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Showing papers in "Resources Conservation and Recycling in 2018"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Wang et al. as mentioned in this paper conducted the CDW management analysis through 3R principle and investigated existing policies and management situations based on the reduction, reuse and recycle principles, which revealed that primary barriers of reducing CDW in China include lack of building design standard for reducing CDw, low cost for CDW disposal and inappropriate urban planning.
Abstract: Construction and demolition waste (CDW) accounts for 30% to 40% of the total amount of waste in China. CDW is usually randomly dumped or disposed in landfills and the average recycling rate of CDW in China is only about 5%. Considering there is big challenge in adoption of circular economy in CDW industry in China while related research is still limited, we conduct the CDW management analysis through 3R principle. Existing policies and management situations were investigated and analyzed based on the reduction, reuse and recycle principles. Results reveal that primary barriers of reducing CDW in China include lack of building design standard for reducing CDW, low cost for CDW disposal and inappropriate urban planning. Barriers to reuse CDW include lack of guidance for effective CDW collection and sorting, lack of knowledge and standard for reused CDW, and an under-developed market for reused CDW. As for recycling of CDW, key challenges are identified as ineffective management system, immature recycling technology, under-developed market for recycled CDW products and immature recycling market operation. Proposals to improve the current situation based on 3R principle are also proposed, including designing effective circular economy model, reinforcing the source control of CDW, adopting innovative technologies and market models, and implementing targeted economic incentives.

504 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors synthesize core principles and linked best practices for the management of construction and demolition waste across the entire construction value chain, which could dramatically improve resource efficiency and reduce environmental impact by: reducing waste generation, minimising transport impacts, maximising reuse and recycling by improving the quality of secondary materials and optimising the environmental performance of treatment methods.
Abstract: Construction and demolition waste constitutes a large fraction of all the waste generated in Europe. Its specific impact can be considered rather low, but the large generated volume and embodied resource makes this waste stream an important focus of current European policies. The European Commission has proposed new targets and goals for this waste stream in the Circular Economy package, but, given the rather heterogeneous landscape of waste management practice across Member States, new approaches that take into account the entire value chain of the construction sector are urgently required. This paper synthesises core principles and linked best practices for the management of construction and demolition waste across the entire construction value chain. Systematic implementation of these best practices could dramatically improve resource efficiency and reduce environmental impact by: reducing waste generation, minimising transport impacts, maximising re-use and recycling by improving the quality of secondary materials and optimising the environmental performance of treatment methods.

417 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: An overview of the recent achievements and challenges of using steel slags (BOF, EAF and LF slags) as cement replacement (usually ground into powder form with the size of 400-500m2/kg) and aggregate in cement concrete is presented in this article.
Abstract: Steel slags are industrial by-products of steel manufacturing, characterized as highly calcareous, siliceous and ferrous. They can be categorized into basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag, electric arc furnace (EAF) slag, and ladle furnace (LF) slag. They are found to be useful in many fields, such as road construction, asphalt concrete, agricultural fertilizer, and soil improvement. However, better utilization for value-added purposes in cement and concrete products can be achieved. In this paper, an overview of the recent achievements and challenges of using steel slags (BOF, EAF and LF slag) as cement replacement (usually ground into powder form with the size of 400–500 m2/kg) and aggregate in cement concrete is presented. The results suggest that the cementitious ability of all steel slags in concrete is low and requires activation. For the incorporation of steel slags as aggregate in concrete, special attention needs to be paid due to the potential volumetric instability associated with the hydration of free CaO and/or MgO in the slags. Studies have indicated that adequate aging/weathering and treatments can enhance the hydrolyses of free-CaO and -MgO to mitigate the instability. Considering the environmental and economic aspects, steel slags are also considered to have a potential use as the raw meal in cement clinker production.

398 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a dashboard of new and established quantitative indicators for CE strategy assessment in organizations, mostly based on material flow analysis (MFA), MFCA, and LCA.
Abstract: So far, organizations had no authoritative guidance on circular economy (CE) principles, strategies, implementation, and monitoring. Consequentially, the British Standards Institution recently launched a new standard “BS 8001:2017 – Framework for implementing the principles of the circular economy in organizations”. BS 8001:2017 tries to reconcile the far-reaching ambitions of the CE with established business routines. The standard contains a comprehensive list of CE terms and definitions, a set of general CE principles, a flexible management framework for implementing CE strategies in organizations, and a detailed description of economic, environmental, design, marketing, and legal issues related to the CE. The guidance on monitoring CE strategy implementation, however, remains vague. The standard stipulates that organizations are solely responsible for choosing appropriate CE indicators. Its authors do not elaborate on the links between CE strategy monitoring and the relevant and already standardized quantitative tools life cycle assessment (LCA) and material flow cost accounting (MFCA). Here a general system definition for deriving CE indicators is proposed. Based on the system definition and the indicator literature a dashboard of new and established quantitative indicators for CE strategy assessment in organizations is then compiled. The dashboard indicators are mostly based on material flow analysis (MFA), MFCA, and LCA. Steel cycle data are used to illustrate potential core CE indicators, notably, the residence time of a material in the techno-sphere (currently 250–300 years for steel). Moreover, organizations need to monitor their contribution to in-use-stock growth, a central driver of resource depletion and hindrance to closing material cycles.

