Journal articles on the topic 'Lifecycle of plastics'
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Bai, Mengyu, and Daoji Li. "Quantity of plastic waste input into the ocean from China based on a material flow analysis model." Anthropocene Coasts 3, no. 1 (January 1, 2020): 1–5. http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/anc-2018-0028.
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Marine plastic waste has been an important global environmental issue in recent years, and quantifying the amount of global marine plastic waste input is vital for control and mitigation. However, determining an accurate quantity of oceanic plastics is challenging because comprehensive monitoring data are difficult to obtain on national and global scales. To understand the contribution of China in global marine plastic waste input, we used a material flow analysis (MFA) method, which is included in lifecycle assessment and combines statistical data from China’s official statistics, reports, and NPO (nonprofit organization) to establish an MFA model. The model assesses the lifecycle of plastics, which starts with primary plastic, passes the stage of plastic product, and eventually becomes plastic waste. With the MFA model, the annual amount of plastic waste entering the ocean from China from 2011 to 2020 can be calculated. In 2011, 0.65 million tonnes of plastic waste entered the ocean from China, and the quantity rose slowly until 2016. A rapid decline appeared in 2018 because of China’s governmental managements and the quantity will continue to decrease until 2020. Our results indicate the amount of oceanic plastics has a strong correlation with government control measures.
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Koinig, Gerald, Elias Grath, Chiara Barretta, Karl Friedrich, Daniel Vollprecht, and Gernot Oreski. "Lifecycle Assessment for Recycling Processes of Monolayer and Multilayer Films: A Comparison." Polymers 14, no. 17 (September 1, 2022): 3620. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/polym14173620.
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This work covers a lifecycle assessment of monolayer and multilayer films to quantify the environmental impacts of changing the management of plastic film waste. This lifecycle assessment offers the possibility of quantifying the environmental impacts of processes along the lifecycle of monolayer and multilayer films and mapping deviating impacts due to changed process parameters. Based on the status quo, the changes in global warming potential and abiotic fossil resource depletion were calculated in different scenarios. The changes included collecting, sorting, and recycling mono- and multilayer films. The “Functional Unit” under consideration comprised 1000 kg of plastic film waste, generated as post-consumer waste in Austria and captured in the lightweight packaging collection system. The results showed the reduction of environmental impacts over product lifecycles by improving waste management and creating a circular economy. Recycling all plastic film reduced global warming potential by 90% and abiotic fossil resource consumption by 93%. The necessary optimisation steps to meet the politically required recycling rates by 2025 and 2030 could be estimated, and the caused environmental impacts are presented. This work shows the need for increased collection, recycling, and significant improvement in the sorting of films to minimise global warming potential and resource consumption.
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Kasner, Robert, Weronika Kruszelnicka, Patrycja Bałdowska-Witos, Józef Flizikowski, and Andrzej Tomporowski. "Sustainable Wind Power Plant Modernization." Energies 13, no. 6 (March 20, 2020): 1461. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/en13061461.
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The production of energy in wind power plants is regarded as ecologically clean because there being no direct emissions of harmful substances during the conversion of wind energy into electricity. The production and operation of wind power plant components make use of the significant potential of materials such as steel, plastics, concrete, oils, and greases. Energy is also used, which is a source of potential negative environmental impacts. Servicing a wind farm power plant during its operational years, which lasts most often 25 years, followed by its disassembly, involves energy expenditures as well as the recovery of post-construction material potential. There is little research in the world literature on models and methodologies addressing analyses of the environmental and energy aspects of wind turbine modernization, whether in reference to turbines within their respective lifecycles or to those which have already completed them. The paper presents an attempt to solve the problems of wind turbine modernization in terms of balancing energy and material potentials. The aim of sustainable modernization is to overhaul: assemblies, components, and elements of wind power plants to extend selected phases as well as the lifecycle thereof while maintaining a high quality of power and energy; high energy, environmental, and economic efficiency; and low harmfulness to operators, operational functions, the environment, and other technical systems. The aim of the study is to develop a methodology to assess the efficiency of energy and environmental costs incurred during the 25-year lifecycle of a 2 MW wind power plant and of the very same power plant undergoing sustainable modernization to extend its lifecycle to 50 years. The analytical and research procedure conducted is a new model and methodological approach, one which is a valuable source of data for the sustainable lifecycle management of wind power plants in an economy focused on process efficiency and the sustainability of energy and material resources.
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Federici, Stefania, Zahida Ademovic, Mónica J. B. Amorim, Moritz Bigalke, Mariacristina Cocca, Laura Eleonora Depero, Joydeep Dutta, et al. "COST Action PRIORITY: An EU Perspective on Micro- and Nanoplastics as Global Issues." Microplastics 1, no. 2 (May 5, 2022): 282–90. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/microplastics1020020.
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Plastic fragments, weathered into or released in the form of micro- and nanoplastics, are persistent and widespread in the environment, and it is anticipated that they have negative environmental impacts. This necessitates immediate efforts for management strategies throughout the entire plastics lifecycle. This opinion paper was initiated by the EU COST Action CA20101 PRIORITY, which focuses on the need to develop an effective global networking platform dealing with research, implementation, and consolidation of ways to address the worldwide challenges associated with micro- and nanoplastics pollution in the environment.
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Romero, Victor J., Alberto Sanchez-Lite, and Gerard Liraut. "Development of a Multi-Criteria Design Optimization Methodology for Automotive Plastics Parts." Polymers 14, no. 1 (December 31, 2021): 156. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/polym14010156.
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The plastic industry is undergoing drastic changes, due to the customer sustainability perception of plastics, and the eruption of new processes (such 3D printing) and materials (such as renewably sourced resins). To enable a fast transition to high-quality, sustainable plastic applications, a specific methodology could be a key competitive advantage. This novel methodology is focused on improving the objectivity and efficiency of plastic production and the design review process. It is applicable to discrete optimization events in any product lifecycle milestone, from concept design to serial production stages. The methodology includes a natural way to capture plastic-related knowledge and trends, oriented towards building a dynamic “interaction matrix”, with a list of potential optimizations and their positive or negative impacts in a comprehensive set of multi-criteria evaluations. With an innovative approach, the matrix allows the possibility to incorporate a business strategy, which could be different at every lifecycle stage. The business strategy is translated from the common “verbal” definition into a quantitative set of “Target and Restrictions”, making it possible to detect and prioritize the best potential design optimization changes according to the strategy. This methodology helps to model and compare design alternatives, verify impacts in every evaluation criteria, and make robust and objective information-based decisions. The application of the methodology in real cases of plastic material design optimization in the automotive industry has provided remarkable results, accelerating the detection of improvement methods aligned with the strategy and maximizing the improvement in product competitiveness and sustainability. In comparison with the simultaneous application of existing mono-criteria optimization methodologies (such as “Design to Cost” or “Eco Design”) and subjective expert-based reviews, the novel methodology has a reduced workload and risks, confirming its potential for future application and further development in other polymer-based products, such as consumer goods or packaging.
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Domina, Tanya, and Kathy Koch. "The Textile Waste Lifecycle." Clothing and Textiles Research Journal 15, no. 2 (March 1997): 96–102. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0887302x9701500204.
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Broekel, J., and G. Scharr. "The specialities of fibre-reinforced plastics in terms of product lifecycle management." Journal of Materials Processing Technology 162-163 (May 2005): 725–29. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jmatprotec.2005.02.226.
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A.I., Umar, Yusuf Sarkingobir, and Dikko M. "Spectro-analytical Research of Selected Heavy Metals (Cu, Cd, Cr, and Pb) in Four Different Single-use Plastics Commonly in Contact with Food from Sokoto, Nigeria." Jurnal Teknokes 15, no. 2 (June 7, 2022): 76–80. http://dx.doi.org/10.35882/jteknokes.v15i2.199.
