companies. Furthermore 25 air emission parameters and 35 water emission parameters are listed and categorised with respect to their origins e.g. process dependent, transportation, thermal energy and electricity production. Each company is able to compare their individual data with the average LCI to identify any opportunities to improve production processes. In addition, this LCI of Zeolite A provides the basis for any further LCA studies of a product containing Zeolite A, including comparisons and assessments.