Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ville Lahtela, Katriina Mielonen, Prashant Parkar, Timo Karki
Summary: With the increasing amount of waste, such as WEEE and plastic waste, it is crucial to improve the recycling rates to contribute to a circular economy. This study focuses on the effects of a WEEE polymer containing bromine on its recycling ability and analyzes its physical and mechanical features. The study suggests that polymer sorting is profitable for WEEE polymers, and the separation of bromine concentration is recommended. The results support the idea of implementing novel circular economy actions for efficient WEEE polymer recycling processes with technological innovations.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jaime A. Gomez Duran, Zeferino Gamino Arroyo, Fernando Israel Gomez Castro, Patricia Quintana Owen, Lorena Eugenia Sanchez Cadena, Monica V. Ayala Gomez
Summary: This study investigated the impact of various factors on the recovery of copper, lead, and iron from electronic waste through acid leaching. It was found that sub-millimetric particles showed better extraction rates for copper and iron, while the opposite was true for lead. The presence of hydrogen peroxide enhanced the extraction efficiency but also caused precipitation of iron and lead, making it inefficient for metal recovery. Calcium salts produced gypsum, which reduced the extraction yield of copper particles below 250 μm.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
L. Cafiero, D. De Angelis, M. Di Dio, P. Di Lorenzo, M. Pietrantonio, S. Pucciarmati, R. Terzi, L. Tuccinardi, R. Tuffi, A. Ubertini
Summary: Plastic from WEEE is challenging to manage and its market for recycling is limited. This study analyzed twenty WEEE plastic samples, showing that most were mixtures of different plastics, often styrene-based, while many had good similarity to virgin polymers. The selected samples were processed into filaments for 3D printing, with some issues related to polymeric heterogeneity and foreign materials. Tests showed that objects printed with WEEE plastic filaments had similar quality to those made with commercial filaments.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Anton Berwald, Gergana Dimitrova, Thijs Feenstra, Joop Onnekink, Harm Peters, Gianni Vyncke, Kim Ragaert
Summary: The modern devices using increasingly diverse and complex plastics may negatively impact recyclability, particularly for WEEE plastics recycling. Design 'for' and 'from' recycling strategies are crucial in circular economy, leading to comprehensive Design for Circularity guidelines with five categories developed in collaboration with industry leaders. These guidelines can assist decision-makers at different levels in the EEE industry.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Alexander Boudewijn, Jef R. Peeters, Dirk Cattrysse, Wim Dewulf, Luca Campadello, Alessia Accili, Joost R. Duflou
Summary: Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) is a significant and growing waste stream in the European Union. To achieve ambitious recycling targets, it is necessary to develop adequate infrastructure and policies for recycling plastics. However, there is currently a lack of quantitative overview on WEEE plastics, hindering strategic decision-making for policymakers and recyclers. This study proposes a novel method combining experimental results and prior literature to provide quantitative insights into the volume and characteristics of WEEE plastics collected in the European Union. The findings confirm the presence of different plastic types and high concentrations of flame retardants in specific waste streams or components.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Akshat Sudheshwar, Nadia Malinverno, Roland Hischier, Bernd Nowack, Claudia Som
Summary: This study compares conventional printed circuit boards with paper-based printed electronics and assesses the importance of e-waste recycling for the sustainability of the latter. The results show that printed electronics have a sustainability advantage through the recycling of silver. Therefore, design-for-recycling and e-waste recycling are crucial for the sustainability of current printed electronics.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
Clement Freymond, Alain Guinault, Carole Charbuillet, Bruno Fayolle
Summary: The thermal degradation of post-consumed ABS/HIPS and PP/PE blends from waste electrical and electronic equipment was investigated by multiple extrusions for recycling purposes. The molar mass, melt flow index, and ultimate elongation of the recycled blends were evaluated as a function of extrusion cycles. The results revealed a similar degradation mechanism for both ABS/HIPS and PP/PE blends, with ABS/HIPS exhibiting higher thermomechanical resistance. An innovative embrittlement criterion based on MFI measurements was proposed for the analysis of post-consumed polymer blends.