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Single use plastics are types of plastics discarded after one usage. They are everywhere you go because of their wide range of applications in life. In plastics, additives are incorporated to supplant properties of plastics. One of the common additives is the heavy metals, which could leach out along the plastics lifecycle, thereby creating a problem. This study was stimulated to determine the levels of heavy metals in selected single-use-plastics commonly in contact with food (as containers or wrappings or relations) in Sokoto. The Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy methodology was utilized to determine the levels of copper, chromium, lead, zinc and cadmium. The results for determination of selected heavy metals in selected single use plastics from Sokoto State University, Nigeria were revealed using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Therein, the concentrations of copper (Cu) ranges from 0.335+0.002 to 0.540+0.002(ug/kg), levels of cadmium (Cd) ranges from 0.0551+0.003 to 0.0041+0.0003(ug/kg), levels of chromium (Cr) ranges from 0.0959 +0.004 to 0.0265+0.001(ug/kg), levels of lead (Pb) ranges from -1.791+0.02 to -0.0706+0.008(ug/kg). Thus, the results revealed disparity in the levels of the analyzed heavy metals in the selected single use plastics. However, Cu concentration was the most elevated in plastic bottle (PB) and lowest in Takeaway (T); Cd was highest in Straw (S), and lowest in PB; Cr was highest in Ice cream cup (IC) and lowest in S; Pb was highest in PB, and lowest in S. The concentrations of Cupper, Chromium, Lead, and Cadmium in plastic bottle, Takeaway, Straw and lce cream cup, have shown disparity. However, Cu concentration was the most elevated in plastic bottle (PB) and lowest in Takeaway; Cd was highest in Straw, and lowest in PB; Cr was highest in Ice cream cup and lowest in S; Pb was highest in PB, and lowest in S. They levels determined are within the permissible limits.
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Kerscher, Ulrich. "Towards a Sustainable Future? The EU Policies Concerning Plastics and Their Didactical Potential for Primary and Secondary Teaching." Discourse and Communication for Sustainable Education 10, no. 1 (June 1, 2019): 47–62. http://dx.doi.org/10.2478/dcse-2019-0005.
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Abstract Plastic, plastic waste and marine litter indisputably is one of the key environmental issues of the 21st century. The already existing amount of accumulated marine litter, the high quantity of plastic waste escaping from waste management streams every year in combination with the low recycling rates for plastic and the missing awareness of the consumer for sustainable consumption pose a permanent threat to the ecosystem, biodiversity and human health. What is more, as economic and ecological interests strongly deviate from each other, the transformation of this status quo towards a more sustainable future will take place very slowly. Against this background, this paper will shortly outline the multitude of problems connected to plastic products throughout a productís lifecycle and introduce the idea of a circular economy. On this basis, the paper will critically analyze the strategy papers and the ongoing legislation of the EU introduced to solve these problems and to realize the transformation process of the EU-economy towards a circular economy from a sustainable development point of view. On the one hand, awareness raising is one main strategy of the EU to achieve this transformation, on the other hand, educational institutions are not specifically mentioned by the EU. In order to address this shortcoming, the paper will constitute the teaching principle global development politics / education for sustainable development as one measure to increase consumersí awareness and sustainable consumption. In general, this paper will proof that the topical area plastics can fruitfully be implemented at German schools for primary and secondary education in order to strengthen the education for sustainable development.
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Sharma, Renuka, and Himanshi Kaushik. "Micro-plastics: An invisible danger to human health." CGC International Journal of Contemporary Technology and Research 3, no. 2 (July 17, 2021): 182–86. http://dx.doi.org/10.46860/cgcijctr.2021.06.31.182.
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Microplastics are small plastic pieces ranging between the size of 1-5 micrometre (µm). Because of their small size and their continuity, it has the potential to spread throughout all parts of our environment. These are ubiquitous environmental contaminants leading to inevitable human exposure. It can enter our bodies through ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact. It has already been found in various human foods, beers, drinking water, honey, seafood, sugar, table salt etc. It is demonstrated that marine organisms including zooplanktons, bivalves, crustaceans, worms, fish, reptiles etc. ingest microplastic. Around 2% to 40% of fishes were found to be contaminated with microplastic. It can reach our stomach and due to its size , these are either excreted, get entrapped in intestinal lining and stomach or move freely in body fluids like blood, thereby reaching various organs and tissues of body. To tackle this serious issue of microplastic pollution in environment and in human health, various effective policies must take under consideration all stages of lifecycle of plastic connecting producers to users and ultimately to waste managers. Thus, we have to seem for potential effects of microplastics in living beings, which specializes in the pathways of toxicity and exposure, way to reduce microplastic pollution, sources of invisible plastics. Present work was conducted to explore the possible threats of micro as well as nanoplastic particles to humanity as well as to our ecosystem. Under this study we summarized various aspects of this critical issue, which provide better scientific knowledge for future research.
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Abdul Rahman, Haliza. "Impacts of Plastic Usage on Human Health." Asian Journal of Medicine and Biomedicine 6, S1 (November 4, 2022): 19–20. http://dx.doi.org/10.37231/ajmb.2022.6.s1.509.
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To date, most of natural materials used in manufacturing such as paper, glass, and cotton, have been replaced by plastic. Global production currently exceeds 320 million tonnes (Mt) per year, over 40% of which is used as single-use packaging, resulting in plastic waste [1]. In Malaysia, plastic shopping or carrier bags are one of the main sources of plastic waste, therefore, Malaysia is tracking global trends in both the overall generation of plastic waste and the consumption of single-use plastics. Malaysia ranks second in Asia after Philippines for annual per capita plastic use and, it ranks eighth among nations worldwide that mismanage plastic waste [2].
At every stage of its lifecycle, plastic poses distinct risks to human health. However, many traders still prefer to use non-environmentally friendly plastic bags because they are cheaper than biodegradable ones [2]. Chemicals are added to plastics to give them characteristics such as plasticity, colour, malleability, durability, or the hardness that some products need. Some groups of these chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates have been identified as hazardous for human health, as they have been suspected of disrupting our hormonal system. BPA has been associated with several health problems such as ovarian chromosomal damage, decreased sperm production, rapid puberty, rapid changes in immune system, type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disorder, obesity etc. Some studies have also claimed that BPA increases the risk of breast cancer, prostate cancer, pains, metabolic disorders, etc. BPA in women can be associated with impaired health, including obesity, endometrial hyperplasia, recurrent miscarriages, sterility, and polycystic ovarian syndrome [4]. Moreover, substances such as POPs, benzyne, and VOCs are present, which are all proven to adversely affect human health [3].
Exposure to harmful chemicals during manufacturing, leaching in the stored food items while using plastic packages or chewing of plastic teethers and toys by children are linked with severe adverse health outcomes such as cancers, birth defects, impaired immunity, endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive effects etc. [3]. Thus, the objective of this study is to determine the impact of plastic to human health. This paper involved with secondary data collected from journals, proceedings, books, and internet sources regarding the topic.
To conclude, Malaysia recycled just 24% of key plastic resins in 2019 and currently is not on track to meet the JPSPN (National Solid Waste Management Department) recycling target of 40% by 2025. Hence, removing plastic from the environment is incredibly urgent, as it creates environmental and health problems for both humans and marine life. Thus, plastics recognized to be a global contaminant of concern by policymakers, scientists, media, and public attention on the issue steadily increasing. Hence, promotion of plastics substitutes and safe disposal of plastic waste requires urgent and definitive action to take care of this potential health hazard in future [3]. One of the immediate campaigns launched was a No Plastic Bag Day (NPBD) in 2011 in raising awareness and reducing the use of single-use plastics in Malaysia. Through this campaign, free plastic bags in grocery stores were banned nationwide with a levy of 0.20 MYR was also added per plastic bag consumed in grocery stores and supermarkets to change consumer behaviour. This was followed by a nationwide ban on the use of straws in 2020 [5]. Recognizing that plastic pollution is a serious emerging issue, Malaysia’s Roadmap towards Zero Single-Use Plastics 2018–2030 was gazetted back in 2018 with the vision to take a phased, evidence-based, and holistic approach by involving all stakeholders in jointly addressing single-use plastics pollution in Malaysia [5].
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Gries, Thomas, Kai Müller, Philipp Hartmann, and Inga Gehrke. "Closed Loop Product Lifecycle Management in der Textilbranche." Technische Textilien 65, no. 1 (2022): 30–33. http://dx.doi.org/10.51202/0323-3243-2022-1-030.