333 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a review of the potential and challenge of using recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) as the substitute for natural aggregate (NA) in concrete mixtures.
Abstract: This manuscript presents a review of the potential and challenge of using recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) as the substitute for natural aggregate (NA) in concrete mixtures. Using RCA in concrete preserves the environment by reducing the need for opening new aggregate quarries and decreases the amount of construction waste that goes into landfill. The properties of RCA such as specific gravity, absorption, and the amount of contaminant present in it contribute to the strength and durability of concrete. The quality of RCA depends on the features of the original aggregate and the condition of the demolished concrete. Some researchers have reported that the use of RCA degrades concrete properties while others have successfully produced RCA concrete with a performance that matched normal concrete (NC). In addition to the influence of RCA to concrete properties, this paper also evaluates multiple techniques to improve the performance of RCA concrete, reported cost savings in concrete production and recommendations regarding the application of RCA in concrete.

318 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors pointed out that despite the clear benefits of big data-driven industrial symbiosis, corporates have noted that social, environmental and economic perspectives are also highly appreciated in the cross-industry networks.
Abstract: Cross-industry networks of multiple supply chains have evolved in the circular economy model using approaches such as industrial and urban symbiosis. However, the implementation of such sustainable industrial networks with matrix-like structures is not straightforward. Despite the clear benefits of big data-driven industrial symbiosis, corporates have noted that social, environmental and economic perspectives are also highly appreciated in the cross-industry networks. Moreover, gaps remain in operational data-driven and recycle, reduce and reuse optimization solutions, which may be the key components of industrial symbiosis practices.

313 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors discuss the available literature on end-of-life lithium-ion batteries from a waste management standpoint and present potential solutions to help mitigate their hazardous properties.
Abstract: This review paper discusses the available literature on end-of-life lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) from a waste management standpoint. The amount of LIBs entering the waste stream has increased in recent years because of their growing prevalence in electronic devices and vehicles. The electric vehicle (EV) industry, in particular, is expected to create a high demand for LIBs and this paper has identified them as a major contributor to the LIB waste stream in the near future. Waste LIBs exhibit many hazardous characteristics, such as the ability to spontaneously ignite and/or release hazardous chemicals under landfill conditions. The authors review the current findings with regards to their hazardous properties and present potential solutions to help mitigate these problems. One major solution is to manage LIBs as a hazardous or universal waste, which would entail special regulations for this waste stream. While lead-acid and nickel-cadmium batteries are often regulated as a hazardous or universal waste, most countries, such as the U.S., currently manage LIBs as a general solid waste. However, it may be plausible to consider these types of batteries as a hazardous or universal waste because they have frequently exceeded federal and state regulatory thresholds for certain metals, such as lead. This paper also identifies recycling as another major solution for end-of-life LIB management. Based on life cycle impact assessment studies, recycling certain types of LIBs results in a lower resource depletion potential and less air emissions than a cradle-to-grave management scenario.

310 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a comprehensive review of relevant literature to evaluate the properties and performance of fly ash, with a particular focus on recent advances in characterization, compositional understanding, hydration mechanism, activation approaches, durability and sustainability, is presented.
Abstract: Due to their good performance and environmental friendliness, fly ash-based construction materials have great potential as alternatives to ordinary Portland cement. To realize sustainable development and beneficial use of fly ash in the construction industry, this paper presents a comprehensive review of relevant literature to evaluate the properties and performance of fly ash, with a particular focus on recent advances in characterization, compositional understanding, hydration mechanism, activation approaches, durability and sustainability of fly ash as a construction material. Several key aspects governing the performance of fly ash, including chemical composition, activator type and hydrates evolution in concrete, are highlighted. Finally, the important needs, pertinent to the optimal and broad utilization of fly ash as an integral part of sustainable construction materials, are identified for further research and development, where large-scale application studies, further classification of fly ash, advanced characterization tools and technology transfer to biomass fly ash are recommended.

