Abiotic Depletion Potential

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Matthias Finkbeiner - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Abiotic resource Depletion in lca background and update of the anthropogenic stock extended Abiotic Depletion Potential aadp model
    International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2015
    Co-Authors: Laura Schneider, Markus Berger, Matthias Finkbeiner
    Abstract:

    Purpose The Depletion of Abiotic resources needs to be discussed in the light of available geologic stocks. For the evaluation of long-term resource availability under consideration of the resources’ functional relevance, the Abiotic resource stock that is ultimately available for human purposes needs to be identified. This paper discusses the determination of geologic resources stocks and outlines an approach for the estimation of the resource stocks ultimately available for human use in the long-term. Based on these numbers, existing characterization factors for the assessment of resource Depletion by means of the anthropogenic stock extended Abiotic Depletion Potential (AADP) model can be updated.

  • Abiotic resource Depletion in lca background and update of the anthropogenic stock extended Abiotic Depletion Potential aadp model
    International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2015
    Co-Authors: Laura Schneider, Markus Berger, Matthias Finkbeiner
    Abstract:

    The Depletion of Abiotic resources needs to be discussed in the light of available geologic stocks. For the evaluation of long-term resource availability under consideration of the resources’ functional relevance, the Abiotic resource stock that is ultimately available for human purposes needs to be identified. This paper discusses the determination of geologic resources stocks and outlines an approach for the estimation of the resource stocks ultimately available for human use in the long-term. Based on these numbers, existing characterization factors for the assessment of resource Depletion by means of the anthropogenic stock extended Abiotic Depletion Potential (AADP) model can be updated. For the assessment of long-term resource availability, the share of Abiotic resources ultimately available for human extraction needs to be inferred from the quantity of the elements available in the earth’s crust. Based on existing data on crustal concentrations and assumptions regarding the maximal extractable amount of resource, three different approaches for the determination of ultimately extractable reserves are proposed. The different resource numbers are compared, and their effects on the resulting characterization factors derived from the Abiotic Depletion Potential (ADP) and the AADP models are analyzed. A best estimate for the determination of ultimately extractable reserves is proposed. Based on this new resource number, AADP characterization factors for 35 materials are calculated. The use of ultimately extractable reserves leads to an improved applicability of the AADP model and increases the overall significance of the results. Resource security is a premise for sustainable development. The use of resources needs to be evaluated in the context of their decreasing availability for future generations. Thus, resource choices should also be based on an analysis of available resource stocks. The proposed AADP characterization factors based on ultimately extractable reserves will enable a more realistic evaluation of long-term resource availability for human purposes.

  • the economic resource scarcity Potential esp for evaluating resource use based on life cycle assessment
    International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2014
    Co-Authors: Laura Schneider, Markus Berger, Eckhard Schulerhainsch, Sven Knofel, Klaus Ruhland, Jorg Mosig, Vanessa Bach, Matthias Finkbeiner
    Abstract:

    In life cycle assessment (LCA), resource availability is currently evaluated by means of models based on Depletion time, surplus energy, etc. Economic aspects influencing the security of supply and affecting availability of resources for human use are neglected. The aim of this work is the development of a new model for the assessment of resource provision capability from an economic angle, complementing existing LCA models. The inclusion of criteria affecting the economic system enables an identification of Potential supply risks associated with resource use. In step with actual practice, such an assessment provides added value compared to conventional (environmental) resource assessment within LCA. Analysis of resource availability including economic information is of major importance to sustain industrial production. New impact categories and characterization models are developed for the assessment of economic resource availability based on existing LCA methodology and terminology. A single score result can be calculated providing information about the economic resource scarcity Potential (ESP) of different resources. Based on a life cycle perspective, the supply risk associated with resource use can be assessed, and bottlenecks within the supply chain can be identified. The analysis can be conducted in connection with existing LCA procedures and in line with current resource assessment practice and facilitates easy implementation on an organizational level. A portfolio of 17 metals is assessed based on different impact categories. Different impact factors are calculated, enabling identification of high-risk metals. Furthermore, a comparison of ESP and Abiotic Depletion Potential (ADP) is conducted. Availability of resources differs significantly when economic aspects are taken into account in addition to geologic availability. Resources assumed uncritical based on ADP results, such as rare earths, turn out to be associated with high supply risks. The model developed in this work allows for a more realistic assessment of resource availability beyond geologic finiteness. The new impact categories provide organizations with a practical measure to identify supply risks associated with resources. The assessment delivers a basis for developing appropriate mitigation measures and for increasing resilience towards supply disruptions. By including an economic dimension into resource availability assessment, a contribution towards life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) is achieved.

