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Extending Multilevel Statistical Entropy Analysis towards Plastic Recyclability Prediction

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  • Philippe Nimmegeers

    (Intelligence in Processes, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS), Faculty of Applied Engineering, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
    Environmental Economics (EnvEcon), Department of Engineering Management, Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Antwerp, Prinsstraat 13, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium)

  • Alexej Parchomenko

    (Institute for Water Quality and Resource Management, TU Wien, Karlsplatz 13/226, 1040 Vienna, Austria
    VITO, 200 Boeretang, 2400 Mol, Belgium)

  • Paul De Meulenaere

    (CoSys-Lab, Faculty of Applied Engineering, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
    Flanders Make—Ansymo/Cosys Core Lab, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium)

  • Dagmar R. D’hooge

    (Laboratory for Chemical Technology, Ghent University, Technologiepark 125, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
    Centre for Textiles Science and Engineering, Ghent University, Technologiepark 70a, 9052 Ghent, Belgium)

  • Paul H. M. Van Steenberge

    (Laboratory for Chemical Technology, Ghent University, Technologiepark 125, 9052 Ghent, Belgium)

  • Helmut Rechberger

    (Institute for Water Quality and Resource Management, TU Wien, Karlsplatz 13/226, 1040 Vienna, Austria)

  • Pieter Billen

    (Intelligence in Processes, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS), Faculty of Applied Engineering, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium)

Abstract

Multilevel statistical entropy analysis (SEA) is a method that has been recently proposed to evaluate circular economy strategies on the material, component and product levels to identify critical stages of resource and functionality losses. However, the comparison of technological alternatives may be difficult, and equal entropies do not necessarily correspond with equal recyclability. A coupling with energy consumption aspects is strongly recommended but largely lacking. The aim of this paper is to improve the multilevel SEA method to reliably assess the recyclability of plastics. Therefore, the multilevel SEA method is first applied to a conceptual case study of a fictitious bag filled with plastics, and the possibilities and limitations of the method are highlighted. Subsequently, it is proposed to extend the method with the computation of the relative decomposition energies of components and products. Finally, two recyclability metrics are proposed. A plastic waste collection bag filled with plastic bottles is used as a case study to illustrate the potential of the developed extended multilevel SEA method. The proposed extension allows us to estimate the recyclability of plastics. In future work, this method will be refined and other potential extensions will be studied together with applications to real-life plastic products and plastic waste streams.

Suggested Citation

  • Philippe Nimmegeers & Alexej Parchomenko & Paul De Meulenaere & Dagmar R. D’hooge & Paul H. M. Van Steenberge & Helmut Rechberger & Pieter Billen, 2021. "Extending Multilevel Statistical Entropy Analysis towards Plastic Recyclability Prediction," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-21, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:6:p:3553-:d:522395
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Markus Gall & Andrea Schweighuber & Wolfgang Buchberger & Reinhold W. Lang, 2020. "Plastic Bottle Cap Recycling—Characterization of Recyclate Composition and Opportunities for Design for Circularity," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(24), pages 1-21, December.
    2. Raymond Gradus, 2020. "Postcollection Separation of Plastic Recycling and Design-For-Recycling as Solutions to Low Cost-Effectiveness and Plastic Debris," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(20), pages 1-12, October.
    3. Rechberger, H. & Graedel, T. E., 2002. "The contemporary European copper cycle: statistical entropy analysis," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 42(1-2), pages 59-72, August.
    4. Matthias Buyle & Amaryllis Audenaert & Pieter Billen & Katrien Boonen & Steven Van Passel, 2019. "The Future of Ex-Ante LCA? Lessons Learned and Practical Recommendations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(19), pages 1-24, October.
    5. Eleonora Foschi & Sara Zanni & Alessandra Bonoli, 2020. "Combining Eco-Design and LCA as Decision-Making Process to Prevent Plastics in Packaging Application," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(22), pages 1-13, November.
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