The Experts below are selected from a list of 108 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform

Gianfranco Rizzo - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Is the Eco-label EU Decision for hard coverings really capable of capturing the environmental performances of the marble productive chain? A field verification by means of a life cycle approach
    The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2014
    Co-Authors: Cinzia Capitano, Giovanni Peri, Gianfranco Rizzo
    Abstract:

    Purpose This work intends to show whether the Eco-label EU Decision for hard coverings, in which marble is contemplated among hard coverings as a natural product, is really capable of capturing the environmental performances of the marble productive chain, in other words whether it is actually viable for the natural products, like marble. Methods After a preliminary critical Analysis of the suitability for marble of the current EU Decision ( 2009 /607/EC), a classical life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology has been applied on the field to the marble “Perlato di Sicilia.” More specifically, the whole productive chain of a couple of firms treating the “Perlato di Sicilia” marble has been examined. The life cycle Analysis is actually a Cradle-to-Gate Analysis which includes the raw material extraction, processing phase, and finishing operations. Results and discussion Both the preliminary critical analyses of the structure of the Decision and the in-field checking on the two firms of the Custonaci marble district in Sicily singled out several conflicting points of the Decision for the marble working chain. These difficulties could be reasonably extended to other natural stones, such as granite, for which similar working processes are applied. Based on the outcomes of both these analyses, in the present work, a set of new indicators and modified criteria, already present in the Decision, is proposed as a candidate to be considered for inclusion in a future release of the Decision. Conclusions The changes here introduced can represent a useful indication toward a more suitable scheme of the EU Eco-label for marble, at least. Clearly, further investigations need to better assess the proposed scheme, especially in terms of threshold values of pollutant releases and use of explosive that are actually specific for the marble productive chain. The present modified version of the standard has been proposed to the Sicilian administration in order to be voluntarily adopted by marble productive sites of the region, in the aim of extensively verifying its suitability.

  • Is the Eco-label EU Decision for hard coverings really capable of capturing the environmental performances of the marble productive chain? A field verification by means of a life cycle approach
    International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2014
    Co-Authors: Cinzia Capitano, Giovanni Peri, Gianfranco Rizzo
    Abstract:

    Purpose: This work intends to show whether the Eco-label EU Decision for hard coverings, in which marble is contemplated among hard coverings as a natural product, is really capable of capturing the environmental performances of the marble productive chain, in other words whether it is actually viable for the natural products, like marble. Methods: After a preliminary critical Analysis of the suitability for marble of the current EU Decision (2009/607/EC), a classical life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology has been applied on the field to the marble "Perlato di Sicilia." More specifically, the whole productive chain of a couple of firms treating the "Perlato di Sicilia" marble has been examined. The life cycle Analysis is actually a Cradle-to-Gate Analysis which includes the raw material extraction, processing phase, and finishing operations. Results and discussion: Both the preliminary critical analyses of the structure of the Decision and the in-field checking on the two firms of the Custonaci marble district in Sicily singled out several conflicting points of the Decision for the marble working chain. These difficulties could be reasonably extended to other natural stones, such as granite, for which similar working processes are applied. Based on the outcomes of both these analyses, in the present work, a set of new indicators and modified criteria, already present in the Decision, is proposed as a candidate to be considered for inclusion in a future release of the Decision. Conclusions: The changes here introduced can represent a useful indication toward a more suitable scheme of the EU Eco-label for marble, at least. Clearly, further investigations need to better assess the proposed scheme, especially in terms of threshold values of pollutant releases and use of explosive that are actually specific for the marble productive chain. The present modified version of the standard has been proposed to the Sicilian administration in order to be voluntarily adopted by marble productive sites of the region, in the aim of extensively verifying its suitability. © 2014 Springer-Verlag.

