Life Cycle Assessment of a Plastic Part Injected with Recycled Polypropylene: A Comparison with Alternative Virgin Materials

Galve, José Eduardo; Elduque, Daniel; Pina, Carmelo; Javierre, Carlos

doi:10.1007/s40684-021-00363-2

Cited by 17 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 78 publications

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“…For a better understanding of this methodology, it will be applied to a specific case, which involves the design of a plastic support-a component with which the authors already have experience. Previous research [56][57][58][59] has demonstrated the feasibility of replacing fiber-reinforced polyamide with talc-filled polypropylene and subsequently with recycled polypropylene. The current part thickness is 1.8 mm.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Predictive Methodology for Quality Assessment in Injection Molding Comparing Linear Regression and Neural Networks

Fernández,

Clavería,

Pina

et al. 2023

Polymers

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The use of recycled polypropylene in industry to reduce environmental impact is increasing. Design for manufacturing and process simulation is a key stage in the development of plastic parts. Traditionally, a trial-and-error methodology is followed to eliminate uncertainties regarding geometry and process. A new proposal is presented, combining simulation with the design of experiments and creating prediction models for seven different process and part quality output features. These models are used to optimize the design without developing additional time-consuming simulations. The study aims to compare the precision and correlation of these models. The methods used are linear regression and artificial neural network (ANN) fitting. A wide range of eight injection parameters and geometry variations are used as inputs. The predictability of nonlinear behavior and compensatory effects due to the complex relationships between this wide set of parameter combinations is analyzed further in the state of the art. Results show that only Back Propagation Neural Networks (BPNN) are suitable for correlating all quality features in a single formula. The use of prediction models accelerates the optimization of part design, applying multiple criteria to support decision-making. The methodology is applied to the design of a plastic support for induction hobs. Furthermore, this methodology has demonstrated that a weight reduction of 27% is feasible. However, it is necessary to combine process parameters that differ from the standard ones with a non-uniform thickness distribution so that the remaining injection parameters, material properties, and dimensions fall within tolerances.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Predictive Methodology for Quality Assessment in Injection Molding Comparing Linear Regression and Neural Networks

Fernández,

Clavería,

Pina

et al. 2023

Polymers

Self Cite

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“…A study by Galve, Elduque, Pina, and Javierre (2021) showed that for example recycled PP has a significantly lower environmental impact compared to virgin PP. The overall environmental impact (ReCiPe endpoint) was 29.8% lower and the carbon footprint was reduced by 42.8% (Galve et al, 2021). Therefore, changing the material from virgin PP to recycled PP is a good strategy to reduce the impact of the syringe.…”

Section: Circular Materials Vs Virgin Materialsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Reducing the Environmental Impact of Syringes at the Intensive Care Unit

Honkoop,

Albayrak,

Balkenende

et al. 2023

Springer Series in Design and Innovation

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The final design is a process optimisation for batch-produced PFSS, based on circular strategies such as reduce, reuse, rethink and repurpose. Interventions include: eliminating the first sterilisation phase, reduce left-over medication and change from steam to gamma sterilisation. The proposed interventions have been evaluated by discussion.In the end, the environmental impact of syringes is reduced by optimising the filling process, which resulted in decreasing the amount of waste, material, energy and water usage, while remaining safe and without increasing the workload of the staff of the ICU.

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“…There are many records of LCA applications to quantify impacts derived from the use of recycled plastics. In one of the most recent, Galve et al [33] observed that replacing virgin PP with a recycled form could improve the global environmental performance of polymeric components by up to 30%. Following a parallel trend, Agarski et al [34] concluded that mold manufacturing and electricity consumption were the main focuses of the lifecycle impact of HDPE caps in a study of parts manufacture in Serbia.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of Virgin PP Substitution with Recycled Plastic Caps in the Manufacture of a Product for the Telephony Sector

et al. 2023

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This study investigated the effects of partial and total substitutions of fossil polypropylene (PP) for recycled plastic cap equivalents in the manufacture of signage labels used by the telephone industry. Four alternative scenarios to using virgin PP were evaluated considering recycled material in flake and pellet forms based on environmental performance, degree of circularity, and technical behavior. The environmental analysis was performed by the life cycle assessment (LCA) technique, and for all impact categories evaluated, using recycled material to replace the virgin reduced adverse effects on the environment. The most significant results in this dimension, with gains of 81% in the Global Environmental Indicator, occurred when recycled PP flakes entirely replaced the fossil polymer. Once again, the highest values of the Materials Circularity Indicator (MCI) were achieved by scenarios with full recycled resin in processing the tags; however, this product must also be reused. The mechanical behavior of the tags measured technical performance, and in this case, the product made with virgin PP outperformed the recycled options except for elongation. An analysis that integrated the three dimensions into a single performance index pointed to the complete substitution of virgin material for recycled as the most balanced option.

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Life Cycle Assessment of a Plastic Part Injected with Recycled Polypropylene: A Comparison with Alternative Virgin Materials

Cited by 17 publications

References 78 publications

Predictive Methodology for Quality Assessment in Injection Molding Comparing Linear Regression and Neural Networks

Predictive Methodology for Quality Assessment in Injection Molding Comparing Linear Regression and Neural Networks

Reducing the Environmental Impact of Syringes at the Intensive Care Unit

Effect of Virgin PP Substitution with Recycled Plastic Caps in the Manufacture of a Product for the Telephony Sector

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