Article
Construction & Building Technology
Tuomo Joensuu, Roosa Leino, Jukka Heinonen, Arto Saari
Summary: The study presents a new method for assessing the environmental benefits of components designed for disassembly in buildings, verifying its feasibility and highlighting the importance and applicability of this approach. Further research on combining utilization rates with life cycle assessment is suggested to enhance the method's applicability in the context of circular economy.
SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Dario Cottafava, Mattia Costamagna, Marcello Baricco, Laura Corazza, Davide Miceli, Luigi E. Riccardo
Summary: The study introduces a two-step methodology to compare the environmental impact of single-use and reusable cups, highlighting the environmental break-even points for different scenarios. Reusable plastic cups reach break-even points for climate change and non-renewable energy use at n < 150, while single-use PP cups perform better in terms of acidification, eutrophication, and water scarcity indicators.
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Katrina Ramirez-Meyers, Barry Rawn, Jay F. Whitacre
Summary: This paper analyzes the statistical distribution of state-of-health of cells in a retired battery pack and provides quantitative descriptions for modeling uncertainties in 2nd-life feedstocks. It found that the variation and mismatch within the modules of used HEV packs are high, making it infeasible to reuse most of them as-is. The paper also suggests that cheap, fast EIS tests can potentially substitute longer diagnostic tests, thus lowering the cost of refurbishment.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Maria Carolina Mora-Sojo, Kamila Krych, Johan Berg Pettersen
Summary: This article examines the environmental impacts of the textile industry and explores how closing material loops can reduce the impacts of clothing consumption. The study found that increasing circularity and changing shopping and disposal behaviors can significantly reduce climate change impacts, water scarcity, and energy demand.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Peyman Alizadeh, Edmund Mupondwa, Lope G. Tabil, Xue Li, Duncan Cree
Summary: This study compares the environmental impacts of pellet production from different types of wood sawdust and subsequent electricity generation. The results show that torrefied (TF) pellets are more environmentally friendly in most impact categories, except for ozone layer depletion and aquatic eutrophication. Steam exploded (SE) treatment is the most damaging alternative for pellet production, especially in terms of global warming. After environmental impact analysis, it is found that electricity generation from SE pellets causes more damage to the environment compared to other feedstock paths.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Shashi, Piera Centobelli, Roberto Cerchione, Deepika Jhamb
Summary: This study fills the research gaps in understanding the impacts of marketing mix perception and perceived risk on circular purchase and disposal behaviors for circular and non-circular consumers. Data from 558 circular and 595 non-circular consumers in India were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results show that marketing mix perception has a positive impact on purchase intention and self-reported purchase behavior for both consumer groups, but the impact on self-reported purchase behavior is significant only for circular consumers. Purchase intention has no significant impact on self-reported purchase behavior for non-circular consumers. Perceived risks have a negative impact on both consumer groups' perceived value and purchase intentions. Circular disposal is influenced by self-reported purchase behavior, disposal convenience, and disposal costs, with significant differences between circular and non-circular consumers.
ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Blanca Corona, Vivian S. C. Tunn, Karlijn L. van den Broek
Summary: This study explores integrating insights from consumer behavior sciences into life cycle assessments (LCAs) to better assess and design circular packaging. The results indicate that LCA studies for packaging often make assumptions about consumer behavior, and only a few studies have used consumer profiles and behavior research to support LCA modeling. The study suggests that socio-technical approaches could be a promising avenue for integrating a behavioral perspective into LCA.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ingrid Bertin, Myriam Saade, Robert Le Roy, Jean-Marc Jaeger, Adelaide Feraille
Summary: The construction sector is challenged to reduce carbon footprint and achieve carbon neutrality. Reusing concrete structural elements is of interest, but connections between them are difficult to disassemble. The study assesses the environmental impacts of reusable concrete portal frame and emphasizes the need for guidance in future reuse practices. The results show significant reduction in environmental impacts after a reuse cycle.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Cristiane Karyn de Carvalho Araujo, Mariane Bigarelli Ferreira, Rodrigo Salvador, Camilla Kawane Ceciliano de Carvalho Araujo, Bruno Silva Camargo, Samique Kyene de Carvalho Araujo Camargo, Cristiane Inacio de Campos, Cassiano Moro Piekarski
Summary: The objective of this study is to use life cycle assessment (LCA) to guide the design and implementation of circular business models (CBMs) in the wood panel industry towards cleaner production. The study identified existing circularity in some parts of the manufacturing stage of reconstituted wood panels and proposed CBMs to reduce impacts identified via LCA and fill the circular gaps left by existing practices.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Rebeka Kovacic Lukman, Vasja Omahne, Damjan Krajnc
Summary: This paper examines the sustainability of toy production, focusing on environmental, economic, and social aspects. Through analyzing the toy life cycle, the main environmental impacts of the system were identified and alternative design options based on the principles of the circular economy were proposed.
