From waste plastics to industrial raw materials: A life cycle assessment of mechanical plastic recycling practice based on a real-world case study

Gu, Fengshou; Guo, Jianfeng; Zhang, Wujie; Summers, Peter A.; Hall, Philip

doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.05.278

Cited by 307 publications

(151 citation statements)

References 50 publications

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“…), practical experiences in the recycling industry (Gu et al. ), or qualitative discussions (Shen et al. ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…), defined as the functionality of the recycled plastic divided by the functionality of the virgin plastic assumed substituted (Vadenbo et al 2016). In these studies, the functionality or quality was quantified based on, for example, price differences between recovered and virgin materials (e.g., Rigamonti et al 2009;Mengarelli et al 2017), practical experiences in the recycling industry (Gu et al 2017), or qualitative discussions (Shen et al 2010). While these approaches attempt to quantify loss of material quantities as well as physical and mechanical properties, such as higher thickness required, more defects, lower transparency, and the like, substitutabilities such as these are not useful for evaluating the ability of a recovery or recycling system to contribute to long-term closing of material loops.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Quality Assessment and Circularity Potential of Recovery Systems for Household Plastic Waste

Eriksen

Damgaard

Boldrin

et al. 2018

J of Industrial Ecology

126

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Summary Plastic recycling is promoted in the transition toward a circular economy and a closed plastic loop, typically using mass‐based recycling targets. Plastic from household waste (HHW) is contaminated and heterogeneous, and recycled plastic from HHW often has a limited application range, due to reduced quality. To correctly assess the ability to close plastic loops via recycling, both plastic quantities and qualities need to be evaluated. This study defines a circularity potential representing the ability of a recovery system to close material loops assuming steady‐state market conditions. Based on an average plastic waste composition including impurities, 84 recovery scenarios representing a wide range of sorting schemes, source‐separation efficiencies, and material recovery facility (MRF) configurations and performances were assessed. The qualities of the recovered fractions were assessed based on contamination and the circularity potential calculated for each scenario in a European context. Across all scenarios, 17% to 100% of the generated plastic mass could be recovered, with higher source‐separation and MRF efficiencies leading to higher recovery. Including quality, however, at best 55% of the generated plastic was suitable for recycling due to contamination. Source‐separation, a high number of target fractions, and efficient MRF recovery were found to be critical. The circularity potential illustrated that less than 42% of the plastic loop can be closed with current technology and raw material demands. Hence, Europe is still far from able to close the plastic loop. When transitioning toward a circular economy, the focus should be on limiting impurities and losses through product design, technology improvement, and more targeted plastic waste management.

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“…), practical experiences in the recycling industry (Gu et al. ), or qualitative discussions (Shen et al. ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Quality Assessment and Circularity Potential of Recovery Systems for Household Plastic Waste

Eriksen

Damgaard

Boldrin

et al. 2018

J of Industrial Ecology

126

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…Such challenges require a concerted effort by the government and other players. As illustrated by various studies quoted above, recycled plastic waste can manufacture various products, such as oil, cement, or construction materials, such as tiles, or even in the automobile industry [46]. In Kenya, the circular economy in the plastic industry has begun taking shape.…”

Section: Linear To Circular Approachmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The hierarchy has been defined by two major aspects: the first being the 'function before the material' policy, which aims at lengthening the product life for as long as possible; the second priority is the minimization of the used energy, that is, at the effective end of a product's life cycle, where it can be used for other purposes with the least possible energy requirement. illustrated by various studies quoted above, recycled plastic waste can manufacture various products, such as oil, cement, or construction materials, such as tiles, or even in the automobile industry [46]. In Kenya, the circular economy in the plastic industry has begun taking shape.…”

Section: Priorities In a Circular Economymentioning

confidence: 99%

Designing Business Solutions for Plastic Waste Management to Enhance Circular Transitions in Kenya