Article
Polymer Science
Charles Signoret, Anne-Sophie Caro-Bretelle, Jose-Marie Lopez-Cuesta, Patrick Ienny, Didier Perrin
Summary: The study used a finite element model to investigate the mechanical behavior of the ABS and PP composite material, finding that adding 4 wt% of PP to ABS does not alter the static mechanical properties, but adding PP-g-MA may lead to premature breakage of the polymer blend.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mor Mbodji, Nadia Baskali-Bouregaa, Frederique Bessueille, Robert Faomowe-Foko, Mamadou Fall, Nicole Gilon
Summary: This study analyzed the metal distribution and concentrations of soils collected from e-waste recycling areas in Dakar, Senegal, and found high levels of zinc, copper, manganese, and iron. Through analyzing vegetables grown in the vicinity, it was concluded that the risk of human exposure to the main metals is low.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kathleen McMahon, Yvonne Ryan-Fogarty, Colin Fitzpatrick
Summary: This research focuses on job creation in WEEE treatment, specifically investigating the labor requirements at a certified e-recycling facility in Ireland. By estimating the mass of WEEE associated with full-time job equivalencies per category treated, the study found that diverting WEEE to a pre-treatment facility could result in the creation of more than 12 jobs. The methods developed here have the potential to be applied across EU member states and globally for further research on job creation in the WEEE sector.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Xingbang Wan, Pekka Taskinen, Junjie Shi, Lassi Klemettinen, Ari Jokilaakso
Summary: The study emphasizes the importance of kinetics and distribution behavior in the recovery of metals and trace elements from Waste Printed Circuit Boards (WPCBs). It highlights the need for sufficient contact time and specific environmental conditions for effective transfer of impurities. The calculated distribution ratios and kinetic data can aid in process development for WPCB recycling and in handling complex copper concentrates with high As, Sb, and Bi contents.
MINERALS ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
B. Choi, B. Dominguez, A. DSouza, H. Khadse, A. Kunkel, S. Nagarajan, T. Necke, R. Peche, M. Revello, J. Rossa, F. Sauer, S. Huyer, O. Schulz, S. Vorwerg, C. Walls, M. Wickleder, G. Beck
Summary: In the IRETA2 project, a process for recycling tantalum capacitors from end-of-life printed circuit boards was developed and implemented with automated optical detection and laser-based disassembly. The process achieved an overall efficiency for tantalum of at least 73%. Economic assessment showed cost efficiency with a specific increase in tantalum market price or reduction in process time. An environmental LCA also demonstrated the ecological benefits of this recycling process compared to primary production.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Martina Bruno, Luigi Sotera, Silvia Fiore
Summary: This study presents a systematic characterization of 100 waste mobile phones and investigates the profitability of manual dismantling and sale of separated components and materials. The results show that the average lifetime of smartphones is shorter than feature phones, and the main component of waste mobile phones is plastic. However, the market prices for potentially recoverable materials and components are not enough to cover the costs of manual dismantling according to European standard labor costs.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yulong Ma, Ester Konecna, Reginald Cline-Cole, Stuart Harrad, Mohamed Abou-Elwafa Abdallah
Summary: Investigations into the impacts of e-waste recycling activities on urban environments in Europe are limited. Dust samples from UK e-waste recycling facilities were analyzed for concentrations of PBDEs, NBFRs, and HBCDD. The results showed varying levels of contamination, with one facility identified as a likely source of BFR contamination to UK urban environments. Occupational exposure of UK e-waste recycling workers to BFRs was comparatively low.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ogechukwu Okwu, Andrew Hursthouse, Evi Viza, Linus Idoko
Summary: Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) management in Port Harcourt, Nigeria is a major environmental challenge. Informal recyclers pose health risks and degrade the environment, while formal recycling faces limitations and lacks guidelines and landfilling opportunities. Introducing a new concept that limits the role of informal recyclers to collection can improve WEEE processing management.