293 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, structural decomposition analysis (SDA) and quantile regression are employed to investigate the factors that drive changes in carbon emission intensity in China, based on input-output SDA, CEI in China during 1992-2012 is decomposed from the perspectives of the total economy and economic sectors.
Abstract: Carbon emissions per unit of GDP (also called carbon emission intensity, CEI) can be utilized to measure regional carbon emission performance. In this study, structural decomposition analysis (SDA) and quantile regression are employed to investigate the factors that drive changes in CEI in China. Based on input-output SDA, CEI in China during 1992–2012 is decomposed from the perspectives of the total economy and economic sectors. The results specify that the industrial sector is the key sector for energy conservation and emission reduction. Energy efficiency contributes the most to CEI reduction, whereas input structure, final demand structure, and final product structure are factors that hinder reductions. Furthermore, energy mix, technical progress, industrialization index, and final consumption rate are introduced as proxy variables. To reveal the changes of influencing factors with CEI increasing, the effects of these proxy variables on CEI are explored by quantile regression with panel data of 30 provinces from 1999 to 2014. The results indicate that energy mix, industrialization index, and final consumption rate have positive effects on CEI. As CEI increases, the effect of energy mix increases gradually, whereas the effect of industrialization index tends to decrease, and the effect of final consumption rate increases initially and then decreases. Technical progress and urbanization are both effective in reducing CEI. With CEI increasing, the negative effect of technical progress presents a trend of decrease, then increase. Conversely, the negative effect of urbanization is through the process of increase, then decrease.

266 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the synergistic integration of low carbon to nitrogen ratio (C/N) biomass with high C/N ratio lignocellulosic biomass in an anaerobic digestion (AD) system appears to be a logical option to enhance biogas yield.
Abstract: Global annual production of lignocellulosic biomass including undervalued agricultural residues and greenhouse biomass is about 181.5 billion tonnes. This undervalued biomass has a high potential to produce biogas in anaerobic digestion (AD). Among the various pre-treatment methods, hydrothermal (HT) pre-treatment of lignocellulosic biomass is a promising approach to increase biogas production in AD. However, the high carbon to nitrogen ratio (C/N) of lignocellulosic biomass is reported to be the major limiting factor for a higher biogas yield. Hence, the synergistic integration of low C/N ratio biomass with high C/N ratio lignocellulosic biomass in an AD system appears to be a logical option to enhance biogas yield. High moisture lignocellulosic biomass HT pretreatment and biogas production in AD have the potential for renewable energy production with limited use of process energy. However, hydrothermal process temperature, AD substrate C/N ratio and its inhibitory elements are important parameters for optimum biogas production. Greenhouse biomass pretreatment in hydrothermal process can produce biochar, biogas and biofertilizer, which can be used as input heat and nutrient source for greenhouses. Finally, the operation of greenhouse in this system can manage zero waste and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate change.