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Für die Perspektive der Textiltechnik stellt das Closed-Loop Product Lifecycle Management einen spannenden Ansatz dar, um durch neuartige Technologien in der Datenerfassung und -verwertung sowie der durchgängigen Informationssteuerung die Herausforderungen einer stärkeren Kundenorientierung und einer höheren Nachhaltigkeit in der gesamten Wertschöpfungskette zu bewältigen. Dabei schafft das PLM in Unternehmensnetzwerken eine Plattform für die Effizienz- und Qualitätssteigerung in der Produktion sowie der Entwicklung von Dienstleistungen und Produkten, in die die Erfahrungen aus vorherigen Produktlebenszyklen unmittelbar einfließen. Durch die besonderen Anforderungen der Textilbranche hinsichtlich einer breiten Produktvariation, einer aufwendigen Nachverfolgung einzelner Produkte und der hochfragmentierten Produktionsprozesse adaptieren Textilunternehmen entsprechende Lösungen erst langsam. Jedoch erkennen immer mehr Organisationen die Vorteile einer individuellen PLM-Lösung. Forschungsinstitute wie das ITA unterstützen durch vielfältige Forschungsvorhaben diese Entwicklung, um gemeinsam mit den Partnern aus der Industrie die Flexibilität und Transparenz durch PLM für eine stärkere Wettbewerbsfähigkeit der Textiltechnik der Zukunft nutzbar zu machen [9, 10, 13].
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Obrecht, Matevz, Rawan El Haddad, Rowan Abd Elbary, Rebeka Kovačič Lukman, and Maja Rosi. "Promoting Sustainable and Circular Plastics Use in Egipt with Implementation of Ecodesign Principles." System Safety: Human - Technical Facility - Environment 1, no. 1 (March 1, 2019): 441–48. http://dx.doi.org/10.2478/czoto-2019-0057.
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AbstractGreen Supply chain, Green Packaging, Eco-labels, and Eco-design strategies are concepts that are discussed frequently within scientific and political debates. Eco-design strategies for Lifecycle Design include the Eco-design Strategy wheel which presents eight Eco-design strategies: New concept development, Selection of low-impact materials, Reduction of materials usage, Optimization of production techniques, Optimization of distribution system, Reduction of impact during use, Optimization of initial lifetime, and Optimization of end-of-life system. This research investigates specifically the selection of low impact raw materials phase using the European Union as a benchmark to improve the Egyptian situation and aims to apply the closed loop cycle to the Egyptian Plastics Industry. Its goal is to enlight the way towards Sustainable and Circular economy system in Plastics manufacturing sector in Egypt while emphasizing the financial benefits from the Business and Marketing perspectives rather than the Environmental perspective only.
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Netshakhuma, Sidney, and Mphalane Makhura. "Alignment of archives and records management to the business processes." ESARBICA Journal: Journal of the Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives 40 (November 6, 2021): 30–41. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/esarjo.v40i.3.
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This paper is a synopsis of the findings of a PhD Degree in Information Science that sought to develop the archives and records management framework by using the University of Venda and the University of the Witwatersrand for comparison. The study sought to assess the state of archives and records management at selected universities. The study was based on the records lifecycle model and the findings indicated that poor archives and records management programmes at universities have been a source of risk exposure leading to inefficiency in business processes. The results revealed a significant lack of alignment of archives and records management programme with business processes. The study recommends the adoption of Archives and records management framework.
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Netshakhuma, Sidney, and Mphalane Makhura. "Alignment of archives and records management to the business processes." ESARBICA Journal: Journal of the Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives 40 (November 6, 2021): 30–41. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/esarjo.v40i1.3.
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This paper is a synopsis of the findings of a PhD Degree in Information Science that sought to develop the archives and records management framework by using the University of Venda and the University of the Witwatersrand for comparison. The study sought to assess the state of archives and records management at selected universities. The study was based on the records lifecycle model and the findings indicated that poor archives and records management programmes at universities have been a source of risk exposure leading to inefficiency in business processes. The results revealed a significant lack of alignment of archives and records management programme with business processes. The study recommends the adoption of Archives and records management framework.
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Gamage, Ashoka, Punniamoorthy Thiviya, Sudhagar Mani, Prabaharan Graceraj Ponnusamy, Asanga Manamperi, Philippe Evon, Othmane Merah, and Terrence Madhujith. "Environmental Properties and Applications of Biodegradable Starch-Based Nanocomposites." Polymers 14, no. 21 (October 28, 2022): 4578. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/polym14214578.
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In recent years, the demand for environmental sustainability has caused a great interest in finding novel polymer materials from natural resources that are both biodegradable and eco-friendly. Natural biodegradable polymers can displace the usage of petroleum-based synthetic polymers due to their renewability, low toxicity, low costs, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. The development of novel starch-based bionanocomposites with improved properties has drawn specific attention recently in many applications, including food, agriculture, packaging, environmental remediation, textile, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and biomedical fields. This paper discusses starch-based nanocomposites, mainly with nanocellulose, chitin nanoparticles, nanoclay, and carbon-based materials, and their applications in the agriculture, packaging, biomedical, and environment fields. This paper also focused on the lifecycle analysis and degradation of various starch-based nanocomposites.
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Lomwongsopon, Passanun, and Cristiano Varrone. "Critical Review on the Progress of Plastic Bioupcycling Technology as a Potential Solution for Sustainable Plastic Waste Management." Polymers 14, no. 22 (November 18, 2022): 4996. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/polym14224996.
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Plastic production worldwide has doubled in the last two decades and is expected to reach a four-fold increase by 2050. The durability of plastic makes them a perfect material for many applications, but it is also a key limitation to their end-of-life management. The current plastic lifecycle is far from circular, with only 13% being collected for recycling and 9% being successfully recycled, indicating the failure of current recycling technology. The remaining plastic waste streams are thus incinerated, landfilled, or worse, mismanaged, leading to them leaking into the environment. To promote plastic circularity, keeping material in the loop is a priority and represents a more sustainable solution. This can be achieved through the reuse of plastic items, or by using plastic waste as a resource for new materials, instead of discarding them as waste. As the discovery of plastic-degrading/utilizing microorganisms and enzymes has been extensively reported recently, the possibility of developing biological plastic upcycling processes is opening up. An increasing amount of studies have investigated the use of plastic as a carbon source for biotechnological processes to produce high-value compounds such as bioplastics, biochemicals, and biosurfactants. In the current review, the advancements in fossil-based plastic bio- and thermochemical upcycling technologies are presented and critically discussed. In particular, we highlight the developed (bio)depolymerization coupled with bioconversion/fermentation processes to obtain industrially valuable products. This review is expected to contribute to the future development and scale-up of effective plastic bioupcycling processes that can act as a drive to increase waste removal from the environment and valorize post-consumer plastic streams, thus accelerating the implementation of a circular (plastic) economy.
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Black, Jeffrey E., Kathrin Kopke, and Cathal O’Mahony. "Towards a Circular Economy: Using Stakeholder Subjectivity to Identify Priorities, Consensus, and Conflict in the Irish EPS/XPS Market." Sustainability 11, no. 23 (December 2, 2019): 6834. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su11236834.
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In European Seas, plastic litter from fishing activities, river transport, and poor waste management is one of the fastest growing threats to the health of the marine environment. Extruded polystyrene (XPS) and expanded polystyrene (EPS), specifically, have become some of the most prominent types of marine litter found around Europe’s coastlines. To combat this problem, the European Commission has ratified a series of regulations and policies, including the Single-Use Plastics Directive and the EU Action Plan for the Circular Economy. However, in order to ensure that the benefits of such regulations and policies are realized at a scale that can adequately address the scope of the problem, decision-makers will need to integrate the opinions, values, and priorities of relevant stakeholders who operate across the EPS/XPS product lifecycle. In this study, we apply a 35-statement Q-methodology to identify the priorities of stakeholders as they relate to the Irish EPS/XPS market and the wider societal transition to a circular economy. Based on the responses of nineteen individuals representing industry, policy-makers, and community leaders, we identified three distinct perspectives: System Overhaul; Incremental Upgrade; and Market Innovation. The results demonstrate that the type and format of policy interventions linked to Ireland’s EPS/XPS circular economy are heavily contested, which presents significant challenges for driving the debate forward. These results provide valuable information on viewpoints that can be used by different stakeholders at national and EU levels to address areas of conflict, ultimately fostering the development of more effective, broadly supported co-developed policies.