  • the anthropogenic stock extended Abiotic Depletion Potential aadp as a new parameterisation to model the Depletion of Abiotic resources
    International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2011
    Co-Authors: Laura Schneider, Markus Berger, Matthias Finkbeiner
    Abstract:

    Purpose Raw material availability is a cause of concern for many industrial sectors. When addressing resource consumption in life cycle assessment (LCA), current characterisation models for Depletion of Abiotic resources provide characterisation factors based on (surplus) energy, exergy, or extraction–reserve ratios. However, all indicators presently available share a shortcoming as they neglect the fact that large amounts of raw materials can be stored in material cycles within the technosphere. These “anthropogenic stocks” represent a significant source and can change the material availability significantly. With new characterisation factors, resource consumption in LCA will be assessed by taking into account anthropogenic material stocks in addition to the lithospheric stocks. With these characterisation factors, the scarcity of resources should be reflected more realistically.

Laura Schneider - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Abiotic resource Depletion in lca background and update of the anthropogenic stock extended Abiotic Depletion Potential aadp model
    International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2015
    Co-Authors: Laura Schneider, Markus Berger, Matthias Finkbeiner
    Abstract:

    Purpose The Depletion of Abiotic resources needs to be discussed in the light of available geologic stocks. For the evaluation of long-term resource availability under consideration of the resources’ functional relevance, the Abiotic resource stock that is ultimately available for human purposes needs to be identified. This paper discusses the determination of geologic resources stocks and outlines an approach for the estimation of the resource stocks ultimately available for human use in the long-term. Based on these numbers, existing characterization factors for the assessment of resource Depletion by means of the anthropogenic stock extended Abiotic Depletion Potential (AADP) model can be updated.

  • Abiotic resource Depletion in lca background and update of the anthropogenic stock extended Abiotic Depletion Potential aadp model
    International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2015
    Co-Authors: Laura Schneider, Markus Berger, Matthias Finkbeiner
    Abstract:

    The Depletion of Abiotic resources needs to be discussed in the light of available geologic stocks. For the evaluation of long-term resource availability under consideration of the resources’ functional relevance, the Abiotic resource stock that is ultimately available for human purposes needs to be identified. This paper discusses the determination of geologic resources stocks and outlines an approach for the estimation of the resource stocks ultimately available for human use in the long-term. Based on these numbers, existing characterization factors for the assessment of resource Depletion by means of the anthropogenic stock extended Abiotic Depletion Potential (AADP) model can be updated. For the assessment of long-term resource availability, the share of Abiotic resources ultimately available for human extraction needs to be inferred from the quantity of the elements available in the earth’s crust. Based on existing data on crustal concentrations and assumptions regarding the maximal extractable amount of resource, three different approaches for the determination of ultimately extractable reserves are proposed. The different resource numbers are compared, and their effects on the resulting characterization factors derived from the Abiotic Depletion Potential (ADP) and the AADP models are analyzed. A best estimate for the determination of ultimately extractable reserves is proposed. Based on this new resource number, AADP characterization factors for 35 materials are calculated. The use of ultimately extractable reserves leads to an improved applicability of the AADP model and increases the overall significance of the results. Resource security is a premise for sustainable development. The use of resources needs to be evaluated in the context of their decreasing availability for future generations. Thus, resource choices should also be based on an analysis of available resource stocks. The proposed AADP characterization factors based on ultimately extractable reserves will enable a more realistic evaluation of long-term resource availability for human purposes.

  • the economic resource scarcity Potential esp for evaluating resource use based on life cycle assessment
    International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2014
    Co-Authors: Laura Schneider, Markus Berger, Eckhard Schulerhainsch, Sven Knofel, Klaus Ruhland, Jorg Mosig, Vanessa Bach, Matthias Finkbeiner
    Abstract:

    In life cycle assessment (LCA), resource availability is currently evaluated by means of models based on Depletion time, surplus energy, etc. Economic aspects influencing the security of supply and affecting availability of resources for human use are neglected. The aim of this work is the development of a new model for the assessment of resource provision capability from an economic angle, complementing existing LCA models. The inclusion of criteria affecting the economic system enables an identification of Potential supply risks associated with resource use. In step with actual practice, such an assessment provides added value compared to conventional (environmental) resource assessment within LCA. Analysis of resource availability including economic information is of major importance to sustain industrial production. New impact categories and characterization models are developed for the assessment of economic resource availability based on existing LCA methodology and terminology. A single score result can be calculated providing information about the economic resource scarcity Potential (ESP) of different resources. Based on a life cycle perspective, the supply risk associated with resource use can be assessed, and bottlenecks within the supply chain can be identified. The analysis can be conducted in connection with existing LCA procedures and in line with current resource assessment practice and facilitates easy implementation on an organizational level. A portfolio of 17 metals is assessed based on different impact categories. Different impact factors are calculated, enabling identification of high-risk metals. Furthermore, a comparison of ESP and Abiotic Depletion Potential (ADP) is conducted. Availability of resources differs significantly when economic aspects are taken into account in addition to geologic availability. Resources assumed uncritical based on ADP results, such as rare earths, turn out to be associated with high supply risks. The model developed in this work allows for a more realistic assessment of resource availability beyond geologic finiteness. The new impact categories provide organizations with a practical measure to identify supply risks associated with resources. The assessment delivers a basis for developing appropriate mitigation measures and for increasing resilience towards supply disruptions. By including an economic dimension into resource availability assessment, a contribution towards life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) is achieved.

  • the anthropogenic stock extended Abiotic Depletion Potential aadp as a new parameterisation to model the Depletion of Abiotic resources
    International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2011
    Co-Authors: Laura Schneider, Markus Berger, Matthias Finkbeiner
    Abstract:

    Purpose Raw material availability is a cause of concern for many industrial sectors. When addressing resource consumption in life cycle assessment (LCA), current characterisation models for Depletion of Abiotic resources provide characterisation factors based on (surplus) energy, exergy, or extraction–reserve ratios. However, all indicators presently available share a shortcoming as they neglect the fact that large amounts of raw materials can be stored in material cycles within the technosphere. These “anthropogenic stocks” represent a significant source and can change the material availability significantly. With new characterisation factors, resource consumption in LCA will be assessed by taking into account anthropogenic material stocks in addition to the lithospheric stocks. With these characterisation factors, the scarcity of resources should be reflected more realistically.

Markus Berger - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Abiotic resource Depletion in lca background and update of the anthropogenic stock extended Abiotic Depletion Potential aadp model
    International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2015
    Co-Authors: Laura Schneider, Markus Berger, Matthias Finkbeiner
    Abstract:

    Purpose The Depletion of Abiotic resources needs to be discussed in the light of available geologic stocks. For the evaluation of long-term resource availability under consideration of the resources’ functional relevance, the Abiotic resource stock that is ultimately available for human purposes needs to be identified. This paper discusses the determination of geologic resources stocks and outlines an approach for the estimation of the resource stocks ultimately available for human use in the long-term. Based on these numbers, existing characterization factors for the assessment of resource Depletion by means of the anthropogenic stock extended Abiotic Depletion Potential (AADP) model can be updated.

  • Abiotic resource Depletion in lca background and update of the anthropogenic stock extended Abiotic Depletion Potential aadp model
    International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2015
    Co-Authors: Laura Schneider, Markus Berger, Matthias Finkbeiner
    Abstract:

    The Depletion of Abiotic resources needs to be discussed in the light of available geologic stocks. For the evaluation of long-term resource availability under consideration of the resources’ functional relevance, the Abiotic resource stock that is ultimately available for human purposes needs to be identified. This paper discusses the determination of geologic resources stocks and outlines an approach for the estimation of the resource stocks ultimately available for human use in the long-term. Based on these numbers, existing characterization factors for the assessment of resource Depletion by means of the anthropogenic stock extended Abiotic Depletion Potential (AADP) model can be updated. For the assessment of long-term resource availability, the share of Abiotic resources ultimately available for human extraction needs to be inferred from the quantity of the elements available in the earth’s crust. Based on existing data on crustal concentrations and assumptions regarding the maximal extractable amount of resource, three different approaches for the determination of ultimately extractable reserves are proposed. The different resource numbers are compared, and their effects on the resulting characterization factors derived from the Abiotic Depletion Potential (ADP) and the AADP models are analyzed. A best estimate for the determination of ultimately extractable reserves is proposed. Based on this new resource number, AADP characterization factors for 35 materials are calculated. The use of ultimately extractable reserves leads to an improved applicability of the AADP model and increases the overall significance of the results. Resource security is a premise for sustainable development. The use of resources needs to be evaluated in the context of their decreasing availability for future generations. Thus, resource choices should also be based on an analysis of available resource stocks. The proposed AADP characterization factors based on ultimately extractable reserves will enable a more realistic evaluation of long-term resource availability for human purposes.