266 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provided an overview of the recent status of the recycling technologies of spent lithium ion batteries using organic acids, and the benefits and drawbacks of using them are summarized and possible complexes formed by these agents are proposed.
Abstract: Environmental restrictions and economic benefits have obliged countries to promote recycling processes from secondary resources like spent lithium ion batteries (LIBs) instead of using primary ones. In spite of the developments have been made on industrial scale for the technologies involved in recycling processes, most of these technologies suffer from lack of efficiency and echo-friendliness. To reduce the footprints of the recycling processes, several efforts are made. A major development area is the use of organic acids which are considered as promising agents for leaching of valuable metals from spent LIBs. In this review paper, we provided an overview of the recent status of the recycling technologies of spent LIBs using organic acids. For this purpose, necessity of green processes and advantage of organic acids in recycling of spent LIBs is discussed. To fully understand the effect of these agents, production, origin, application, and structure of organic acids that have been used in recovery of metals from spent LIBs are also addressed. Afterwards, recycling processes using organic acids, and benefits and drawbacks of using them are summarized and possible complexes formed by these agents are proposed. Eventually, development of different reducing agents, ultrasonic agitation, and evolution and future prospect of green processes in recycling of spent LIBs is reviewed.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, construction and demolition (CD ineffective CD and using finitely recyclable construction materials) are ranked as three high priority barriers which should be removed before transforming current linear economy to circular economy in C&D waste management.
Abstract: Construction and demolition (CD ineffective CD and using finitely recyclable construction materials are ranked first. Also from an aggregate perspective, agency and ownership issues in C&D waste management, lack of integration of sustainable C&D waste management, and uncertain aftermaths of moving toward circular economy in C&D waste management are three high priority barriers which should be removed before transforming current linear economy to circular economy in C&D waste management.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a literature review was conducted to characterise the waste obtained from the coffee industry, outline the current value adding applications, highlight limitations that prevent full utilization of coffee by-products and discuss possible solutions that could maximize by-product utilization and ameliorate their negative environmental impacts.
Abstract: Processing urban waste is becoming a major challenge, with the current state and forecasted increase in urbanisation. Finding novel approaches to reduce and recycle this waste, using value-adding applications, is paramount if we are to meet the needs of a growing population. Organic waste is of particular concern, as much of this can be treated and recycled for horticulture practices, but most find their final sink in landfill. With coffee now the second largest commodity worldwide, recycling these nutrient-rich by-products could reduce the amount of organic waste sent to landfill, whilst producing value adding products. Some chemical compounds present in these by-products, such as caffeine, tannins and chlorogenic acid are of ecotoxicological concern and can limit their value-adding applications. The aim of this literature review was to 1) characterise the waste obtained from the coffee industry; 2) outline the current value adding applications; 3) highlight limitations that prevent full utilization of coffee by-products and 4) discuss possible solutions that could maximize by-product utilization and ameliorating their negative environmental impacts. It was concluded that full utilization of these by-products is not always achieved, even though there is evidence to support their potential. This was mainly due to a lack of infrastructure and cross-chain networks between applications.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors reviewed the studies on CFRC/GFRC recycling via pyrolysis processes and highlighted their technical challenges and re-use possibilities in high performance composites.
Abstract: The rapid utilization of carbon fibre reinforced composite (CFRC) and glass fibre reinforced composite (GFRC) in main sectors, such as automobile, aerospace, wind turbines, boats and sport parts, has gained much attention because of its high strength, light weight and impressive mechanical properties. Currently, the increasing amount and handling of composite waste at their end-of-life (EoL) has a negative impact on resources conservation and the environment. Pyrolysis, a two-step process, appeared as most viable process to recover not only valuable materials but also produce fuel and chemicals. However, the testing facilities and optimized operation of composite waste in pyrolysis processes to produce materials with low energy consumption and acceptable mechanical properties are still under development and discussion before commercialization. The aim of this article is to review the studies on CFRC/GFRC recycling via pyrolysis processes and highlight their technical challenges and re-use possibilities in high performance composites. The forthcoming commercialization challenges and respective market potential to recyclates using the pyrolysis process will be addressed. This study will also introduce the strong connection between recycling and re-usability of fibres which would help to explain the concept of circular economy and cradle-to-cradle approach. Finally, based on updated studies and critical analysis, research gaps in the recycling treatments of fibrous composite waste using pyrolysis processes are discussed with recommendations.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The systematic literature review is a first of its kind that may provide a useful reference for academicians, researchers and industry practitioners for a better understanding of WEEE focused RL/CLSC activities and research.
Abstract: Reverse logistics (RL) and the closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) are integral parts of the holistic waste management process. One of the important end-of-life (EOL) products considered in the RL/CLSC is Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)/E-waste. Numerous research papers were published in the RL and CLSC disciplines focusing WEEE separately. However, there is no single review article found on the product-specific issues. To bridge this gap, a total of 157 papers published between 1999 and May 2017 were selected, categorized, analyzed using content analysis method. The method involves four steps: material collection, descriptive analysis, category selection and material evaluation. For the systematic literature review, the steps were followed and four main types of research in the field of RL and CLSC of E-waste, namely designing and planning of reverse distribution, decision making and performance evaluation, conceptual framework, and qualitative studies were identified and reviewed. Research gaps in literature were diagnosed to suggest future research opportunities. The review first of its kind that may provide a useful reference for academicians, researchers and industry practitioners for a better understanding of WEEE focused RL/CLSC activities and research.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors developed a BIM-based Whole-life Performance Estimator (BWPE) for appraising the salvage performance of structural components of buildings right from the design stage.
Abstract: The aim of this study is to develop a BIM-based Whole-life Performance Estimator (BWPE) for appraising the salvage performance of structural components of buildings right from the design stage. A review of the extant literature was carried out to identify factors that influence salvage performance of structural components of buildings during their useful life. Thereafter, a mathematical modelling approach was adopted to develop BWPE using the identified factors and principle/concept of Weibull reliability distribution for manufactured products. The model was implemented in Building Information Modelling (BIM) environment and it was tested using case study design. Accordingly, the whole-life salvage performance profiles of the case study building were generated. The results show that building design with steel structure, demountable connections, and prefabricated assemblies produce recoverable materials that are mostly reusable. The study reveals that BWPE is an objective means for determining how much of recoverable materials from buildings are reusable and recyclable at the end of its useful life. BWPE will therefore provide a decision support mechanism for the architects and designers to analyse the implication of designs decision on the salvage performance of buildings over time. It will also be useful to the demolition engineers and consultants to generate pre-demolition audit when the building gets to end of its life.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluated 18 phosphorus recovery technologies in terms of cumulative energy demand, global warming potential, and acidification potential with the methodology of life cycle analysis, and compared them with other environmental criteria, i.e. recovery potential, heavy metal and organic micropollutant decontamination potential and fertilizer efficiency, to determine their overall environmental performance.