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Reimer, Lars, Alexander Kaluza, Felipe Cerdas, Jens Meschke, Thomas Vietor, and Christoph Herrmann. "Design of Eco-Efficient Body Parts for Electric Vehicles Considering Life Cycle Environmental Information." Sustainability 12, no. 14 (July 20, 2020): 5838. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su12145838.
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The reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over the entire life cycle of vehicles has become part of the strategic objectives in automotive industry. In this regard, the design of future body parts should be carried out based on information of life cycle GHG emissions. The substitution of steel towards lightweight materials is a major trend, with the industry undergoing a fundamental shift towards the introduction of electric vehicles (EV). The present research aims to support the conceptual design of body parts with a combined perspective on mechanical performance and life cycle GHG emissions. Particular attention is paid to the fact that the GHG impact of EV in the use phase depends on vehicle-specific factors that may not be specified at the conceptual design stage of components, such as the market-specific electricity mix used for vehicle charging. A methodology is proposed that combines a simplified numerical design of concept alternatives and an analytic approach estimating life cycle GHG emissions. It is applied to a case study in body part design based on a set of principal geometries and load cases, a range of materials (aluminum, glass and carbon fiber reinforced plastics (GFRP, CFRP) as substitution to a steel reference) and different use stage scenarios of EV. A new engineering chart was developed, which helps design engineers to compare life cycle GHG emissions of lightweight material concepts to the reference. For body shells, the replacement of the steel reference with aluminum or GFRP shows reduced lifecycle GHG emissions for most use phase scenarios. This holds as well for structural parts being designed on torsional stiffness. For structural parts designed on tension/compression or bending stiffness CFRP designs show lowest lifecycle GHG emissions. In all cases, a high share of renewable electricity mix and a short lifetime pose the steel reference in favor. It is argued that a further elaboration of the approach could substantially increase transparency between design choices and life cycle GHG emissions.
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Jiang, Wei, Dongdong Yuan, Aimin Sha, Yue Huang, Jinhuan Shan, and Pengfei Li. "Design of a Novel Road Pavement Using Steel and Plastics to Enhance Performance, Durability and Construction Efficiency." Materials 14, no. 3 (January 20, 2021): 482. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ma14030482.
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Durability is one important problem that pavement engineers need to address in pavement’s long service life. Furthermore, easily recycled pavement materials, and safe and efficient pavement construction are also important areas for development in road engineering. For these reasons, a new asphalt steel plastic (ASP) pavement structure was proposed with an asphalt mixture forming the surface layer, and steel plate and plastic materials functioning as the main load-bearing layers. Based on a comprehensive performance review and cost-benefit analysis, stone mastic asphalt (SMA) is recommended to be used as the surface layer; and A656 steel plate and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic materials should be the main load-bearing layer, on top of a foundation layer made with graded crushed stones. A glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) insulation layer is recommended for use between the steel plate and ABS. Mechanical properties of the ASP pavement were analyzed using the finite element method. Laboratory tests were conducted to verify the thermal insulation performance of GFRP, the high-temperature stability and the fatigue resistance of ASP pavement. Results show that some of the mechanical properties of ASP pavement (with a structure of 80 mm SMA asphalt mixture, 8 mm steel plate, 140 mm ABS and 200 mm crushed stones) are comparable with conventional long-life pavement (with 350 mm asphalt layer overlaying 400 mm graded crushed stones). Dynamic stability of the ASP slab specimens can reach 10,000 times/mm, and the fatigue life is about twice that of SMA. Besides, the ASP pavement can be prefabricated and assembled on-site, and thus can greatly improve construction efficiency. From the lifecycle perspective, ASP pavement has many advantages over traditional pavements, such as durability, lower environmental footprint and recyclability, making it is worth further research.
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Ruggero, Federica, Riccardo Gori, and Claudio Lubello. "Methodologies to assess biodegradation of bioplastics during aerobic composting and anaerobic digestion: A review." Waste Management & Research 37, no. 10 (June 20, 2019): 959–75. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0734242x19854127.
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Bioplastics are emerging on the market as sustainable materials which rise to the challenge to improve the lifecycle of plastics from the perspective of the circular economy. The article aims at providing a critical insight of research studies carried out in the last 20 years on the degradation of bioplastics under aerobic composting and anaerobic digestion conditions. It mainly focuses on the various and different methodologies which have been proposed and developed to monitor the process of biodegradation of several bioplastic materials: CO2 and CH4 measurements, mass loss and disintegration degree, spectroscopy, visual analysis and scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, across the wide range of studies, the process conditions of the experimental setup, such as temperature, test duration and waste composition, often vary from author to author and in accordance with the international standard followed for the test. The different approaches, in terms of process conditions and monitoring methodologies, are pointed out in the review and highlighted to find significant correlations between the results obtained and the experimental procedures. These observed correlations allow critical considerations to be reached about the efficiency of the methodologies and the influence of the main abiotic factors on the process of biodegradation of bioplastics.
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Fontecha, Daniela, Chelsea Mahn, Jason R. Bochinski, and Laura I. Clarke. "Tracking the complete degradation lifecycle of poly(ethyl cyanoacrylate): From induced photoluminescence to nitrogen-doped nano-graphene precursor residue." Polymer Degradation and Stability 195 (January 2022): 109772. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2021.109772.
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Schmid, Markus, Kerstin Dallmann, Elodie Bugnicourt, Dario Cordoni, Florian Wild, Andrea Lazzeri, and Klaus Noller. "Properties of Whey-Protein-Coated Films and Laminates as Novel Recyclable Food Packaging Materials with Excellent Barrier Properties." International Journal of Polymer Science 2012 (2012): 1–7. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2012/562381.
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In case of food packaging applications, high oxygen and water vapour barriers are the prerequisite conditions for preserving the quality of the products throughout their whole lifecycle. Currently available polymers and/or biopolymer films are mostly used in combination with barrier materials derived from oil based plastics or aluminium to enhance their low barrier properties. In order to replace these non-renewable materials, current research efforts are focused on the development of sustainable coatings, while maintaining the functional properties of the resulting packaging materials. This article provides an introduction to food packaging requirements, highlights prior art on the use of whey-based coatings for their barriers properties, and describes the key properties of an innovative packaging multilayer material that includes a whey-based layer. The developed whey protein formulations had excellent barrier properties almost comparable to the ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymers (EVOH) barrier layer conventionally used in food packaging composites, with an oxygen barrier (OTR) of <2 [cm³(STP)/(m²d bar)] when normalized to a thickness of 100 μm. Further requirements of the barrier layer are good adhesion to the substrate and sufficient flexibility to withstand mechanical load while preventing delamination and/or brittle fracture. Whey-protein-based coatings have successfully met these functional and mechanical requirements.
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Wang, Zhongwei, Yu Yan, Yang Wang, Yanjing Su, and Lijie Qiao. "Lifecycle of cobalt-based alloy for artificial joints: From bulk material to nanoparticles and ions due to bio-tribocorrosion." Journal of Materials Science & Technology 46 (June 2020): 98–106. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jmst.2019.12.010.
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Khan, Junaid, Syed Abdul Momin, M. Mariatti, V. Vilay, and M. Todo. "Recent advancements in nonwoven bio-degradable facemasks to ameliorate the post-pandemic environmental impact." Materials Research Express 8, no. 11 (November 1, 2021): 112001. http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/2053-1591/ac35d0.
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Abstract Plastics have become a severe risk to natural ecosystems and human health globally in the last two decades. The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, which led to the manufacturing and use of billions of facemasks made from non-biodegradable and petroleum-derived polymers has aggravated the situation further. There is an urgent need to develop bio-degradable facemasks with excellent filtration efficiency and antimicrobial characteristics using scalable technology. This review article aims to provide the fundamentals of mask technology, its environmental footprint, facemask’s lifecycle assessment, conventional manufacturing routes, and state-of-the-art reports on using bio-degradable polymers for facemask applications. The article also focuses on the current challenges of the conventional facemask and the prospects of an ideal facemask that could significantly reduce the ill effects of petroleum-based polymers. The review includes concise information on the basics of polymer biodegradation and standardized tests to evaluate biodegradability. The use of currently available facemasks has been an effective measure to curb the infection rate, however, is a threat to the environment. Reusing the facemask after decontamination is not a solution from a safety perspective as cloth-based facemasks have lower filtration efficiencies which get further reduced with the washing cycle necessitating a shift towards biodegradable facemask. Systematic information is provided through this article to stimulate research on a bio-degradable facemask with excellent filtration efficiency, antimicrobial properties, and cost-effectiveness for global usage.