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Joana Carvalho, Lucas Nascimento, Margarida Soares, Nadia Valerio, Andre Ribeiro, Luciana Faria, Andre Silva, Nuno Pacheco, Jorge Araujo, Candida Vilarinho
Summary: This study critically analyzes the life cycle assessment of biochar production from different sources and technologies, demonstrating the great potential of biochar in circular economy for carbon-efficient resource circulation, climate change mitigation, and economic sustainability.
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Iacopo Bianchi, Archimede Forcellese, Michela Simoncini, Alessio Vita
Summary: This paper presents a method for recovering pre-vulcanized EVA waste and investigates the possibility of developing a recycled product. The waste is shredded and mixed with virgin EVA, and then used in an injection molding process to produce samples for comparing their properties with virgin EVA. The environmental and cost sustainability of the recovery process is evaluated through a Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Costing analysis. Despite lower resistances, the recycled EVA demonstrates significant benefits in terms of environmental and cost sustainability, paving the way for a zero-waste system.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADVANCED MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Sarath C. Gowd, Pradeep Ramesh, V. S. Vigneswaran, Selvaraj Barathi, Jintae Lee, Karthik Rajendran
Summary: Nutrient recovery systems can mitigate the negative effects of N and P in wastewater and reduce eutrophication. This study compared the lifecycle assessment of four nutrient recovery systems and sewage treatment plant using SimaPro (V9.3). The findings showed that a fuel cell with a single-pot wastewater treatment system can act as a negative emission system with a reduced carbon footprint. This research also concluded that single-pot systems perform better for the environment than add-on systems, suggesting the potential benefits of microalgae in a single-pot system.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Business
Nitin Patwa, Uthayasankar Sivarajah, Arumugam Seetharaman, Sabyasachi Sarkar, Kausik Maiti, Kunal Hingorani
Summary: This study examines the challenges faced by emerging economies in adopting circular economy principles and presents an empirically validated model for CE adoption, emphasizing the significant impact of consumer behavior on driving the adoption of CE practices.
JOURNAL OF BUSINESS RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Marilys Pradel, Julien Garcia, Mikko Samuli Vaija
Summary: Abiotic mineral resource assessment has seen major progress in the past decade in the field of industry and research, leading to the development of a good practices framework (GPF) to guide LCA practitioners in choosing and interpreting LCA results related to the use of abiotic mineral resources. The framework focuses on a four-step decision tree centered on LCA ISO standards but tailored specifically for abiotic mineral resources.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Anders Nordelof, Mikael Alatalo, Maria Ljunggren Soderman
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT
(2019)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Daniel Bockin, Siri Willskytt, Hampus Andre, Anne-Marie Tillman, Maria Ljunggren Soderman
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Rickard Arvidsson, Maria Ljunggren Soderman, Bjorn A. Sanden, Anders Nordelof, Hampus Andre, Anne-Marie Tillman
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT
(2020)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Raphael Wasserbaur, Tomohiko Sakao, Maria Ljunggren Soderman, Andrius Plepys, Carl Dalhammar
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2020)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Hampus Andre, Maria Ljunggren
Summary: This paper explores the ambiguity and relations between concepts and method groups in mineral resource availability assessment, identifying similarities and confusion among different methods. The lack of distinction between mineral resource stocks, funds and flows is highlighted as a source of error and imprecise terminology.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Mudit Chordia, Anders Nordelof, Linda Ager-Wick Ellingsen
Summary: The study compared environmental impacts by remodelingsmall-scale battery production with updated background data, finding that upscaling production could reduce environmental burdens such as greenhouse gas emissions and shift pressures to upstream supply chain.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT
(2021)
Letter
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Rickard Arvidsson, Sanna Wickerts, Anders Nordelof
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Rickard Arvidsson, Mudit Chordia, Anders Nordelof