Abstract: Phosphorus mining from phosphate rock is associated with economic as well as environmental concerns. Through phosphorus recovery from municipal wastewater, countries could decrease their dependency on the global phosphate rock market, however, conceivably leading to an increase in environmental impacts from fertilizer production. In this work 18 phosphorus recovery technologies are evaluated in terms of cumulative energy demand, global warming potential and acidification potential with the methodology of life cycle analysis. These indicators are then contrasted with other environmental criteria, i.e. recovery potential, heavy metal and organic micropollutant decontamination potential and fertilizer efficiency, to determine their overall environmental performance. The LCA shows that a broad spectrum of changes in gaseous emissions and energy demand can be expected through the implementation of P recovery from wastewater. Linkage to further environmental performance results exposes certain trade-offs for the different technologies. Recovery from the liquid phase has mostly positive or comparably little impacts on emissions and energy demand but the low recovery potential contradicts the demand for efficient recycling rates. For recovery from sewage sludge, those technologies that already are or are close to being applied full-scale, are associated with comparatively high emissions and energy demand. Recovery from sewage sludge ash shows varying results, partly revealing trade-offs between heavy metal decontamination, emissions and energy demand. Nevertheless, recovery from ash is correlated with the highest potential for an efficient recycling of phosphorus. Further research should include implications of local infrastructures and legal frameworks to determine economically and environmentally optimised P recovery and recycling concepts.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors conduct a literature review combined with case study analysis to examine how certain firms assess and monitor their vulnerability to critical material supply chain issues and provide specific business examples for integrating circularity strategies.
Abstract: Raw materials deemed critical are defined as having potential issues in their supply, limited substitutes, and applications of importance, namely in clean energy, defense, healthcare, and electronics. Disruptions in supply of critical materials can have serious negative repercussions for firms, consumers, and economies. One potential set of mitigation strategies for firms dealing with criticality issues is the implementation of circular economy principles in their supply chain, operations, and end-of-life management. This work conducts a literature review combined with case study analysis to examine how certain firms assess and monitor their vulnerability to critical material supply chain issues and provides specific business examples for integrating circularity strategies. Results indicate the potential for risk reduction that could be gained from implementation of these strategies; specifically recycling, for example, can provide an in-house source (for prompt or fabrication scrap) or at least domestic source (for post-consumer scrap) for critical materials; up to 24% for the case of indium usage in China. Just in time manufacturing techniques have the potential to both exacerbate supply issues (by encouraging low inventory or needed resources for manufacturing) and improve supply issues by introducing resiliency in the supply chain indicating that approach of firms in undertaking these strategies is important. Many cases reviewed show other quantifiable secondary benefits beyond risk reduction, such as economic savings, reduction in energy consumption, and improved corporate social responsibility via enhanced supply chain oversight.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The recent advances and future perspectives in the complete valorization of citrus processing waste (CPW) are presented in this paper, where the authors assess the importance of valorisation of CPW to develop a bioeconomy and to reduce its negative environmental impacts.
Abstract: The recent advances and future perspectives in the complete valorization of citrus processing waste (CPW), a by-product of citrus processing industries, are presented in this review paper. First, the importance of valorization of CPW to develop a bio-economy and to reduce its negative environmental impacts is assessed. A brief survey of applications of native/modified CPW for nanoparticle, bio-sorbent, and biofertilizer production is presented. As the core part of the valorization scheme and regarding the environmental aspects, the perspectives for the application of CPW are via green extraction techniques, e.g., microwave- and ultrasound-assisted extractions, and biochemical processes. Furthermore, green extraction and biochemical techniques result in processes’ intensification toward integrated biorefinery models. The superiority of green extraction techniques over traditional techniques, challenges for implementation, and the valuable extracts obtained by these methods as well as a summary of their analytical techniques are discussed. The challenges of bioconversion of CPW to biofuels and fermentative products and strategies to overcome them are later presented. Finally, a literature review on using the concept of green chemistry for the integrated biorefinery of CPW and its engineering challenges is presented and a biorefinery scheme is proposed accordingly.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, an extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) model is employed to narrow the gap of focusing on individual's energy-saving intention in developing countries and limited research has been conducted to explore the combined effects of normative factors and perceived behavioral control.
Abstract: Previous researches have explored the critical determinants that influence individual’s energy-saving intention. However, these researches rarely focus on individual’s energy-saving intention in developing countries and limited research has been conducted to explore the combined effects of normative factors and perceived behavioral control. In this study, an extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) model is employed to narrow this gap. The model is empirically tested using questionnaire survey data collected from 450 respondents in eastern China. The findings reveal that perceived behavioral control is the most decisive factor for individual’s energy-saving intention. Meanwhile, attitude towards energy-saving and personal moral norm are also important factors. Two interaction terms (i.e., perceived behavioral control and subjective injunctive norm, and perceived behavioral control and subjective descriptive norm) are negatively associated with energy-saving intention, which implies that social norm plays an important role in motivating energy-saving behavior in the Chinese context. Furthermore, social norm increases the energy-saving intention of individuals who exhibit low perceived behavioral control. Based on the results, implications for improving individual’s energy-saving intention, limitations of the study and suggestions for further research are discussed.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This review paper summarizes the existing recycling technology in these two aspects and identifies important research problems in the process of recycling of pack such as automatic and intelligent recovery system and adjustment of Chaos in recycling market.
