Mechanical recycling, life cycle assessment

This report discusses the options for feedstock recycling of plastics waste, including aspects of the environmental and economic pros and cons relating to feedstock recycling in comparison with incineration or mechanical recycling of municipal solid waste, based on a number of life cycle assessments. Particular reference is made to the experience of the TNO-CML Centre of Chain Analysis.485 refs. 

F. Perugini, U. Arena and M. L. Mastellone, A life cycle assessment of mechanical and feedstock recycling options for management of plastic packaging wastes, Env. Progress, 24(2), 137-154 (2005). 

Cnd-of-life options for plastics are important factors that influence the life cycle assessment (LCA) of plastics. Disposal options for plastics are to mechanically recycle the plastic, chemically recycle the plastic, compost the biobased plastic, burn the plastic into energy, or bury the plastic in a landfill. 

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