Summary: This study focuses on the human health impacts of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and quantifies their potential life-cycle health impacts. The study finds that emissions from production processes and occupational accidents have a greater impact than mining accidents. The study suggests reducing these health impacts through material substitution, emission reduction, and improved occupational standards.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT
(2022)
Correction
Engineering, Environmental
Mudit Chordia, Anders Nordelof, Linda Ager-Wick Ellingsen
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Hampus Andr, Maria Ljunggren
Summary: This study examines the use of complementary methods to address short and long-term mineral resource scarcity issues in a company context. The results indicate that copper, neodymium, and dysprosium are prioritized in mitigating long-term scarcity impacts, while in the short-term, the electric motor is most vulnerable to a potential supply disruption of iron and silicon. Furthermore, the study highlights the need for a more context-specific assessment of criticality.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Linda Ager-Wick Ellingsen, Rebecca Jayne Thorne, Julia Wind, Erik Figenbaum, Mia Romare, Anders Nordelof
Summary: This study assesses the environmental performance of battery electric buses (BEBs) with different battery technologies and sizes. The results suggest that the size and range effect on the environmental impact depend on the performance of the battery technology, and a smaller battery size of the same technology is not necessarily environmentally preferable. Additionally, extending the BEB lifetime from 10 to 20 years changes the environmental performance and relative contributions to environmental impact potentials for the various BEB alternatives.
TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH PART D-TRANSPORT AND ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Hampus Andre, Anna Bjorklund
Summary: Life cycle assessments of circular economy measures often oversimplify important aspects of the use phase, limiting our understanding of their environmental performance. This study tests a framework designed to account for user behavior and rebound effects, using a case study of secondhand shell jackets. Applying the framework generated novel insights that can improve future assessments and understanding of circular economy measures.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Electrochemistry
Anders Nordelof, Sofia Poulikidou, Mudit Chordia, Felipe Bitencourt de Oliveira, Johan Tivander, Rickard Arvidsson
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaojian Liu, Bei Wang, Yayun Ma, Xiangyang Zhou, Juan Yang, Yuehui He, Jingjing Tang, Fanyun Su, Wan Yang
Summary: This study proposes a combined process of reduction roasting of herb-medicine residue and oxalic acid leaching to improve the recovery efficiency of lithium from spent lithium-ion batteries. By utilizing the reducing gas produced from the pyrolysis of herb-medicine residue, the layered structure of the cathode powder is destroyed and converted into Li2CO3, Ni, Co, and MnO. Additionally, selective extraction of lithium is achieved using oxalic acid, and the efficiency and kinetics of lithium extraction are improved under the combined action of herb-medicine residue and oxalic acid.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Muxina Konarova, Nuno Batalha, Gabriel Fraga, Mohamed H. M. Ahmed, Steven Pratt, Bronwyn Laycock
Summary: This study presents a proof of concept for a technology that integrates PET recovery from mixed plastic waste and plastic pyrolysis. By depolymerizing PET into TPA using a low volatility oil as medium, it achieves low-pressure operation and a selective separation and recovery of TPA from the product mix. Full PET conversion and high TPA recovery were achieved, making it an effective solution for processing mixed waste streams and improving the yield and quality of liquid product from thermal pyrolysis compared to untreated feedstock.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhenhua Sun, Jing Li, Xuejiang Wang, Siqing Xia, Jianfu Zhao
Summary: This study investigated the influence of in-situ formed MgFe2O4 on the hydrothermal treatment of swine manure. The results showed that the in-situ formation of MgFe2O4 improved the dehydration and decarboxylation of organic components in swine manure, thereby improving its carbonization degree. Furthermore, it enhanced the stabilization of heavy metals and the retention of phosphorus. MgFe2O4 modified hydrochars exhibited remarkable adsorption capacity for Pb(II) and Cu(II) without any leaching of heavy metals.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yijing Jiang, Boyang Leng, Jingxin Xi
Summary: The increased generation of municipal solid waste has had a significant impact on the economy, environment, and public health. The current waste treatment process has limitations. By developing a comprehensive social costing model, this study assesses the impacts of municipal solid waste management throughout its life cycle and provides policymakers with best practices and feasibility information.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Marina Hernandes de Paula e Silva, Ricardo Coser Mergulha, Jose Geraldo Vidal Vieira, Andrea Brasco Pampanelli, Rodrigo Salvador, Diogo Aparecido Lopes Silva