2018

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Least-developed countries face many challenges regarding their plastic waste management systems. In 2017, Kenya imposed a selective ban targeting manufacturers and consumers of plastic carrier bags. However, this selectivity does not avoid the continuous use of other plastic products. The present paper states that circular priorities, which have been defined to advanced economies, would not be entirely valid for the rest of the world. While high-income countries face only the impacts of their own consumption, developing nations must endure the externalities of these developed economies. Thus, the focus of the least developed part of the world must not be on reducing its relatively normal (or even low) consumption, but to manage its surplus material flow. According to the employed circular evaluation methodology (CEV-Circular Economic Value), the circularity level in Kenya's plastic material flow stands on a rather low stage with 32.72%. This result outlines the linear deficiencies of the plastic waste management system and urges the prevention of further material leakage (such as energy use). Through the Business Model Canvas (BMC) approach this study offers a holistic business solution which can improve the system's sustainability.

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“…É considerada uma atividade sustentável pois evita a retirada contínua de matéria prima do meio ambiente, realizadas pelas indústrias, ou o gasto desnecessário para a fabricação do mesmo material, já que o campo pode fornecê-lo para que seja reempregado nas mesmas ou até mesmo outras atividades (Gu et al, 2017).…”

Section: Introductionunclassified

Retorno econômico do aproveitamento de resíduos gerados na produção de frutas no semiárido cearense

Pinto¹,

Pereira

2017

Rev. iPecege

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ResumoO reaproveitamento dos resíduos plásticos pode se tornar uma atividade agrícola economicamente viável, principalmente na fruticultura localizada no semiárido cearense. Os materiais nos quais eram tidos como lixo nas áreas agrícolas podem ser uma fonte alternativa de geração de capital e empregos para a região, utilizando-se técnicas de reaproveitamento e reciclagem desses materiais. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a importância e a viabilidade econômica da reutilização dos materiais plásticos empregados diretamente na fruticultura. Os dados foram coletados de uma empresa agrícola de fruticultura e de uma empresa de reciclagem no município de Icapuí, no estado do Ceará. . Os resultados mostraram que a utilização de técnicas e equipamentos de reciclagem em empresas é um caminho que gera muitas oportunidades de reutilização de materiais antes descartados, bem como a viabilidade econômica, confirmada pelos valores obtidos de VPL (R$ 529.777,58) e TIR de 31%. Conforme o cálculo do Payback descontado, serão necessários dois anos e quatro meses para recuperar o investimento dos fluxos líquidos de caixa descontados. Conclui-se que a atividade é sustentável e rentável, trazendo benefícios e lucro ao fruticultor, além de disponibilizar empregos diretos e indiretos. Palavras-chave: fruticultura, mulching, viabilidade econômica AbstractThe reuse of plastic can become an economically viable agricultural activity, mainly in the fruticulture located in the semi-arid region of Ceará. The materials in which they were treated as garbage in the agricultural areas can be an alternative source of capital generation and jobs for the region, using reuse and recycling techniques. The objective of this work was to evaluate the importance and economic viability of the reuse of plastic materials used directly in the fruticulture. The data were collected from an agricultural company of fruit production and recycling at Icapuí, in the State of Ceará. . The results showed that the use of recycling techniques and equipment in companies is a path that generates many opportunities for reuse of materials previously discarded, as well as economically viable, confirmed by the values obtained from NPV (R$ 529.777,58) and IRR of 31%. According to the discounted Payback calculation, it will take two years and four months to recover the investment from discounted cash flows. The conclusion is that the activity is sustainable and economically profitable, bringing benefits and profit to the producers, besides providing direct and indirect jobs.

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From waste plastics to industrial raw materials: A life cycle assessment of mechanical plastic recycling practice based on a real-world case study

Cited by 307 publications

References 50 publications

Quality Assessment and Circularity Potential of Recovery Systems for Household Plastic Waste

Quality Assessment and Circularity Potential of Recovery Systems for Household Plastic Waste

Designing Business Solutions for Plastic Waste Management to Enhance Circular Transitions in Kenya

Retorno econômico do aproveitamento de resíduos gerados na produção de frutas no semiárido cearense

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