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Koller, Martin, and Gerhart Braunegg. "Advanced approaches to produce polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolyesters in a sustainable and economic fashion." EuroBiotech Journal 2, no. 2 (April 1, 2018): 89–103. http://dx.doi.org/10.2478/ebtj-2018-0013.
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AbstractPolyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), the only group of “bioplastics”sensu stricto, are accumulated by various prokaryotes as intracellular “carbonosomes”. When exposed to exogenous stress or starvation, presence of these microbial polyoxoesters of hydroxyalkanoates assists microbes to survive.“Bioplastics” such as PHA must be competitive with petrochemically manufactured plastics both in terms of material quality and manufacturing economics. Cost-effectiveness calculations clearly show that PHA production costs, in addition to bioreactor equipment and downstream technology, are mainly due to raw material costs. The reason for this is PHA production on an industrial scale currently relying on expensive, nutritionally relevant “1st-generation feedstocks”, such as like glucose, starch or edible oils. As a way out, carbon-rich industrial waste streams (“2nd-generation feedstocks”) can be used that are not in competition with the supply of food; this strategy not only reduces PHA production costs, but can also make a significant contribution to safeguarding food supplies in various disadvantaged parts of the world. This approach increases the economics of PHA production, improves the sustainability of the entire lifecycle of these materials, and makes them unassailable from an ethical perspective.In this context, our EU-funded projects ANIMPOL and WHEYPOL, carried out by collaborative consortia of academic and industrial partners, successfully developed PHA production processes, which resort to waste streams amply available in Europe. As real 2nd-generation feedstocks”, waste lipids and crude glycerol from animal-processing and biodiesel industry, and surplus whey from dairy and cheese making industry were used in these processes. Cost estimations made by our project partners determine PHA production prices below 3 € (WHEYPOL) and even less than 2 € (ANIMPOL), respectively, per kg; these values already reach the benchmark of economic feasibility.The presented studies clearly show that the use of selected high-carbon waste streams of (agro)industrial origin contributes significantly to the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of PHA biopolyester production on an industrial scale.
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Sakai, Shinichi. "Viewing Plastic Materials from the “3R Plus” Principle and Lifecycle Perspectives." Material Cycles and Waste Management Research 30, no. 2 (March 30, 2019): 131–40. http://dx.doi.org/10.3985/mcwmr.30.131.
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Markarian, Jennifer. "Lifecycles Without End." Plastics Engineering 77, no. 3 (March 2021): 26–31. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/peng.20468.
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Bazhenov, Yu M., S.-A. Yu Murtazaev, D. K.-S. Bataev, A. H. Alaskhanov, T. S. A. Murtazaeva, and M. S. Saydumov. "High-strength concretes based on anthropogenic raw materials for earthquake resistant high-rise construction." Engineering Solid Mechanics 9, no. 3 (2021): 335–46. http://dx.doi.org/10.5267/j.esm.2021.1.004.
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This work is devoted to development of optimum recipes of high-strength concretes based on filled binders with fine-milled anthropogenic mineral filler intended for earthquake resistant high-rise monolithic construction. The optimum recipes of concretes in this work have been developed on the basis of computations and experimental designing of cast concrete mixes with chemical additives and anthropogenic mineral fillers, as well as destructive inspection methods as the most precise for analysis of physicomechanical and deformation properties of concrete. The following raw materials have been used for production of high-strength concretes: natural quartz sands with the fineness modulus F.M. = 1.7-1.8; crushed limestone with the particles sizes of 5-20 mm; water reducing chemical additives and hardening retarder to control specifications of concrete mixes; plain Portland cement, grade PTs 500 D0; anthropogenic mineral additives (fillers) in the form of crushed concrete and ceramic bricks. Optimum recipes of monolithic concretes have been designed using anthropogenic raw materials including normal concrete grades with compressive strength of M30-M40 and high-strength concrete grades of M50-M80, characterized by high homogeneity of cement stone with significantly finer pores and lower shrinkage. Herewith, it has been established that fine-milled anthropogenic mineral filler in the form of crushed concrete and ceramic bricks at the ratio of 70:30, respectively, efficiently influences specifications of concrete mixes on their basis significantly increasing resistance of the mix against sedimentation and water gain. It has been established that the developed high-strength concretes based on filled binders with fine-milled anthropogenic mineral filler are characterized by high freeze–thaw resistance (from F400 to F600) and water tightness (W14 and higher), which is a solid base providing high lifecycle of such concretes.
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Chou, Ya Kuan, and Tien Li Chen. "Environmental Impact Assessment on Lifecycle of Sofa Material." Advanced Materials Research 287-290 (July 2011): 3032–35. http://dx.doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/amr.287-290.3032.
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According to the materials of casing, frame, and cushion, this research aims to investigate the environmental impact assessment of sofas. With reference to this characteristic, this assessment is based on the evaluation model “Eco-indicator 99” of Sima Pro and the results are listed as below: l Regarding sofa materials which are brought about the negative influence to the environment: Sofa casing: polyester fiber > leather > imitation leather > cotton; sofa frame: wood > plastic > metal; sofa cushion: TDI foam > MDI foam. l If we deal with sofa materials by chemical methods, respiratory inorganics are caused from a great quantity of fossil fuels during production and the huge negative influence will result in climate change. l Concerning the waste influence on the environment when sofas are end of life: Sofa casing: To incinerate or landfill polyester fiber is more seriously; sofa frame: To incinerate or landfill wood is more critically; sofa cushion: to incinerate TDI or MDI is more harmfully than to landfill or recycle them. l It will have positive help and decrease garbage if we can recycle sofa waste.
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Hossain, Md Uzzal, S. Thomas Ng, Yahong Dong, and Ben Amor. "Strategies for mitigating plastic wastes management problem: A lifecycle assessment study in Hong Kong." Waste Management 131 (July 2021): 412–22. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2021.06.030.
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Gordon, Walter. "“Take A Good Look At It”: Seeing Postcolonial Medianatures with Karen Tei Yamashita." MediaTropes 7, no. 2 (February 7, 2020): 175–98. http://dx.doi.org/10.33137/mt.v7i2.33676.
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Plastic remains one of the most ubiquitous forms that oil takes as a mediating force in our everyday life. This article tracks the way in which this function of plastic has been obfuscated, particularly within the discursive space of academia, by way of a close reading of Karen Tei Yamashita’s 1990 novel Through the Arc of the Rain Forest. After contextualizing the author’s vision of a neoliberal media culture through a brief history of the recent disciplinary convergences of media studies, ecocriticism, and postcolonialism, I argue that Yamashita’s novel functions as a proleptic, literary articulation of the kinds of insights made possible by the combination of the three. Through its particular attention to the lifecycle of media—the transformation of plastic from raw material into technical object and then into trash—I argue that the novel offers a theory of plastic as media that usefully emphasizes its relation to the natural world as much as it does its connection to technology and culture.Image Credit: From the cover of Karen Tei Yamashita's book, Through the Arc of the Rain Forest, Coffee House Press (2017), https://coffeehousepress.org/products/through-the-arc-of-the-rain-forest.
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Szabó, V. A., and G. Dogossy. "Recycling of Mineral Water Bottles with Chemical Foaming." Acta Technica Jaurinensis 10, no. 2 (June 29, 2017): 157. http://dx.doi.org/10.14513/actatechjaur.v10.n2.446.
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Today, in the field of packaging technologies there is an increasing amount of one-way polymer materials. Such materials after their short lifecycle are disposed, and such pose a serious environmental impact. However, PET is a good quality technical plastic; the recycled use must be provided. In our research, we have examined the recycled material of mineral water bottles. Chemical foaming of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) was applied for quality increased reusability. Significant results were achieved in terms of mechanical properties at specific mixtures of chain extender and impact resistance enhancer, at the foaming state of the injection moulding.