Article
Industrial Relations & Labor
Javier Gonzalez-Benito, Isabel Suarez-Gonzalez, Daniel Gonzalez-Sanchez
Summary: The study highlights the importance of aligning HRM system objectives and capabilities with different competitive strategies to maximize business performance. It emphasizes that focusing on quality for a quality differentiation strategy and on flexibility for an innovation differentiation strategy is crucial. Furthermore, it suggests that alignment is particularly vital in low dynamic environments.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Christian Thies, Christoph Huels, Karsten Kieckhaefer, Jorg Wansart, Thomas S. Spengler
Summary: This paper develops a mixed-integer linear programming model to identify financially and environmentally promising project portfolio decisions under CO2 fleet emission restrictions in the automotive industry. The model maximizes the net present value of car manufacturers' project portfolios by selecting specific vehicle projects and determining the production quantities to comply with the given thresholds for the CO2 fleet emissions.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Management
Michael Wolff, Tristan Becker, Grit Walther
Summary: Replacing fossil fuels with renewable liquid fuels can significantly reduce emissions in the transport sector, but requires extensive investments. We develop a mathematical model to determine the optimal design and operation of renewable fuel supply chains to support policy decisions. The model considers various resource origins and decision factors.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF OPERATIONAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Ali Abdelshafy, Grit Walther
Summary: This paper presents a Dynamic-Locational MFA model that integrates spatial, temporal, and material characteristics of construction and demolition waste (CDW) into material flow analysis. It quantifies the supply and demand of CDW recycling and identifies the synergies between recycling and construction activities. This is important for resource efficiency and restructuring the value chain of the construction sector.
BUILDING RESEARCH AND INFORMATION
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Makbule Kandakoglu, Grit Walther, Sarah Ben Amor
Summary: This paper proposes a new robust multicriteria clustering methodology for portfolio decision making, considering uncertain criteria evaluations, decision maker preferences, and constraints. The methodology combines an Integer Programming model and the PROMETHEE method to generate optimal portfolios that comply with given constraints. The proposed model is enhanced by embedding it into the SMAA framework to consider uncertainties. The methodology is validated using data from a bridge maintenance program.
COMPUTERS & INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Julia Schleier, Martin Simons, Kathrin Greiff, Grit Walther
Summary: This study aims to quantify the future waste masses of EPS-based ETICS in Germany and evaluate alternative treatment options. The results show a significant increase in waste quantities, highlighting the need for more recycling methods and planning of waste treatment infrastructures.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ali Abdelshafy, Daniel Franzen, Amelie Mohaupt, Johannes Schuessler, Andreas Buehrig-Polaczek, Grit Walther
Summary: This study focuses on the CO2 emissions associated with cast iron production and introduces an interdisciplinary framework to study the environmental impact, technical performance, and production costs. The results highlight the role of the smelting process and renewable energies in reducing the carbon footprint. Increasing the steel scrap content can achieve significant reductions in CO2 emissions.
JOURNAL OF SUSTAINABLE METALLURGY
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Rainer Radloff, Ali Abdelshafy, Grit Walther
Summary: North-Rhine Westphalia is a major hub for steel production in Germany and Europe, with a heavy reliance on primary production route resulting in significant CO2 emissions. The paper aims to quantify the changes in energy and material flows over time by integrating top-down energy and material flow models with bottom-up process models, in order to develop prospective scenarios towards climate-neutral steel production by 2045. The findings highlight the additional demand for renewable energies and the impact of partial recourse to natural gas as a reducing agent, providing relevant implications for policymakers to develop realistic strategies for carbon neutrality.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Management
David Kik, Matthias G. Wichmann, Thomas S. Spengler
Summary: Location decisions are strategic and multicriteria. Anticipating future developments at potential locations is essential for companies. Considering company-internal and-external development measures is vital for decision makers in a future-oriented location assessment.
