Pollution Emissions in the Pulp and Paper Industry: A Statistical Decomposition Analysis

Abstract

This research paper aims to explain the relative changes in the total emission of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Total Suspended Solids (TSS) and Greenhouse Gases (GHG) in the pulp and paper sector in Canada over an 8-year period: from 2005 to 2013. In order to achieve this, a statistical decomposition technique is applied that entails measuring changes in total industry output; emission intensity; industry composition, and mill closures. Consistent with our expectation, the total emission levels for all three pollutants decreased in 2013 compared to their levels in 2005, and a primary driving-force behind this has been the substantial decrease in output of the industry, particularly newsprint, in the aforementioned time period.