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Bhatt, Pooja, and Alka Goe. "Carbon Fibres: Production, Properties and Potential Use." Material Science Research India 14, no. 1 (June 9, 2017): 52–57. http://dx.doi.org/10.13005/msri/140109.
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Carbon fiber is composed of carbon atoms bonded together to form a long chain. The fibers are extremely stiff, strong, and light, and are used in many processes to create excellent building materials. Carbon fiber material comes in a variety of "raw" building-blocks, including yarns, uni-directional, weaves, braids, and several others, which are in turn used to create composite parts. The properties of a carbon fiber part are close to that of steel and the weight is close to that of plastic. Thus the strength to weight ratio (as well as stiffness to weight ratio) of a carbon fiber part is much higher than either steel or plastic. Carbon fiber is extremely strong. It is typical in engineering to measure the benefit of a material in terms of strength to weight ratio and stiffness to weight ratio, particularly in structural design, where added weight may translate into increased lifecycle costs or unsatisfactory performance.
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Halfar, Jan, Kateřina Brožová, Kristina Čabanová, Silvie Heviánková, Alena Kašpárková, and Eva Olšovská. "Disparities in Methods Used to Determine Microplastics in the Aquatic Environment: A Review of Legislation, Sampling Process and Instrumental Analysis." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 18, no. 14 (July 17, 2021): 7608. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18147608.
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Plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, i.e., microplastics, have been detected in a number of environments. The number of studies on microplastics in marine environments, fresh water, wastewater, the atmosphere, and the human body are increasing along with a rise in the amounts of plastic materials introduced into the environment every year, all contributing to a range of health and environmental issues. Although the use of primary microplastics has been gradually reduced by recent legislation in many countries, new knowledge and data on these problems are needed to understand the overall lifecycle of secondary microplastics in particular. The aim of this review is to provide unified information on the pathways of microplastics into the environment, their degradation, and related legislation, with a special focus on the methods of their sampling, determination, and instrumental analysis. To deal with the health and environmental issues associated with the abundance of microplastics in the environment, researchers should focus on agreeing on a uniform methodology to determine the gravity of the problem through obtaining comparable data, thus leading to new and stricter legislation enforcing more sustainable plastic production and recycling, and hopefully contributing to reversing the trend of high amounts of microplastics worldwide.
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Tu, Jui-Che, Ku-Hsi Chu, Ding-Ze Gao, and Chun Yang. "Analyzing Decision-Making Factors of Green Design for Kid’s Toys Based on the Concept of Product Lifecycle." Processes 10, no. 8 (August 3, 2022): 1523. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/pr10081523.
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In promoting the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), increasing attention has been given to environmental pollution and abnormal climate issues. In particular, a large number of products made of plastic materials have caused harm to the environment. Secondly, with the improvement of average spending power, many parents are more willing to buy toys for their children. However, the lifespan of kid’s toys is often short, and most materials are made of plastic, which also causes issues as they are not easy to break down and are difficult to recycle. This study investigates the concept of the product life cycle in kid’s toys and explores the decision-making factors of green design. First, analysis and induction were conducted through literature collection. Through semi-structured interviews with experts, the design dimensions related to the green design of kid’s toys and the elements that affect the willingness of consumption by consumption values and behavior were obtained. After the questionnaire survey and data analysis, the design factors and purchasing decision factors of green design for the product life cycle and consumption values and behavior of kid’s toys were obtained. Finally, combined with kid’s toy design, green design, product life cycle and consumers’ consumption values and behavior, the decision-making factors for the green design of kid’s toys were extracted, which included (1) using non-toxic materials; (2) designing for maintainability and disassembly of the toy; (3) refining the toys to be artistic and collectable; (4) upgrading the educational functions of toys; (5) improving the recycling of toys; (6) emphasizing green packing; (7) creating a green brand and increasing product visibility; and (8) advocating the value of green design for toys. In addition to supplying green design considerations for kid’s toys to designers and companies, the results can also be used as an important reference with regard to the research topics of product life cycle, toy design and development for the sustainable designs of products.
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Carp, Belinda. "Is Durability Sustainable?" AATCC Review 20, no. 1 (January 1, 2020): 36–43. http://dx.doi.org/10.14504/ar.20.1.1.
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Interestingly, the French word for sustainability is durabilité. And, of course, durability is at the heart of sustainability—isn't it? If a product is durable, it will last for a long time and this means that it won't be discarded quickly, which keeps it out of the land-fill longer. If it doesn't need to be replaced often, the product's total environmental impact is reduced across its lifecycle. On the other hand, if something is designed to last for a long time, does that mean that it won't break down for a long time after it has been discarded—and if so, how can that be viewed as sustainable? Take plastic bags, for example. In the case of a product that is designed to be thrown away after relatively few uses, biodegradability is better than durability. So maybe it all depends on context.
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Hotta, Yasuhiko, Tomohiro Tasaki, and Ryu Koide. "Expansion of Policy Domain of Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP): Challenges and Opportunities for Policy Design." Sustainability 13, no. 12 (June 15, 2021): 6763. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su13126763.
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Since 2015, the international policy community has started to agree on international agreements with ambitious middle-term and long-term goals, highly relevant to sustainable consumption and production (SCP) such as those seen in the Paris Agreement, SDGs, and the plastic-related agreements at the G7 and G20 processes. Along with this trend, there has been growing attention given to socio-technical system change or “transition”. Policy debate is putting more focus on the need to change consumption and production patterns and deal with various ecological consequences within planetary boundaries such as decarbonization, absolute reduction in material throughput, or creation of a plastic-free society. This paper examines the expansion of the policy domain of SCP in three phases; SCP focusing on pollution control and cleaner production (SCP 1.0), SCP from the perspective of product lifecycle (SCP 2.0), and SCP focusing on systematic changes in socio-technical systems driving consumption and production (SCP 3.0). The potential impact of a wider SCP policy domain can be comparable to the historical shift in discourse related to ecological modernization theory from pollution prevention to efficiency. This emerging trend corresponds to the need for a fresh approach to policy design which can facilitate transition to sustainability.
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Li, Daoji, Guyu Peng, and Lixin Zhu. "Progress and prospects of marine microplastic research in China." Anthropocene Coasts 2, no. 1 (January 1, 2019): 330–39. http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/anc-2018-0014.
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Research on microplastics in China is progressing rapidly. Within recent years, more than 30 research institutes have conducted research on marine microplastic in estuaries, coasts, open sea, and Polar regions. Microplastics have been detected in freshwater systems (lakes, rivers, and wastewater treatment plants) and coastal and marine environments. This paper reviews the research progress of microplastics in China, providing information on topics including the methodology, quantification of microplastics in various habitats, eco-toxicological effect, biodegradation, management, and control of plastic waste and microplastics. This paper discusses the sampling and analysis of microplastic in different media, followed by spatial and temporal distribution of microplastics in marginal seas and coastal and freshwater systems. After summarizing the recent advances on toxicology research and risk assessment of microplastics, this paper provides suggestions for future study to provide baseline information for better risk assessment and improved understanding of the lifecycle of microplastics in the environment.
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Wellekötter, Jochen, Julia Resch, Stephan Baz, Götz Theo Gresser, and Christian Bonten. "Insights into the Processing of Recycled Carbon Fibers via Injection Molding Compounding." Journal of Composites Science 4, no. 4 (October 27, 2020): 161. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/jcs4040161.
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Although fiber-reinforced plastics combine high strength and stiffness with being lightweight, major difficulties arise with high volume production and the return of manufactured parts back into the cycle of materials at the end of their lifecycles. In a novel approach, structural parts were produced from recycled material while utilizing the so-called injection molding compounding process. Recycled fibers and recycled polyamide matrix material were used by blending carbon and matrix fibers into a sliver before processing. Injection molding was then used to produce long fiber-reinforced parts through a direct fiber feed system. Recycled matrix granules were incorporated into the injection molding process by means of an injection molding compounder to investigate their influences on the mechanical properties of the parts. The findings show that the recycled fibers and matrix perform well in standardized tests, although fiber length and fiber content vary significantly and remain below expectations.