Summary: This study developed and implemented a self-assessment tool to assist companies in decision-making processes for establishing circular flows based on Lean Manufacturing and Circular Economy principles. The tool utilized a maturity model and was applied to nine companies of varying characteristics. The findings revealed that certain companies showed higher maturity in water-waste and chemical-emissions management, with larger enterprises focusing on these strategies. However, many companies lacked sufficient training and employee awareness prior to seeking cleaner alternatives, and comprehensive actions to manage the product lifecycle were lacking. To address these gaps, the tool provided tailored recommendations for each company to improve their processes, products, and value chain.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Gamze Dogdu, Turgay Pekdemir, Sanaz Lakestani, Seyda Karabork, Osman Cavus
Summary: This paper presents data on food waste associated with mini size food packaging services, highlighting the difficulties in emptying the food and consumer wastefulness as the main causes. These findings have significant implications for the sustainability of food and relevant packaging.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qingxia Li, Xin Kong, Yuxin Chen, Jianan Niu, Jia Jing, Jin Yuan, Yifeng Zhang
Summary: This study investigates how to enhance methane production from food waste after hydrothermal pretreatment. The results demonstrate a significant increase in methane yield when zero-valent iron and magnetite are used together, and high organic loading is favorable for methane production. Microbial diversity analysis further reveals the dominant pathways and metabolic processes involved in methane generation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
D. H. H. Sim, I. A. W. Tan, L. L. P. Lim, E. T. Lau, B. H. Hameed
Summary: The development of controlled-release fertilizer formulation is important for preventing environmental pollution caused by nutrient leaching and volatilization. This study combined biochar-based fertilizer with encapsulation technology to improve the nutrient release mechanism. Optimal conditions for synthesizing urea-impregnated biochar (UIB) were determined using central composite design, and the release of nitrogen was described by mathematical models. Results showed that encapsulated UIB (EUIB) achieved complete release of nitrogen in water and exhibited improved water retention in sandy-textural soil. Therefore, EUIB derived from peppercorn waste has the potential to be used as a sustainable controlled-release fertilizer for agriculture.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuchuan Wang, Neslihan Akdeniz
Summary: Incorporating biochar into composting systems can increase compost temperatures. This study developed a heat transfer model for a biochar-amended co-composting system and found that biochar increased thermal conductive losses but also enhanced microbial activity, resulting in an overall increase in total heat unit. When biochar was applied on the surface, it mainly functioned as an insulator.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
George Tsalis, Birger Boutrup Jensen, Jessica Aschemann-Witzel
Summary: This paper empirically explores the relationship between retail price promotions and household food waste. The results show that households with a higher proportion of discount food purchases and environmental awareness tend to waste less food, while larger households and those lacking food handling skills tend to waste more food.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lukas Friederici, Arne Koch, Patrick Martens, Jana Pantzke, Sebastiano Di Bucchianico, Thorsten Streibel, Christopher P. Rueger, Ralf Zimmermann
Summary: The increasing demand for lightweight materials has led to a rise in fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) production. However, the properties and compositional range of FRPs pose challenges to recycling strategies. Pyrolysis has emerged as a promising method for separating the fibers from the polymer matrix. This study investigated the pyrolysis process using thermal analysis and high-resolution mass spectrometry, and also assessed the toxicity of the recovered fibers using an in vitro model.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Devika Kannan, Shakiba Khademolqorani, Nassibeh Janatyan, Somaieh Alavi
Summary: This paper introduces Smart Waste Management (SWM) that applies Industry 4.0 technologies in waste management. A framework called SWM4.0 is developed, which highlights the importance of smart people, smart cities, smart enterprises, and smart factories in achieving successful waste management. The paper also suggests future research directions and managerial implications.