| Title | Measuring the circularity potential of recycled LDPE based on quantity and quality conservation - a functional requirement matrix approach |
|---|---|
| ID_Doc | 22937 |
| Authors | Schulte, A; Velarde, PAS; Marbach, L; Mörbitz, P |
| Title | Measuring the circularity potential of recycled LDPE based on quantity and quality conservation - a functional requirement matrix approach |
| Year | 2023 |
| Published | |
| Abstract | The Plastics Strategy passed by the European Union aims to ensure the reuse of ten million tons of recycled plastics in products by 2025. Discussions on how to achieve this target are usually mass-driven focusing on recycling quotas but neglecting quality targets. However, the circular economy aims to preserve resources at their highest possible value focusing on both mass and quality conservation, to close material loops in the long term. Therefore, changes in physical properties of recycled plastics compared to virgin plastics should be addressed, but measuring quality is a complex task. This article introduces a functional requirement matrix approach to assess mass and quality conservation using an indicator called circularity potential based on physical properties. The indicator is demonstrated in a case study on a non-food pouch made of low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Two samples from mechanical and dissolution recycling were examined in a laboratory and compared to virgin LDPE. We built on existing studies, but further introduced thermal and aesthetic requirements as well as established weighting and compliance parameters to address the complexity of quality conservation. The exemplary case study shows a circularity potential of 49% for recycled LDPE from dissolution recycling and 30% for mechanically recycled LDPE Mass and quality conservation are higher for dissolution than for mechanical recycling, but also rely on different waste streams that offer future research need. Further sensitivity analysis demonstrated the significance of weighting and compliance parameters. The provided approach is configurable for specific product applications and applicable in the context of life cycle assessments. |
| https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rcradv.2022.200127 |
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