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Nuţă, Andrei-Bogdan, Mihaela-Elena Ulmeanu, and Cristian-Vasile Doicin. "Design for 3D Printing: case study for a cold plastic deformation mould." MATEC Web of Conferences 343 (2021): 04008. http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/202134304008.
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Integration of additive manufacturing throughout a product’s lifecycle has proven over the years to bring substantial competitive advantages to companies worldwide. Complex geometries, quick iteration and lead-time reduction are universally seen as the biggest benefits of 3D printing. North American users also cite cost savings as a major benefit. More than half of the technologies’ applications are related to prototype manufacturing, especially due to high-cost savings in the development phase. Complex prototypes often require a cross reference when it comes to the design rules which need to be considered during the development stage. Thus, this study aims to analyze the various parameters when designing and manufacturing a complex prototype using material extrusion. Some of the main issues covered are related to analyzing the interference between components, adjusting the dimensions of the component elements according to the material contractions, the amount of used material and the total scrap and costs. In order to evaluate the abovementioned, a case study for a cold plastic deformation mould was chosen. The components were designed and assembled in a 3D software after which, each part was exported in *.STL and *.Gcode formats. Assembly tests were performed on the 3D printed components in order to adjust the dimensions. Project planning was used to propose an accurate time frame for the final complex prototype. Cost evaluation and material consumption were discussed in relation to functional, technological and economical restrictions. A final budget and general design rules were proposed for 3D printing of the complex functional prototype.
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Sokolová, Marie, and Pavla Ryparová. "Biological susceptibility of earth plasters: The influence of relative humidity on fungal growth." International Review of Applied Sciences and Engineering 10, no. 1 (June 2019): 9–14. http://dx.doi.org/10.1556/1848.2019.0002.
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All building materials can be affected by microbiological agents during their lifecycle. The presence of microorganisms changes the appearance of the surface, degrading it, and they can even cause health problems to the residents. The biological susceptibility is dependent on the content of nutrient based on organic compounds. Thus one of the most susceptible of those materials are earthen construction materials. The degree of fungal growth is influenced by the chemical composition and plant fibres additives as well as the external conditions such as temperature and relative humidity. The earth plastering mortar has started to gain more attention recently as it is considered to have a low environmental impact and to increase the indoor air quality. Mechanical and physical characteristics of earth materials were studied by a number of authors but the knowledge about the biological resistance of the material is scarce. This study intends to look into the issue of the biological colonisation of earth plasters depending on the relative humidity. The samples, made of four types of earth plasters with different plant fibres, were placed to an environment of the relative humidity ranging from 33% to 100%. During a period of 4 weeks the extent of fungal growth was observed.
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Axinte, Tiberiu. "Hertz Contact Problem between Wheel and Rail." Advanced Materials Research 837 (November 2013): 733–38. http://dx.doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/amr.837.733.
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Rail-wheel contact problems have been analyzed by the use of the three-dimensional finite element models. Based on these models, the paper presents a study regarding the applicability of the Hertz contact to rail-wheel contact problems. Beside a standard rail, the study also considers a crane rail and a switching component. The bodies of the contact problem are the standard rail UIC60 and the standard wheel UICORE. The maximum contact pressure which the material can support in the elastic range in steady state conditions is known as the shakedown limit. With an operating contact pressure below the shakedown limit the rail would be expected to remain elastic a long period of its lifecycle. However, examination of rail cross-sections shows severe plastic deformation in a sub-surface layer of a few tens of microns thickness; the contact patch size is in tens of millimeters. Three-dimensional elastic-plastic rolling contact stress analysis was conducted incorporating elastic and plastic shakedown concepts. The Hertzian distribution was assumed for the normal surface contact load over a circular contact area. The tangential forces in both the rolling and lateral directions were considered and were assumed to be proportional to the Hertzian pressure. The elastic and plastic shakedown limits obtained for the three-dimensional contact problem revealed the role of both longitudinal and lateral shear traction on the shakedown results. An advanced cyclic plasticity model was implemented into a finite element code via the material subroutine. Finite element simulations were conducted in order to study the influences of the tangential surface forces in the two shear directions on residual stresses and residual strains. The Hertz theory is restricted to frictionless surfaces and perfectly elastic solids, but it is the best method for determining deformations and stress from pitch of contact. Form change due to wear and plastic deformation of a rail can reduce the service life of a track. The purpose of this investigation was to study the development of these damage mechanisms on new and three years old rails in a commuter track over a period of two years.
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Alqahtani, Fahad K., Ibrahim S. Abotaleb, and Sara Harb. "LEED Study of Green Lightweight Aggregates in Construction." Sustainability 13, no. 3 (January 29, 2021): 1395. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su13031395.
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Decreasing the demand for natural aggregates is doubly justified by the significant contribution of the construction industry to the unsustainable development path of the natural environment, and the projected global increase of the consumption of construction aggregates. Extensive research has been carried out on the physical and mechanical properties of concrete which incorporates plastic as aggregates; yet, no single study has been able to draw on structured research which demonstrates the improved sustainability performance of plastic-based aggregates to support sustainable development in the construction industry for a project seeking Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. The goal of this research is to explore the potential benefits that green processed lightweight aggregates (PLA) can provide to a project seeking LEED certification in accordance with the requirements of LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction. The objectives are to: (1) determine which LEED credit requirements can be met through using the studied material; (2) provide a comprehensive analysis of the applicable attainable LEED credits, given the existing technical information of the selected material, and (3) provide guidelines to maximize further credit attainment. To this end, the findings indicated that the use of PLA as a total replacement for coarse aggregates in lightweight concrete applications would contribute to earning directly up to 8 points (out of 110 total points) towards LEED certification. Such significant number allows for the potential increase of the project’s certification by one level. This is the first study of its kind to investigate the improved sustainability performance of recycled plastic aggregates from a LEED point of view. Moreover, the guidelines provided by the research will enable developers to maximize the financial and environmental benefits of their buildings through the reduced lifecycle cost and the enhanced LEED score. This research should encourage project teams to incorporate the knowledge of sustainable practices, and play an active role in sustainable development.
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Qamar, Nadia, and Ayesha Alam Khurram. "3 Tackling Demolition Waste – An en route to Sustainable Development." Sir Syed Research Journal of Engineering & Technology 1, no. 1 (December 19, 2018): 8. http://dx.doi.org/10.33317/ssurj.v1i1.34.
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In Pakistan, construction and demolition waste(CDW) is generated in voluminous amount each year. CDW iswidely ill-handled and ultimately fed to landfills causing harm tothe already alarming environmental conditions. In order tosearch for the solution of this drastic matter, a study was done,which is explained in this paper. This paper presents the studydone at a demolition site near Karachi, in Sindh while thedemolition works were being carried out. At the site there wereold barracks which were being demolished. Before the demolitionworks were commenced, the site was surveyed and structuralcomponents of the barracks were counted and their dimensionswere measured. When the demolition was over, the demolishedwaste was calculated which comprised of concrete and masonryrubble, steel round bars, steel doors, steel windows, steel ceiling,steel girders, steel main gate, and plastic water tank. This studyinterpreted that construction and demolition (C&D) works wereprogressing considering the works’ deadline and the clients’requirements but the ecosystem’s ecology and the environmentalhealth were not taken into account. Recommendations are madeto handle CDW properly throughout its lifecycle. Theserecommendations aim to provide technological and logicalsolutions to grip CDW. The recommendations include wastereduction and reusing waste, life cycle assessment and costing,environmental and economic impact, material flow analysis, andadvanced computerized-tools.
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Qamar, Nadia, and Ayesha Alam Khurram. "Tackling Demolition Waste – An en route to Sustainable Development." Sir Syed University Research Journal of Engineering & Technology 8, no. 1 (December 19, 2018): 8. http://dx.doi.org/10.33317/ssurj.v8i1.34.
