Systems Analysis for PET and Olefin Polymers in a Circular Economy

Date of publication 9 September 2019

Authors Shonnard, David; Tipaldo, Emily; Thompson, Vicki; Pearce, Joshua; Caneba, Gerard; Handler, Robert.

Sources 26th Cirp Conference on Life Cycle Engineering (Lce) : 80, 602–606.

DOILink https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procir.2019.01.072

Abstract

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET 1) and polyolefin plastics such polyethylene (HDPE 2, LDPE 4) and polypropylene (PP 5) are major products from the chemical industry, and they comprise a significant fraction of municipal solid waste that ends up in landfills or as litter and marine debris. The reuse of these polymeric materials can be optimized through systems analysis with a view on materials flow analysis, techno-economics, environmental life cycle assessment, and consequential societal impacts. This contribution will present the overall research approach for this exploratory project within the DOE- and industry-funded REMADE Institute and end with a proposed systems analysis framework.

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