Abstract: Due to enormous growth of production of electric vehicles, it is estimated by the year 2020 about 250,000 tons of battery must be disposed or recycled. The technology to recycle this much amount of batteries in a single year does not exist., neither does the methods for recycling are standardized because of different configurations of battery packs. A challenge strictly poses on how to deal with lithium ion batteries, which are embedded in hundreds or more in a battery pack. Furthermore, the recovery of materials from the battery in the pack is essential to ensure the growth and sustainability of the electric vehicle market. It is desirable to establish a framework that is semi-automated/automated for ensuring faster disassembly of battery pack, identification and detection of residual energy of batteries in packs and recovery of materials from batteries. This review paper summarizes the two main basic aspects of recycling battery packs: mechanical procedure and chemical recycling (metallurgical). The work summarizes the existing recycling technology in these two aspects and identifies important research problems in the process of recycling of pack such as (i) automatic and intelligent recovery system, (ii) efficiency and safety disassemble of battery pack (iii) Adjustment of Chaos in recycling market (iv) Recovery processes for slag, electrolyte and anode, (v) Application in industrial scale, and (vi) development of recycling methods for new batteries having components with different properties. This paper also proposes a framework to push the recycling process from conception to practicality, both on government incentive polices and effective recycling technology.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, an up-to-date review of the hydrometallurgical recovery of metals from printed circuit boards (WPCBs) is provided, which is expected to provide an insight for the selection of suitable hydrometerallurgical leaching and purification methods and to point out the novel and potential technologies that would be the future focuses of this area.
Abstract: Printed circuit boards (PCBs) represent one of the most complicated and valuable components in electric and electronic equipment (EEE). Waste PCBs (WPCBs) contain more than 40 kinds of metals with a wide and variable range of concentrations, such as environmentally harmful metals (e.g. Pb, Cr, As, Cd and Hg) and others of economic value (e.g. Cu, Sn, Au, Ag and Pd). Recovery of metals from WPCBs is of great importance for both environmental protection and resource re-utilization. In contrast to metal recovery from natural resources, these secondary resources have to be essentially stripped completely of its harmful metallic content before the remaining plastic substrate can be disposed, charred or incinerated. Hydrometallurgy has been successfully used for metals recovery from primary and secondary resources around the world, owing to its easily controlled process and high recovery rates at relatively low costs, and a number of researches using various hydrometallurgical methods for metals recovery from WPCBs has been published each year since 2002. This study provides an up-to-date review of the hydrometallurgical recovery of metals from WPCBs and gives perspectives of this particular area, which is expected to provide an insight for the selection of suitable hydrometallurgical leaching and purification methods and to point out the novel and potential technologies that would be the future focuses of this area.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the plastic derived oil (PDO) samples obtained at low temperature pyrolysis are lighter with low viscosity, high octane number and having high calorific values.
Abstract: Low and high-density polyethylene (LDPE and HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) are three most common polyolefins profusely used as packaging materials and abundantly found in the plastic waste stream. These plastic waste samples were collected from household waste and converted into plastic derived oil (PDO) by low temperature (300 °C to 400 °C) slow pyrolysis (long isothermal holding time) in a semi-batch reactor. The PDO samples obtained had shown variation in their compositions and fuel properties based on the pyrolysis temperature. PDO from the pyrolysis of PP has high octane number (∼92) and low viscosity. Noticeably, the PDO samples obtained at low temperature pyrolysis are lighter with low viscosity, high octane number and having high calorific values. 1H NMR analysis revealed that the oil samples mostly consist of paraffinic and olefinic hydrocarbons. Simulated distillation (SimDist) of PDO indicated that the liquid products resemble the characteristic closer to middle distillate of petroleum fraction having very low pour point and flash point. The temperature with long pyrolysis time also influenced the evolved gas composition and yield. Trace amount of hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide were present in the gaseous product along with various hydrocarbon gases ranging from C1–C5. The degradation mechanism follows end chain scission which produces monomer units whereas random scission results most of the hydrocarbon products. Subsequent reactions like radical recombination and inter or intra molecular hydrogen transfer results in the formation of most of the olefinic components.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a literature review on rubber recycling by devulcanization is presented, focusing on the thermomechanical method, those in the presence of supercritical CO2 and, finally, the combined thermmechanical process with supercritical carbon dioxide atmosphere.
Abstract: Disposal of used tires and rubber wastes is one of the biggest challenges of the 21st century waste management. One of the environmentally friendly possibilities of recycling this type of material is to go through the breaking of their three-dimensional structure. This treatment, called the devulcanization, can be defined as a process that causes the selective breakup of the sulfur-sulfur (S-S) and carbon-sulfur (C-S) chemical bonds without breaking the backbone network and without degrading the material. The devulcanized rubber can be mixed with virgin rubber or with other kinds of matrices to give new compounds without generating a significant decrease in mechanical and physical properties. Many devulcanization process types are presented in the literature: chemical, ultrasound, microwave, thermomechanical, etc. The thermomechanical devulcanization based on extrusion seems to be the more suitable to be applied on an industrial scale. The supercritical CO2 has been proposed as a green atmosphere that can be used to improve this type of devulcanization. In fact, it seems that in supercritical conditions, the CO2 swells the rubber and stretches the sulfide links, making them easier to break. This paper presents a literature review on rubbers recycling by devulcanization. It is focused on the different devulcanization techniques used in the last decades. Particular attention is paid to the thermomechanical method, those in the presence of supercritical CO2 and, finally, the combined thermomechanical process with supercritical CO2 atmosphere.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors proposed a framework model, using the Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory method, to evaluate automotive industry sustainable supply chain management practices specifically situated in the emerging economy of India.
Abstract: As one of the largest manufacturing sectors, the automotive industry has a deep impact on the society and environment. Automotive products provide mobility to millions and create jobs, but also threaten the environment. Consumer pressure, government regulations, and stakeholder demands for a competitive edge have forced the automotive industry to consider their environmental and social impacts in addition to their economic status. These pressures have led many automotive industry businesses to adopt Sustainable Supply Chain Management (SSCM) practices. Specific practices that are adopted into the traditional supply chain and that help an industry shift towards a sustainable supply chain are called SSCM practices. Firms have difficulty identifying the most useful practices and learning how these practices impact each other. Unfortunately, no existing research has studied the interrelated influences among these practices in the automotive industry, nor from an Indian perspective. The current study aims to give a better understanding of the interrelated influences among SSCM practices with a particular look at the automotive industry. Our research presents views from multiple stakeholders, including managerial, environmental, societal, and governmental associations. We propose a framework model, using the Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory method, to evaluate automotive industry SSCM practices specifically situated in the emerging economy of India. Through a questionnaire survey with the above-mentioned stakeholders, we find interinfluences and the prominence of the identified practices. A prominence causal relationship diagram is obtained depicting the cause groups and the effect groups of the practices. The differences and similarities between individual perspectives and combined stakeholder perspectives are identified. The results reveal that management commitment towards sustainability and incorporating the triple bottom line approach in strategic decision making are the most influential practices for implementing the sustainable supply chain management. This study provides a foundation for industrial managers to understand the inter influences among the practices and increases the probability of successful implementation of SSCM practices within the automotive industry.