Full textAbstract:
In Pakistan, construction and demolition waste(CDW) is generated in voluminous amount each year. CDW iswidely ill-handled and ultimately fed to landfills causing harm tothe already alarming environmental conditions. In order tosearch for the solution of this drastic matter, a study was done,which is explained in this paper. This paper presents the studydone at a demolition site near Karachi, in Sindh while thedemolition works were being carried out. At the site there wereold barracks which were being demolished. Before the demolitionworks were commenced, the site was surveyed and structuralcomponents of the barracks were counted and their dimensionswere measured. When the demolition was over, the demolishedwaste was calculated which comprised of concrete and masonryrubble, steel round bars, steel doors, steel windows, steel ceiling,steel girders, steel main gate, and plastic water tank. This studyinterpreted that construction and demolition (C&D) works wereprogressing considering the works’ deadline and the clients’requirements but the ecosystem’s ecology and the environmentalhealth were not taken into account. Recommendations are madeto handle CDW properly throughout its lifecycle. Theserecommendations aim to provide technological and logicalsolutions to grip CDW. The recommendations include wastereduction and reusing waste, life cycle assessment and costing,environmental and economic impact, material flow analysis, andadvanced computerized-tools.
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Orbaek White, Alvin, Ali Hedayati, Tim Yick, Varun Shenoy Gangoli, Yubiao Niu, Sean Lethbridge, Ioannis Tsampanakis, et al. "On the Use of Carbon Cables from Plastic Solvent Combinations of Polystyrene and Toluene in Carbon Nanotube Synthesis." Nanomaterials 12, no. 1 (December 21, 2021): 9. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/nano12010009.
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For every three people on the planet, there are approximately two Tonnes (Te) of plastic waste. We show that carbon recovery from polystyrene (PS) plastic is enhanced by the coaddition of solvents to grow carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by liquid injection chemical vapour deposition. Polystyrene was loaded up to 4 wt% in toluene and heated to 780 °C in the presence of a ferrocene catalyst and a hydrogen/argon carrier gas at a 1:19 ratio. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Raman spectroscopy were used to identify multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The PS addition in the range from 0 to 4 wt% showed improved quality and CNT homogeneity; Raman “Graphitic/Defective” (G/D) values increased from 1.9 to 2.3; mean CNT diameters increased from 43.0 to 49.2 nm; and maximum CNT yield increased from 11.37% to 14.31%. Since both the CNT diameters and the percentage yield increased following the addition of polystyrene, we conclude that carbon from PS contributes to the carbon within the MWCNTs. The electrical contact resistance of acid-washed Bucky papers produced from each loading ranged from 2.2 to 4.4 Ohm, with no direct correlation to PS loading. Due to this narrow range, materials with different loadings were mixed to create the six wires of an Ethernet cable and tested using iPerf3; the cable achieved up- and down- link speeds of ~99.5 Mbps, i.e., comparable to Cu wire with the same dimensions (~99.5 Mbps). The lifecycle assessment (LCA) of CNT wire production was compared to copper wire production for a use case in a Boeing 747-400 over the lifespan of the aircraft. Due to their lightweight nature, the CNT wires decreased the CO2 footprint by 21 kTonnes (kTe) over the aircraft’s lifespan.
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Fomina, Natalya, Vadim Khozin, Aleksandr Strakhov, and Artur Ismagilov. "Shredding of polyethylene terephthalate waste." E3S Web of Conferences 263 (2021): 01018. http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202126301018.
Full textAbstract:
Methods of recycling polyethylene terephthalate waste are analyzed. Thermoplastic waste has great potential for mechanical recycling. Lack of information on the quality of recycled products and their applicability for specific purposes hinders their use. Shredding is a main process in mechanical recycling. Due to the viscoelastic properties, the cost of grinding polymer waste is several times higher than for most brittle mineral materials. Cutting and impact equipment is often used to shred plastic waste. To obtain micron-sized polymer particles, the technologies of cryogenic grinding and wet grinding in solvents are used, which is followed by high operating costs. The purpose of this work was to develop an economical method for producing fine powders from polyethylene terephthalate waste. The specific surface of the powders has been investigated. To investigate the destruction, differential thermal analysis and infrared spectroscopy were used. The technology of secondary mechanical recycling is proposed: crushing, melting of waste, natural or water cooling of the melt, grinding on equipment typical for brittle materials. A dispersed product with a proportion of micronized fraction of about 50% was obtained for use as filler in composites. The resulting product is more degraded in comparison with the feedstock. Therefore, its use as binders is advisable in applications where a decrease in initial properties is permissible, in products with a long lifecycle, for example, in the production of building materials. The use of waste thermoplastic in applications other than the original one does not always reduce the value of the technology.
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Khimenkov, Aleksandr Nikolaevich, Andrei Viktorovich Koshurnikov, and Julia Viktorovna Stanilovskaya. "Parageneses of cryogenic formations of gas emission funnels (Part 1). Morphology of cryogenic formations." Арктика и Антарктика, no. 2 (February 2021): 27–52. http://dx.doi.org/10.7256/2453-8922.2021.2.35500.
Full textAbstract:
The subject of this research is the cryogenic formations found in gas emission funnels in the north of Western Siberia. The object of this research is cryogenic processes that prepare the explosion, which forms a gas emission funnel. The study of cryogenic structures that shape the walls of gas emission funnels is based on the structural-genetic analysis, which reveals the peculiarities of the initial cryogenic structure of frozen rock, as well as the cryogenic textures modified as a result of dynamic metamorphism. The authors examine such aspects of the topic as the general orientation of plastic and explosive deformations under the influence of high pressure. Analysis is conducted on the role of intra-ground gas filtration in transformation of the initial cryogenic structure. Special attention is given to the patterns of emergence and development of the local geodynamic system that ultimately substantiates the formation of gas emission funnel. The novelty of this research consists in the establishment of paragenetic relations between the processes of gas filtration and deformations of gas-saturated ice surface material (from viscoplastic motion to brittle fracture). The main conclusions are as follows: such external influences as increase in the temperature or pressure change thermodynamic conditions, which lead to multi-phase structural transformation of the initial cryogenic structure of the cryolithic zone; a series of plastic and explosive deformations instigates the intense heat and mass transfer, redistributing the substance in the liquid, solid and gaseous state; in frozen rocks, ice is the most deformable component, thus, most information on the processes preceding the formation of gas funnels can be acquired by studying the morphology of cryogenic formations observed in the walls of the funnels, as well as in the unthawed fragments of frozen rocks thrown to the surface. The authors’ special contribution lies in examination of the complete lifecycle of the development of selected geosystems, from the initial stage – formation of conditions for decomposition of the gas hydrates, to the final stage – explosion and emission of ice surface material.
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Wilkinson, Ariadne, and Ian D. Williams. "WHY DO (W)EEE HOARD? THE EFFECT OF CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR ON THE RELEASE OF HOME ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCTS INTO THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY." Detritus, no. 12 (September 7, 2020): 18–33. http://dx.doi.org/10.31025/2611-4135/2020.14004.
Full textAbstract:
Home entertainment (HE) products are particularly rich in metals and plastics and thus have enormous potential as a source of materials from within Distinct Urban Mines (DUMs). Consumers’ end-of-life (EoL) management decisions (i.e. stockpiling, hoarding, reusing, discarding of WEEE) strongly influence the exploitation potential of a DUM. This study aimed to assess the effect of consumer behaviour on the release of HE (W)EEE into the circular economy. A survey was undertaken in Southampton (Hampshire, UK) to assess perceptions and behaviours relating to the EoL management of HE (W)EEE. The study provides previously unavailable data and critical evaluation on the ownership, use and hoarding levels of HE EEE in a typical city DUM, and the reasons behind their hoarding. Results indicated that ownership levels were very high, with an average of 12 home entertainment items owned per household. This makes urban areas extremely plausible as DUMs; we estimate that there are over 1 million HE devices owned and ~440,000 HE devices hoarded in Southampton and >150 million HE EEE owned and ~61 million HE devices hoarded in UK households. Hoarding is common, especially for smaller or older equipment, due to their perceived residual value. HE product lifecycles averaged 4-5 years. The most common EoL routes were donating to relatives, friends or charities; hoarding; recycling; or discarding items in general refuse. To encourage the recovery of EoL HE equipment: i) convenient and accessible WEEE collection points should be established for regular (periodic) harvesting and ii) promoted via awareness campaigns and incentives.