  • the economic resource scarcity Potential esp for evaluating resource use based on life cycle assessment
    International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2014
    Co-Authors: Laura Schneider, Markus Berger, Eckhard Schulerhainsch, Sven Knofel, Klaus Ruhland, Jorg Mosig, Vanessa Bach, Matthias Finkbeiner
    Abstract:

    In life cycle assessment (LCA), resource availability is currently evaluated by means of models based on Depletion time, surplus energy, etc. Economic aspects influencing the security of supply and affecting availability of resources for human use are neglected. The aim of this work is the development of a new model for the assessment of resource provision capability from an economic angle, complementing existing LCA models. The inclusion of criteria affecting the economic system enables an identification of Potential supply risks associated with resource use. In step with actual practice, such an assessment provides added value compared to conventional (environmental) resource assessment within LCA. Analysis of resource availability including economic information is of major importance to sustain industrial production. New impact categories and characterization models are developed for the assessment of economic resource availability based on existing LCA methodology and terminology. A single score result can be calculated providing information about the economic resource scarcity Potential (ESP) of different resources. Based on a life cycle perspective, the supply risk associated with resource use can be assessed, and bottlenecks within the supply chain can be identified. The analysis can be conducted in connection with existing LCA procedures and in line with current resource assessment practice and facilitates easy implementation on an organizational level. A portfolio of 17 metals is assessed based on different impact categories. Different impact factors are calculated, enabling identification of high-risk metals. Furthermore, a comparison of ESP and Abiotic Depletion Potential (ADP) is conducted. Availability of resources differs significantly when economic aspects are taken into account in addition to geologic availability. Resources assumed uncritical based on ADP results, such as rare earths, turn out to be associated with high supply risks. The model developed in this work allows for a more realistic assessment of resource availability beyond geologic finiteness. The new impact categories provide organizations with a practical measure to identify supply risks associated with resources. The assessment delivers a basis for developing appropriate mitigation measures and for increasing resilience towards supply disruptions. By including an economic dimension into resource availability assessment, a contribution towards life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) is achieved.

  • the anthropogenic stock extended Abiotic Depletion Potential aadp as a new parameterisation to model the Depletion of Abiotic resources
    International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2011
    Co-Authors: Laura Schneider, Markus Berger, Matthias Finkbeiner
    Abstract:

    Purpose Raw material availability is a cause of concern for many industrial sectors. When addressing resource consumption in life cycle assessment (LCA), current characterisation models for Depletion of Abiotic resources provide characterisation factors based on (surplus) energy, exergy, or extraction–reserve ratios. However, all indicators presently available share a shortcoming as they neglect the fact that large amounts of raw materials can be stored in material cycles within the technosphere. These “anthropogenic stocks” represent a significant source and can change the material availability significantly. With new characterisation factors, resource consumption in LCA will be assessed by taking into account anthropogenic material stocks in addition to the lithospheric stocks. With these characterisation factors, the scarcity of resources should be reflected more realistically.

Jo Dewulf - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Recycling portable alkaline/ZnC batteries for a circular economy: An assessment of natural resource consumption from a life cycle and criticality perspective
    Resources Conservation and Recycling, 2018
    Co-Authors: Ha Phuong Tran, Pilar Swart, Lasse Six, Peter Coonen, Thomas Schaubroeck, Jo Dewulf
    Abstract:

    It has been recognized that a proper and sustainable management strategy might help prevent the risks of leaching from waste portable batteries (WPBs), which are an important waste stream, and aid the conservation of raw materials. Unlike existing studies on WPB management, which focus mainly on emissions, this case study uses a resource-oriented approach to thoroughly analyze the performance of a WPB collection and recycling scheme. This study focused on the WPB take-back and recycling system managed by Bebat in Belgium. Life cycle assessment was conducted using three different existing life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) methods representing three different perspectives: Cumulative Exergy Extracted from the Natural Environment; Abiotic Depletion Potential (ADP), split into impact categories called ADPelementsand ADPfossilfuels; and damage to Resource Cost. A new LCIA method, the criticality-based impact assessment method, has also been introduced to cover the socioeconomic aspects of natural resource consumption. The performance of the mixed waste (i.e., batteries, flashlights) collection and sorting system was assessed from 2011 to 2013. This analysis showed that in 2012, the use of collection receptacles made of plastic bags with 30% recycled content, instead of non-recycled paper or cardboard with 30% recycled content, was one of the main reasons for the low impact of the whole system from all assessment perspectives. The performance of entire take-back and recycling system for alkaline and zinc-carbon (ZnC) batteries, the two most popular portable batteries, was subsequently analyzed and benchmarked against two incineration scenarios: with and without bottom ash recovery. The comparisons of the four LCIA methods show differing results. The most prominent result is that the ADPelementsscore of the recycling scenario is 7–9 times lower than that of the incineration scenario, mainly due to metals (i.e., iron and zinc) savings via recycling. The recycling system requires 17–52% less material criticality, but extracts 13–18% more exergy from the natural environment and has a higher ADPfossilfuelsscore (about 14–16%) than the incineration system. These comparisons indicate that although the alkaline/ZnC battery management system run by Bebat does not reduce consumption of all resources, especially fossil fuels and land, it is beneficial in terms of minerals and metals savings. To further improve the efficiency and environmental performance of the collection system, different measures were implemented. A sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the impacts of those measures on the mixed waste collection and sorting system and the alkaline/ZnC battery take-back and recycling system. The results suggested that a combination of different measures, especially reducing the number of receptacles used and enhancing their environmental performance, can considerably reduce the resource footprint.

  • recycling portable alkaline znc batteries for a circular economy an assessment of natural resource consumption from a life cycle and criticality perspective
    Resources Conservation and Recycling, 2017
    Co-Authors: Ha Phuong Tran, Pilar Swart, Lasse Six, Peter Coonen, Thomas Schaubroeck, Jo Dewulf
    Abstract:

    Abstract It has been recognized that a proper and sustainable management strategy might help prevent the risks of leaching from waste portable batteries (WPBs), which are an important waste stream, and aid the conservation of raw materials. Unlike existing studies on WPB management, which focus mainly on emissions, this case study uses a resource-oriented approach to thoroughly analyze the performance of a WPB collection and recycling scheme. This study focused on the WPB take-back and recycling system managed by Bebat in Belgium. Life cycle assessment was conducted using three different existing life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) methods representing three different perspectives: Cumulative Exergy Extracted from the Natural Environment; Abiotic Depletion Potential (ADP), split into impact categories called ADPelements and ADPfossilfuels; and damage to Resource Cost. A new LCIA method, the criticality-based impact assessment method, has also been introduced to cover the socioeconomic aspects of natural resource consumption. The performance of the mixed waste (i.e., batteries, flashlights) collection and sorting system was assessed from 2011 to 2013. This analysis showed that in 2012, the use of collection receptacles made of plastic bags with 30% recycled content, instead of non-recycled paper or cardboard with 30% recycled content, was one of the main reasons for the low impact of the whole system from all assessment perspectives. The performance of entire take-back and recycling system for alkaline and zinc-carbon (ZnC) batteries, the two most popular portable batteries, was subsequently analyzed and benchmarked against two incineration scenarios: with and without bottom ash recovery. The comparisons of the four LCIA methods show differing results. The most prominent result is that the ADPelements score of the recycling scenario is 7–9 times lower than that of the incineration scenario, mainly due to metals (i.e., iron and zinc) savings via recycling. The recycling system requires 17–52% less material criticality, but extracts 13–18% more exergy from the natural environment and has a higher ADPfossilfuels score (about 14–16%) than the incineration system. These comparisons indicate that although the alkaline/ZnC battery management system run by Bebat does not reduce consumption of all resources, especially fossil fuels and land, it is beneficial in terms of minerals and metals savings. To further improve the efficiency and environmental performance of the collection system, different measures were implemented. A sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the impacts of those measures on the mixed waste collection and sorting system and the alkaline/ZnC battery take-back and recycling system. The results suggested that a combination of different measures, especially reducing the number of receptacles used and enhancing their environmental performance, can considerably reduce the resource footprint.

Ha Phuong Tran - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Recycling portable alkaline/ZnC batteries for a circular economy: An assessment of natural resource consumption from a life cycle and criticality perspective
    Resources Conservation and Recycling, 2018
    Co-Authors: Ha Phuong Tran, Pilar Swart, Lasse Six, Peter Coonen, Thomas Schaubroeck, Jo Dewulf
    Abstract:

    It has been recognized that a proper and sustainable management strategy might help prevent the risks of leaching from waste portable batteries (WPBs), which are an important waste stream, and aid the conservation of raw materials. Unlike existing studies on WPB management, which focus mainly on emissions, this case study uses a resource-oriented approach to thoroughly analyze the performance of a WPB collection and recycling scheme. This study focused on the WPB take-back and recycling system managed by Bebat in Belgium. Life cycle assessment was conducted using three different existing life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) methods representing three different perspectives: Cumulative Exergy Extracted from the Natural Environment; Abiotic Depletion Potential (ADP), split into impact categories called ADPelementsand ADPfossilfuels; and damage to Resource Cost. A new LCIA method, the criticality-based impact assessment method, has also been introduced to cover the socioeconomic aspects of natural resource consumption. The performance of the mixed waste (i.e., batteries, flashlights) collection and sorting system was assessed from 2011 to 2013. This analysis showed that in 2012, the use of collection receptacles made of plastic bags with 30% recycled content, instead of non-recycled paper or cardboard with 30% recycled content, was one of the main reasons for the low impact of the whole system from all assessment perspectives. The performance of entire take-back and recycling system for alkaline and zinc-carbon (ZnC) batteries, the two most popular portable batteries, was subsequently analyzed and benchmarked against two incineration scenarios: with and without bottom ash recovery. The comparisons of the four LCIA methods show differing results. The most prominent result is that the ADPelementsscore of the recycling scenario is 7–9 times lower than that of the incineration scenario, mainly due to metals (i.e., iron and zinc) savings via recycling. The recycling system requires 17–52% less material criticality, but extracts 13–18% more exergy from the natural environment and has a higher ADPfossilfuelsscore (about 14–16%) than the incineration system. These comparisons indicate that although the alkaline/ZnC battery management system run by Bebat does not reduce consumption of all resources, especially fossil fuels and land, it is beneficial in terms of minerals and metals savings. To further improve the efficiency and environmental performance of the collection system, different measures were implemented. A sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the impacts of those measures on the mixed waste collection and sorting system and the alkaline/ZnC battery take-back and recycling system. The results suggested that a combination of different measures, especially reducing the number of receptacles used and enhancing their environmental performance, can considerably reduce the resource footprint.

  • recycling portable alkaline znc batteries for a circular economy an assessment of natural resource consumption from a life cycle and criticality perspective
    Resources Conservation and Recycling, 2017
    Co-Authors: Ha Phuong Tran, Pilar Swart, Lasse Six, Peter Coonen, Thomas Schaubroeck, Jo Dewulf
    Abstract:

    Abstract It has been recognized that a proper and sustainable management strategy might help prevent the risks of leaching from waste portable batteries (WPBs), which are an important waste stream, and aid the conservation of raw materials. Unlike existing studies on WPB management, which focus mainly on emissions, this case study uses a resource-oriented approach to thoroughly analyze the performance of a WPB collection and recycling scheme. This study focused on the WPB take-back and recycling system managed by Bebat in Belgium. Life cycle assessment was conducted using three different existing life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) methods representing three different perspectives: Cumulative Exergy Extracted from the Natural Environment; Abiotic Depletion Potential (ADP), split into impact categories called ADPelements and ADPfossilfuels; and damage to Resource Cost. A new LCIA method, the criticality-based impact assessment method, has also been introduced to cover the socioeconomic aspects of natural resource consumption. The performance of the mixed waste (i.e., batteries, flashlights) collection and sorting system was assessed from 2011 to 2013. This analysis showed that in 2012, the use of collection receptacles made of plastic bags with 30% recycled content, instead of non-recycled paper or cardboard with 30% recycled content, was one of the main reasons for the low impact of the whole system from all assessment perspectives. The performance of entire take-back and recycling system for alkaline and zinc-carbon (ZnC) batteries, the two most popular portable batteries, was subsequently analyzed and benchmarked against two incineration scenarios: with and without bottom ash recovery. The comparisons of the four LCIA methods show differing results. The most prominent result is that the ADPelements score of the recycling scenario is 7–9 times lower than that of the incineration scenario, mainly due to metals (i.e., iron and zinc) savings via recycling. The recycling system requires 17–52% less material criticality, but extracts 13–18% more exergy from the natural environment and has a higher ADPfossilfuels score (about 14–16%) than the incineration system. These comparisons indicate that although the alkaline/ZnC battery management system run by Bebat does not reduce consumption of all resources, especially fossil fuels and land, it is beneficial in terms of minerals and metals savings. To further improve the efficiency and environmental performance of the collection system, different measures were implemented. A sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the impacts of those measures on the mixed waste collection and sorting system and the alkaline/ZnC battery take-back and recycling system. The results suggested that a combination of different measures, especially reducing the number of receptacles used and enhancing their environmental performance, can considerably reduce the resource footprint.