Sphera Case Studies How LCA information Can and Improved Reputation Support Competitive Advantage

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	How LCA information Can and Improved Reputation Support Competitive Advantage Sphera

How LCA information Can and Improved Reputation Support Competitive Advantage

Sphera

Applicable Industries	Chemicals
Applicable Functions	Product Research & Development Quality Assurance
Services	Data Science Services System Integration
Challenge	The Zircon Industry Association (ZIA) needed a way to conduct Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in line with the most recognized and up-to-date methodologies and using industry-specific data. They wanted to use LCA as a strategic tool for zircon producers to benchmark with industry averages and to set continuous improvement goals. They also wanted to provide an informed supply chain with an accurate and independently-verified LCA, clearly showing that the very low environmental burden of zircon makes it the preferred choice as far as life cycle environmental performance is concerned. This would help to underpin ZIA member companies’ sustainability profile and provide additional communication opportunities throughout the value chain, including building designers and users of ceramic tiles. Read More
About Customer	The Zircon Industry Association (ZIA) is an independent industry association for the entire zirconium value chain, from zircon sand production to a wide range of downstream products, including zircon flour, opacifiers, refractory materials, friction materials, fused zirconias and zirconium chemicals, metal and alloys. The ZIA’s mission is to represent and support the interests of the zircon, zirconia and zirconium value chains worldwide. ZIA members currently represent some 80% of the globally-produced zircon tonnage. Read More
Solution	Sphera provided LCA consultancy services using reliable, representative industry-specific data, supported by its GaBi Software and datasets. They developed a specific LCA model and methodology for comparing zircon and alternative products. They identified hotspots and suggested improvement strategies. They also provided support to the independent review panel of LCA experts, guidance for developing a robust, credible and accurate LCI dataset, and support with publication of the LCI and communication of the LCA outcomes. Read More Log in to view content
Contents

Applicable Industries

Chemicals

Applicable Functions

Product Research & Development

Quality Assurance

Services

Data Science Services

System Integration

Challenge

The Zircon Industry Association (ZIA) needed a way to conduct Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in line with the most recognized and up-to-date methodologies and using industry-specific data. They wanted to use LCA as a strategic tool for zircon producers to benchmark with industry averages and to set continuous improvement goals. They also wanted to provide an informed supply chain with an accurate and independently-verified LCA, clearly showing that the very low environmental burden of zircon makes it the preferred choice as far as life cycle environmental performance is concerned. This would help to underpin ZIA member companies’ sustainability profile and provide additional communication opportunities throughout the value chain, including building designers and users of ceramic tiles.

About Customer

The Zircon Industry Association (ZIA) is an independent industry association for the entire zirconium value chain, from zircon sand production to a wide range of downstream products, including zircon flour, opacifiers, refractory materials, friction materials, fused zirconias and zirconium chemicals, metal and alloys. The ZIA’s mission is to represent and support the interests of the zircon, zirconia and zirconium value chains worldwide. ZIA members currently represent some 80% of the globally-produced zircon tonnage.

Solution

Sphera provided LCA consultancy services using reliable, representative industry-specific data, supported by its GaBi Software and datasets. They developed a specific LCA model and methodology for comparing zircon and alternative products. They identified hotspots and suggested improvement strategies. They also provided support to the independent review panel of LCA experts, guidance for developing a robust, credible and accurate LCI dataset, and support with publication of the LCI and communication of the LCA outcomes.

Impact #1	Ability to conduct Life Cycle Assessment in line with the most recognized and up-to-date methodologies and using industry-specific data.
Impact #2	LCA as a strategic tool for zircon producers to benchmark with industry averages and to set continuous improvement goals.
Impact #3	An informed supply chain: an accurate and independently-verified LCA, clearly showing that the very low environmental burden of zircon makes it the preferred choice as far as life cycle environmental performance is concerned.

Impact #1

Ability to conduct Life Cycle Assessment in line with the most recognized and up-to-date methodologies and using industry-specific data.

Impact #2

LCA as a strategic tool for zircon producers to benchmark with industry averages and to set continuous improvement goals.

Impact #3

An informed supply chain: an accurate and independently-verified LCA, clearly showing that the very low environmental burden of zircon makes it the preferred choice as far as life cycle environmental performance is concerned.

Benefit #1	Benefits for downstream users: in addition to the recognized superior technical performance of zircon, tile manufacturers can now reduce their own environmental footprint by demanding zircon as the preferred opacifier.

Benefit #1

Benefits for downstream users: in addition to the recognized superior technical performance of zircon, tile manufacturers can now reduce their own environmental footprint by demanding zircon as the preferred opacifier.

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Overview

How LCA information Can and Improved Reputation Support Competitive Advantage

Operational Impact

Quantitative Benefit