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TL;DR: A comprehensive view of the structural associations amongst the GSCM factors, viz. drivers, practice indicators and performance measures is proposed, and an approach to perform non-myopic G SCM research in the future is suggested.
Abstract: This study reviews the green supply chain management (GSCM) literature and proposes a comprehensive view of the structural associations amongst the GSCM factors, viz. drivers, practice indicators and performance measures. The HistCite software was used to perform bibliometric citation meta-analysis on a sample of 1523 articles, obtained from the ISI Web of Science database. Influential journals, institutions, and trending articles in the GSCM research are revealed. Co-citation analysis coupled with content analysis of the 39 most cited articles identified six underlying research streams, namely (a) conceptual development and sense-making, (b) GSCM impact on performance, (c) integration of green and sustainable operations in the supply chain, (d) green supplier development, (e) GSCM implementation drivers, and (f) review and future research directions. This further led to proposing a comprehensive conceptual framework with logically grouped factors, and directing relationships among the groups. Finally, future research directions claimed by the trending articles in the field were aligned with the findings of the key papers, and an approach to perform non-myopic GSCM research in the future is suggested.

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TL;DR: The analysis revealed that SPD tools were less mature and standard as compared to P-SPD tools, and those which covered three aspects of sustainability were classified as sustainable product design (SPD) tools.
Abstract: Due to increasing pressure for achieving sustainability objectives, the concept of sustainable product design and development is gaining more attention in recent research. In the past, a plethora of eco-design tools that address only the environmental aspect have been developed. Hence, previous review articles focused mainly on eco-design tools, such as life cycle assessment (LCA) and others. Unlike previous studies, the main contribution of this article was to review and analyze the recent and emerging product design tools (published from 2007 to 2017) which considered other dimensions of sustainability along with the environment. Based on the criteria of sustainability dimensions, this paper proposed a generic and broader classification scheme to enhance the understanding of these recent tools. Those which included two aspects of sustainability were categorized as partial sustainable product design (P-SPD) tools, and those which covered three aspects of sustainability were classified as sustainable product design (SPD) tools. The analysis revealed that SPD tools were less mature and standard as compared to P-SPD tools. The majority of both P-SPD and SPD tools were based on a life cycle perspective. However, P-SPD tools were found to be more useful at early design stages. In addition, this paper presented the case studies of the tools to decipher their practical utility. It also discussed the hurdles and problems associated with the methodological development and practical utility of the tools. Founded on these difficulties, future research directions were presented. In essence, a coordinated and responsible effort among practitioners, governments, societies and researchers is needed to ensure the successful implementation of the tools.