Cinzia Capitano - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Is the Eco-label EU Decision for hard coverings really capable of capturing the environmental performances of the marble productive chain? A field verification by means of a life cycle approach
    The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2014
    Co-Authors: Cinzia Capitano, Giovanni Peri, Gianfranco Rizzo
    Abstract:

    Purpose This work intends to show whether the Eco-label EU Decision for hard coverings, in which marble is contemplated among hard coverings as a natural product, is really capable of capturing the environmental performances of the marble productive chain, in other words whether it is actually viable for the natural products, like marble. Methods After a preliminary critical Analysis of the suitability for marble of the current EU Decision ( 2009 /607/EC), a classical life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology has been applied on the field to the marble “Perlato di Sicilia.” More specifically, the whole productive chain of a couple of firms treating the “Perlato di Sicilia” marble has been examined. The life cycle Analysis is actually a Cradle-to-Gate Analysis which includes the raw material extraction, processing phase, and finishing operations. Results and discussion Both the preliminary critical analyses of the structure of the Decision and the in-field checking on the two firms of the Custonaci marble district in Sicily singled out several conflicting points of the Decision for the marble working chain. These difficulties could be reasonably extended to other natural stones, such as granite, for which similar working processes are applied. Based on the outcomes of both these analyses, in the present work, a set of new indicators and modified criteria, already present in the Decision, is proposed as a candidate to be considered for inclusion in a future release of the Decision. Conclusions The changes here introduced can represent a useful indication toward a more suitable scheme of the EU Eco-label for marble, at least. Clearly, further investigations need to better assess the proposed scheme, especially in terms of threshold values of pollutant releases and use of explosive that are actually specific for the marble productive chain. The present modified version of the standard has been proposed to the Sicilian administration in order to be voluntarily adopted by marble productive sites of the region, in the aim of extensively verifying its suitability.

  • Is the Eco-label EU Decision for hard coverings really capable of capturing the environmental performances of the marble productive chain? A field verification by means of a life cycle approach
    International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2014
    Co-Authors: Cinzia Capitano, Giovanni Peri, Gianfranco Rizzo
    Abstract:

    Purpose: This work intends to show whether the Eco-label EU Decision for hard coverings, in which marble is contemplated among hard coverings as a natural product, is really capable of capturing the environmental performances of the marble productive chain, in other words whether it is actually viable for the natural products, like marble. Methods: After a preliminary critical Analysis of the suitability for marble of the current EU Decision (2009/607/EC), a classical life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology has been applied on the field to the marble "Perlato di Sicilia." More specifically, the whole productive chain of a couple of firms treating the "Perlato di Sicilia" marble has been examined. The life cycle Analysis is actually a Cradle-to-Gate Analysis which includes the raw material extraction, processing phase, and finishing operations. Results and discussion: Both the preliminary critical analyses of the structure of the Decision and the in-field checking on the two firms of the Custonaci marble district in Sicily singled out several conflicting points of the Decision for the marble working chain. These difficulties could be reasonably extended to other natural stones, such as granite, for which similar working processes are applied. Based on the outcomes of both these analyses, in the present work, a set of new indicators and modified criteria, already present in the Decision, is proposed as a candidate to be considered for inclusion in a future release of the Decision. Conclusions: The changes here introduced can represent a useful indication toward a more suitable scheme of the EU Eco-label for marble, at least. Clearly, further investigations need to better assess the proposed scheme, especially in terms of threshold values of pollutant releases and use of explosive that are actually specific for the marble productive chain. The present modified version of the standard has been proposed to the Sicilian administration in order to be voluntarily adopted by marble productive sites of the region, in the aim of extensively verifying its suitability. © 2014 Springer-Verlag.

Giovanni Peri - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Is the Eco-label EU Decision for hard coverings really capable of capturing the environmental performances of the marble productive chain? A field verification by means of a life cycle approach
    The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2014
    Co-Authors: Cinzia Capitano, Giovanni Peri, Gianfranco Rizzo
    Abstract:

    Purpose This work intends to show whether the Eco-label EU Decision for hard coverings, in which marble is contemplated among hard coverings as a natural product, is really capable of capturing the environmental performances of the marble productive chain, in other words whether it is actually viable for the natural products, like marble. Methods After a preliminary critical Analysis of the suitability for marble of the current EU Decision ( 2009 /607/EC), a classical life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology has been applied on the field to the marble “Perlato di Sicilia.” More specifically, the whole productive chain of a couple of firms treating the “Perlato di Sicilia” marble has been examined. The life cycle Analysis is actually a Cradle-to-Gate Analysis which includes the raw material extraction, processing phase, and finishing operations. Results and discussion Both the preliminary critical analyses of the structure of the Decision and the in-field checking on the two firms of the Custonaci marble district in Sicily singled out several conflicting points of the Decision for the marble working chain. These difficulties could be reasonably extended to other natural stones, such as granite, for which similar working processes are applied. Based on the outcomes of both these analyses, in the present work, a set of new indicators and modified criteria, already present in the Decision, is proposed as a candidate to be considered for inclusion in a future release of the Decision. Conclusions The changes here introduced can represent a useful indication toward a more suitable scheme of the EU Eco-label for marble, at least. Clearly, further investigations need to better assess the proposed scheme, especially in terms of threshold values of pollutant releases and use of explosive that are actually specific for the marble productive chain. The present modified version of the standard has been proposed to the Sicilian administration in order to be voluntarily adopted by marble productive sites of the region, in the aim of extensively verifying its suitability.

  • Is the Eco-label EU Decision for hard coverings really capable of capturing the environmental performances of the marble productive chain? A field verification by means of a life cycle approach
    International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2014
    Co-Authors: Cinzia Capitano, Giovanni Peri, Gianfranco Rizzo
    Abstract:

    Purpose: This work intends to show whether the Eco-label EU Decision for hard coverings, in which marble is contemplated among hard coverings as a natural product, is really capable of capturing the environmental performances of the marble productive chain, in other words whether it is actually viable for the natural products, like marble. Methods: After a preliminary critical Analysis of the suitability for marble of the current EU Decision (2009/607/EC), a classical life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology has been applied on the field to the marble "Perlato di Sicilia." More specifically, the whole productive chain of a couple of firms treating the "Perlato di Sicilia" marble has been examined. The life cycle Analysis is actually a Cradle-to-Gate Analysis which includes the raw material extraction, processing phase, and finishing operations. Results and discussion: Both the preliminary critical analyses of the structure of the Decision and the in-field checking on the two firms of the Custonaci marble district in Sicily singled out several conflicting points of the Decision for the marble working chain. These difficulties could be reasonably extended to other natural stones, such as granite, for which similar working processes are applied. Based on the outcomes of both these analyses, in the present work, a set of new indicators and modified criteria, already present in the Decision, is proposed as a candidate to be considered for inclusion in a future release of the Decision. Conclusions: The changes here introduced can represent a useful indication toward a more suitable scheme of the EU Eco-label for marble, at least. Clearly, further investigations need to better assess the proposed scheme, especially in terms of threshold values of pollutant releases and use of explosive that are actually specific for the marble productive chain. The present modified version of the standard has been proposed to the Sicilian administration in order to be voluntarily adopted by marble productive sites of the region, in the aim of extensively verifying its suitability. © 2014 Springer-Verlag.

Tobias Borén - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Life cycle assessment of the manufacture of lactide and PLA biopolymers from sugarcane in Thailand
    The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2010
    Co-Authors: Wim J. Groot, Tobias Borén
    Abstract:

    Background l -lactide is the monomer for the polymer poly- l -lactic acid (PLLA). PLLA can be made from renewable resources, and is used in an increasing amount of applications. The biopolymer PLLA is one type of polymer of the family of polylactic acids (PLAs). Purac produces l -lactide and d -lactide, and supports partners with know-how to produce their own PLA from lactide. This life cycle assessment (LCA) study supporting market development presents the eco-profile of lactides and PLA biopolymers. Method An LCA was carried out for l -lactide, d -lactide, PLLA, and two PLLA/PDLA blends made from cane sugar in Thailand, and were compared with that of fossil-based polymers. The LCA complies with ISO standards, and is a Cradle-to-Gate Analysis including sugarcane cultivation, sugarcane milling, auxiliary chemicals production, transport, and production of lactide and PLAs. In the Analysis, process data were taken from the designs of full-scale plants for the production of lactic acid, lactides, and PLA. The data were combined with ecoprofiles of chemicals and utilities and recalculated to the following environmental impacts: primary renewable and non-renewable energy, non-renewable abiotic resource usage, farm land use, global warming, acidification, photochemical ozone creation, human toxicity, and eutrophication. Results and discussion On a weight-by-weight basis, PLLA results in significantly lower emissions of greenhouse gasses, and less use of material resources and non-renewable energy, compared to fossil-based polymers. With the present calculations, the Global Warming Potential (GWP) in l -lactide production is 300–600 kg CO_2 eq./tonne and for PLLA 500–800 kg CO_2 eq./tonne. The range indicates the sensitivity of the GWP to the energy credit for electricity production from bagasse in the sugar mill. The GWP of PLLA/PDLA blends with increased heat resistance is also lower compared to fossil based polymers with similar durable character. Being based on an agricultural system the biobased PLA gives rise to higher contributions to acidification, photochemical ozone creation, eutrophication, and farm land use compared to the fossil polymers. Conclusions The application spectrum of PLAs is expanding, and there are opportunities to replace various fossil-based polymers. This facilitates climate change mitigation and reduces dependence on fossil and scarce resources while promoting the use of local and renewable resources. It is evident that in emerging green economies agricultural technology will form an integral part in the changeover towards a more sustainable industry and society.

  • Life cycle assessment of the manufacture of lactide and PLA biopolymers from sugarcane in Thailand
    International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2010
    Co-Authors: Wim Groot, Tobias Borén
    Abstract:

    l-lactide is the monomer for the polymer poly-l-lactic acid (PLLA). PLLA can be made from renewable resources, and is used in an increasing amount of applications. The biopolymer PLLA is one type of polymer of the family of polylactic acids (PLAs). Purac produces l-lactide and d-lactide, and supports partners with know-how to produce their own PLA from lactide. This life cycle assessment (LCA) study supporting market development presents the eco-profile of lactides and PLA biopolymers. An LCA was carried out for l-lactide, d-lactide, PLLA, and two PLLA/PDLA blends made from cane sugar in Thailand, and were compared with that of fossil-based polymers. The LCA complies with ISO standards, and is a Cradle-to-Gate Analysis including sugarcane cultivation, sugarcane milling, auxiliary chemicals production, transport, and production of lactide and PLAs. In the Analysis, process data were taken from the designs of full-scale plants for the production of lactic acid, lactides, and PLA. The data were combined with ecoprofiles of chemicals and utilities and recalculated to the following environmental impacts: primary renewable and non-renewable energy, non-renewable abiotic resource usage, farm land use, global warming, acidification, photochemical ozone creation, human toxicity, and eutrophication. On a weight-by-weight basis, PLLA results in significantly lower emissions of greenhouse gasses, and less use of material resources and non-renewable energy, compared to fossil-based polymers. With the present calculations, the Global Warming Potential (GWP) in l-lactide production is 300–600 kg CO2 eq./tonne and for PLLA 500–800 kg CO2 eq./tonne. The range indicates the sensitivity of the GWP to the energy credit for electricity production from bagasse in the sugar mill. The GWP of PLLA/PDLA blends with increased heat resistance is also lower compared to fossil based polymers with similar durable character. Being based on an agricultural system the biobased PLA gives rise to higher contributions to acidification, photochemical ozone creation, eutrophication, and farm land use compared to the fossil polymers. The application spectrum of PLAs is expanding, and there are opportunities to replace various fossil-based polymers. This facilitates climate change mitigation and reduces dependence on fossil and scarce resources while promoting the use of local and renewable resources. It is evident that in emerging green economies agricultural technology will form an integral part in the changeover towards a more sustainable industry and society.

