Life cycle assessment results discussion

On the other hand, in part II of this volume, a set of case studies are introduced. The application of the selected methodologies inside each one of the foresaid disciplines (e.g., risk assessment, life cycle assessment) to specific cases and countries is presented here. The results of such application are discussed as well as their reliability. Toxicological studies in Italy, risk assessment of electronic waste in China, or disposal of bearing lamps in India are some examples of selected scenarios. 

Product stewardship means "responsibly managing the health, safety, and environmental aspects of raw materials, intermediate, and consumer products throughout their life cycle and across the value chain in order to prevent or minimize negative impacts and maximize value" [7], Chapter 2 of this book discusses the technical tools that a product steward uses to achieve this goal. These tools include the techniques to characterize and predict the fate and transport of chemicals in the environment upon their manufacture and use. The tools also include the methods used to calculate the possible risks to human health and the environment that may result. Chapter 2 also describes the formal process of life cycle assessment, which uses these tools to evaluate the potential effects on the environment as a result of the production, use, and disposal or recycling of a product. 

This book chapter discusses results from Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies for the commercially most important biopolymers. Biopolymers are defined here as polymers that are fully or partially produced from renewable raw materials, covering both biodegradable and non-degradable polymers. 

The term environmentally friendly has more recently been superseded by its modern equivalents renewable and sustainable . As already discussed, it is sometimes assumed that polymers from renewable resources are by definition sustainable . One definition of sustainable suggests that the development of new products for the benefit of society should not have an unacceptable effect on resource depletion and environmental pollution. However, acceptable is a relative term and invites comparison of one material with another by life-cycle assessment (LCA) [4]. Companies engaged in the development degradable polymers from renewable resources have initiated life-cycle assessment comparisons of their products with the commodity synthetic polymers notably polyethylene. As will be seen in the following Sections, these have not so far shown unambiguously that bio-based polymers are more environmentally sustainable than the present range of commodity polymers [36]. This results from the same reason that led to the Green Report namely lack of consistency and uniformity of the assumptions made. In some cases they actually contradict one another. 

I am grateful to Dr.Martin Patel of Utrecht University for very helpfiil discussions on Life-cycle Assessment and for giving me access to previously unpublished results of his own research. 

The chapter starts with a description of what silk is, where and how it is produced, focusing on South Indian sericulture. We then review the existing silk LCAs and other environmental assessments that underpin this study. Following an overview scope and overview of the life cycle inventory (LCI), and results, the discussion compares the environmental impacts of silk with those of other natural fibres. Major contributors to the high observed impact ( hotspots ) are described and opportunities and barriers improvement outlined. 

By considering exposure as well as hazard, the process of risk assessment estimates the potential for the inherent hazards of a material actually to be realised during its life cycle. It should be carried out if a proposed solvent/preparation is subject to specific water pollution controls or has been classified as dangerous to the environment. The results will lend support to discussions with pollution authorities. 

The comparison of the two different impact assessment methods is made on the basis of Scenario I, the production of biodiesel from waste cooking oil without the consideration of substitution processes. Since SPI and CML results cannot be directly compared the main focus of investigation is to discuss if both methods point to the same environmental problems arising over the life cycle and identifying the process steps contributing most prominently to the ecological impact. 

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