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TL;DR: Wang et al. as discussed by the authors combined Theory of Planned Behaviour and Norm-activation Theory to build a research model, through scale development and questionnaire design, to carry out field research in Shandong Province, China.
Abstract: This research analyses how information publicity influences residents’ behaviour intentions in regard to e-waste recycling. We combine Theory of Planned Behaviour and Norm-activation Theory to build a research model, through scale development and questionnaire design, we carry out field research in Shandong Province, China. We collect 462 valid questionnaires as basic data for the research. We utilise exploratory factor analysis and structural equation model for data analysis and hypothesis test, and the results show that information publicity cannot directly influence residents’ behaviour intentions, but indirectly affect their intentions through two mediating variables – Personal norm and Recycling attitude. We think current information publicity about e-waste recycling is insufficient, or the publicity content thereof does not actually promote the willingness to recycle. So, we should improve the frequency of publicity events and focus on their publicity content.

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TL;DR: In this paper, the authors compare the environmental impacts of concrete mixes, which contain different incorporation ratios of fly ash (FA) and recycled concrete aggregates (RCA), with and without Superplasticizer (SP).
Abstract: Since concrete is the most widely used construction material in the world, it is important to improve its environmental performance. A possibility is to use supplementary cementitious materials and recycled aggregates. Therefore, the objective of this work is to compare the environmental impacts (EI) of concrete mixes, which contain different incorporation ratios of fly ash (FA) and recycled concrete aggregates (RCA), with and without Superplasticizer (SP). The Life Cycle Assessment methodology was used for environmental assessment, according to ISO 14040 (2006) and EN 15804 (2012). Contrary to most of the previous studies, this one separately obtained the impact for each life cycle stage in detail (e.g. the impact of raw materials production, transportation, and mixing procedure), and explains the reason behind selecting each dataset. Thus, the results of this study can be used for other case studies. The results show that the EI slightly increased when SP was used. Moreover, the incorporation ratio of fine RCA did not change the results for most of the EI categories. Nevertheless, the EI of most of the categories decreased when coarse NA was fully replaced with coarse RCA. Despite the long transportation distance between the coal power plant and the concrete plant considered in the case study, the EI significantly decreased in most categories with increasing amounts of FA.

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TL;DR: In this article, plastic waste is upcycled into 3-D printing filament with a recyclebot, which is an open source waste plastic extruder, combined with an open-source self-replicating rapid prototyper (RepRap) 3D printer, to enable post-consumer ABS plastic filament from computer waste to be further up cycled into valuable consumer products pre-designed in the digital commons.
Abstract: A promising method of enhancing the circular economy is distributed plastic recycling. In this study plastic waste is upcycled into 3-D printing filament with a recyclebot, which is an open source waste plastic extruder. The recyclebot is combined with an open source self-replicating rapid prototyper (RepRap) 3-D printer, to enable post-consumer ABS plastic filament from computer waste to be further upcycled into valuable consumer products pre-designed in the digital commons. The total electrical energy consumption for the combined process is monitored and an economic evaluation is completed. The coupled distributed recycling and manufacturing method for complex products reduces embodied energy by half, while reducing the cost of consumer products to pennies. This economic benefit provides an incentive for consumers to both home recycle and home manufacture, which tightens the loop on the circular economy by eliminating waste associated from transportation and retail. It is clear from the results that waste plastic can be significantly upcycled at the individual level using this commons-based approach. This tightening of the loop of the circular economy benefits the environment and sustainability as well as the economic stability of consumers/prosumers.