Life cycle assessment of plastic waste and energy recovery

Plastics are essential in our economy and everyday life. However, plastic pollution is a global concern. To address this issue, the European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy was adopted in January 2018. Attention has been raised to the entire life cycle of products, with legislation stating that plastic used throughout the design phase to manufacturing and packaging phases needs to be recyclable by 2030. This study evaluates selected plastic material categories and technologies carrying out a review of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analysis from literature. The literature review was carried out, the indicator units for impact categories among the investigated mid-point methodologies as well as the conversion factors for the metrics harmonization were provided and finally a detailed analysis of the environmental impact of several types of plastics was carried out for two options in the waste hierarchy, which are through disposal by sending waste to landfills and incineration with energy recovery. The disposal, treatment and recycling of 2.2 tonnes of general plastic waste including non-recyclable material delivered to a recycling facility was considered for comparison with these methods. An assessment of the comparative advantages of each practice was conducted. The potential for energy recovery was highlighted.

Automated summary

Plastics are crucial to the economy and daily life, but plastic pollution is a global issue. The European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy, adopted in January 2018, aims to tackle this problem by promoting recyclability of plastic products by 2030. This study evaluates various plastic materials and technologies through a review of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analyses. The environmental impacts of different plastics in landfill disposal and incineration with energy recovery were analyzed and compared, highlighting the potential for energy recovery.