Application of Material Flow Analysis to propose Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Solutions for the Pulp and Paper Industry – A Pilot Study at Vina Kraft Paper at Ho Chi Minh city

Abstract

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the paper industry mainly originate from the combustion of fossil fuels to generate energy, as well as from chemical and biological processes that occur during pulp and paper production. Material Flow Analysis (MFA) is an effective tool for quantifying material flows across different stages of paper production and identifying intervention opportunities to reduce GHG emissions, thereby contributing to carbon neutrality and net-zero targets. Research results from the Vina Kraft paper show that waste paper is the primary raw material used in production, accounting for 96.55% of the total paper inputs. The rate of recycled and reused paper at the mill is 4%, and the total GHG emissions amount to 642,277.1 tons of CO₂e. Enhancing the recycling and reuse of waste paper in the mill’s production process will help reduce GHG emissions associated with manufacturing activities. Furthermore, utilizing waste for energy generation or as raw materials in agricultural and construction production can contribute to environmental protection and further reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The findings obtained from the pilot study at the Vina Kraft can be applied to other facilities in the pulp and paper industry, supporting the Vietnamese government’s commitment to climate change mitigation.