Stefano Riemma - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • An environmental study on starch aerogel for drug delivery applications: effect of plant scale-up
    The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2018
    Co-Authors: Iolanda De Marco, Raffaele Iannone, Salvatore Miranda, Stefano Riemma
    Abstract:

    Purpose The aim of this work is the evaluation and minimization, using a life cycle assessment approach, of the environmental impacts of starch aerogel production on different scale plants. Aerogels are porous structures, which can be used as carriers for delivery systems; they are obtained through a supercritical drying. The impacts related to the production of 1 g of starch aerogel on two different scales (vessel internal volumes equal to 0.5 and 5.2 L) were evaluated and compared. The environmental impacts on an industrial scale plant were also simulated. Methods All the quantities related to materials, energy consumption and emissions to air, soil and water were reported to the chosen functional unit (1 g of starch aerogel obtained on bench or pilot scale plant). Data were analysed using SimaPro 8.0.5 software, whereas the Ecoinvent 3.1 database and primary data were used for the life cycle inventory, according to the reference standard for LCA (i.e., ISO 14040-14044). A detailed Analysis, following a gate-to-gate approach to quantify the emissions at plant level, which are generalizable for all polysaccharides’ aerogel productions, was performed. In order to complete the study, the results of a Cradle-to-Gate Analysis, quantifying the emissions at overall level, which are complete but related only to corn starch aerogel production, were also proposed. The IMPACT 2002+ method was used to evaluate the effect of the production on the midpoint and damage impact categories. Results and discussion Scaling-up the starch aerogel production from bench to pilot scale induced a substantial reduction of the impacts on all the categories. On both scales, the Analysis made using midpoint categories showed that supercritical drying step strongly affected carcinogens and mineral extraction, whereas alcogel production step strongly affected respiratory organics. Solutions aimed at minimizing these impacts were proposed. The performed Analysis, using both midpoint and endpoint categories, allowed to identify the aerogel production weak points and propose improved solutions. Conclusions Global emissions related to starch aerogel production were lowered passing from bench scale to pilot scale. By using damage categories, it was possible to quantify a global reduction of 40% of the emissions on human health, climate change, ecosystem quality and resources. The simulation on industrial scale led to a total reduction of 82% of the damage with respect to pilot scale plant and of 95% with respect to bench scale plant.

  • An environmental study on starch aerogel for drug delivery applications: effect of plant scale-up
    International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, 2017
    Co-Authors: Iolanda De Marco, Raffaele Iannone, Salvatore Miranda, Stefano Riemma
    Abstract:

    The aim of this work is the evaluation and minimization, using a life cycle assessment approach, of the environmental impacts of starch aerogel production on different scale plants. Aerogels are porous structures, which can be used as carriers for delivery systems; they are obtained through a supercritical drying. The impacts related to the production of 1 g of starch aerogel on two different scales (vessel internal volumes equal to 0.5 and 5.2 L) were evaluated and compared. The environmental impacts on an industrial scale plant were also simulated. All the quantities related to materials, energy consumption and emissions to air, soil and water were reported to the chosen functional unit (1 g of starch aerogel obtained on bench or pilot scale plant). Data were analysed using SimaPro 8.0.5 software, whereas the Ecoinvent 3.1 database and primary data were used for the life cycle inventory, according to the reference standard for LCA (i.e., ISO 14040-14044). A detailed Analysis, following a gate-to-gate approach to quantify the emissions at plant level, which are generalizable for all polysaccharides’ aerogel productions, was performed. In order to complete the study, the results of a Cradle-to-Gate Analysis, quantifying the emissions at overall level, which are complete but related only to corn starch aerogel production, were also proposed. The IMPACT 2002+ method was used to evaluate the effect of the production on the midpoint and damage impact categories. Scaling-up the starch aerogel production from bench to pilot scale induced a substantial reduction of the impacts on all the categories. On both scales, the Analysis made using midpoint categories showed that supercritical drying step strongly affected carcinogens and mineral extraction, whereas alcogel production step strongly affected respiratory organics. Solutions aimed at minimizing these impacts were proposed. The performed Analysis, using both midpoint and endpoint categories, allowed to identify the aerogel production weak points and propose improved solutions. Global emissions related to starch aerogel production were lowered passing from bench scale to pilot scale. By using damage categories, it was possible to quantify a global reduction of 40% of the emissions on human health, climate change, ecosystem quality and resources. The simulation on industrial scale led to a total reduction of 82% of the damage with respect to pilot scale plant and of 95% with respect to bench scale plant.