INFORMS JOURNAL ON APPLIED ANALYTICS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Christian Scheller, Kerstin Schmidt, Thomas S. Spengler
Summary: The increasing demand for electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries has led to battery production in Europe. In response to legal obligations, high material prices, and supply risks, OEMs have set up recycling facilities or partnered with battery recyclers. Different network structures have emerged in the process, but their influence on short-term performance remains unclear. To address this issue, a novel production planning approach for closed-loop supply chains of lithium-ion batteries is developed. The approach considers the spatial distribution of collection, recycling, repurposing, and production, as well as the facilities of OEMs and suppliers. It enables stakeholders to counteract material shortages or price fluctuations. A case study analyzing the effects of different network structures on closed-loop supply chains in Europe shows that both centralized and decentralized networks can achieve adequate performance. Circular factories, with in-house battery production and short transportation distances, outperform all network structures in the short term.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRODUCTION ECONOMICS
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Philipp A. Trotter, Tristan Becker, Renaldi Renaldi, Xinfang Wang, Radhika Khosla, Grit Walther
Summary: This review examines the links between food cold chain and sustainable development goals and identifies areas that need further research and exploration. It suggests explicitly considering the interconnections between sustainable development goals, deploying system-level approaches, and focusing on localized solutions in underdeveloped contexts.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Transportation
Chetan Talwar, Imke Joormann, Raphael Ginster, Thomas Stefan Spengler
Summary: The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of narrow body electric aircraft for short haul flights on reaching the Flightpath 2050 CO2 emissions goal. The results suggest that most of the individual policies are not enough to reach the goal and a strong set of policy combination is required. The combination of electricity subsidy with kerosene tax demonstrates a higher electric aircraft adoption rate than other combinations.
JOURNAL OF AIR TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Management
Soenke Wieczorrek, Christian Thies, Christian Weckenborg, Martin Grunewald, Thomas S. Spengler
Summary: Volkswagen Group Logistics is focused on logistics and supply processes for Volkswagen Group's automotive brands. Supplier development is crucial for efficient and reliable material flows between process partners. A project was initiated to examine how supplier development measures can be efficiently implemented to enhance overall logistics performance. The developed operations research approach, integrating Monte Carlo simulation and a knapsack model, showed considerable cost savings of 31% compared to previous procedures.
INFORMS JOURNAL ON APPLIED ANALYTICS
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Sepehr Hendiani, Grit Walther
Summary: In this study, a new method called TOPSISort-L is proposed to classify alternative solutions under different circumstances by using the likelihoods of IVIFSs. By developing the conventional fuzzy TOPSIS technique with a newly proposed decision matrix, a novel selection mechanism for ideal solutions, and a likelihood-based closeness metric, this method can achieve accurate classification when characteristic profiles information is available and approximate classification when it is missing. Finally, the validity and adaptability of the method are demonstrated by comparing it with various existing methodologies.
EXPERT SYSTEMS WITH APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Angel L. Merchan, Thomas Fischoeder, Johann Hee, Marcus S. Lehnertz, Ole Osterthun, Stefan Pielsticker, Julia Schleier, Till Tiso, Lars M. Blank, Juergen Klankermayer, Reinhold Kneer, Peter Quicker, Grit Walther, Regina Palkovits
Summary: Plastics have become an integral part of life and pose major environmental challenges. The circular economy aims to address this by utilizing plastic residues as valuable raw materials. Biomass-based bioplastics offer the potential for closed carbon cycles, but their increasing market penetration requires appropriate recycling technologies. This minireview summarizes current knowledge on the recycling of novel biomass-based bioplastics and highlights the importance of maintaining chemical functionality. Available methodologies for thermal, chemo-catalytic, and bio-catalytic recycling are discussed, along with insights from LCA studies. The review emphasizes the need for viable technologies for chemical recycling in the growing field of biomass-based plastics.
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.
