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Life Cycle Inventory Analysis of Recycling: Mathematical and Graphical Frameworks

Author

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  • Jun Nakatani

    (Department of Urban Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan)

Abstract

A mathematical framework of the life cycle inventory (LCI) analysis in life cycle assessment (LCA) of recycling is systematically reviewed with the aid of graphical interpretation. First, the zero burden approach, which has been applied to LCI analyses of waste management systems, is theoretically justified in terms of relative comparison of waste management options. As recycling is a multi-functional system including the dual functions of waste management and secondary material production, the allocation issue needs to be handled in LCIs of recycling, and two forms of system expansion, i.e. , the avoided burden and product basket approaches, have dominated to avoid the allocation problem. Then, it is demonstrated that conclusions derived from both approaches should mathematically be identical as far as system boundaries are correctly defined. A criticism against system expansion is also reviewed from the viewpoint of ambiguity of what-if scenarios. As an approach to this issue, market-based consequential LCA is discussed in the context of LCI analyses of open-loop recycling.

Suggested Citation

  • Jun Nakatani, 2014. "Life Cycle Inventory Analysis of Recycling: Mathematical and Graphical Frameworks," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 6(9), pages 1-12, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:6:y:2014:i:9:p:6158-6169:d:40073
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Max Rehberger & Michael Hiete, 2020. "Allocation of Environmental Impacts in Circular and Cascade Use of Resources—Incentive-Driven Allocation as a Prerequisite for Cascade Persistence," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(11), pages 1-28, May.
    2. Kristin Faye Olalo & Jun Nakatani & Tsuyoshi Fujita, 2022. "Optimal Process Network for Integrated Solid Waste Management in Davao City, Philippines," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-18, February.
    3. Sarah Schmidt & David Laner, 2023. "The environmental performance of plastic packaging waste management in Germany: Current and future key factors," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 27(6), pages 1447-1460, December.
    4. Christoph Stallkamp & Malte Hennig & Rebekka Volk & Frank Richter & Britta Bergfeldt & Salar Tavakkol & Frank Schultmann & Dieter Stapf, 2023. "Economic and environmental assessment of automotive plastic waste end‐of‐life options: Energy recovery versus chemical recycling," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 27(5), pages 1319-1334, October.
    5. Aurelija Burinskienė & Olga Lingaitienė & Artūras Jakubavičius, 2022. "Core Elements Affecting the Circularity of Materials," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-21, July.
    6. Carlos Ferreira & José Ribeiro & Roland Clift & Fausto Freire, 2019. "A Circular Economy Approach to Military Munitions: Valorization of Energetic Material from Ammunition Disposal through Incorporation in Civil Explosives," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-14, January.
    7. Toniolo, Sara & Mazzi, Anna & Pieretto, Chiara & Scipioni, Antonio, 2017. "Allocation strategies in comparative life cycle assessment for recycling: Considerations from case studies," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 117(PB), pages 249-261.
    8. Huysman, Sofie & Debaveye, Sam & Schaubroeck, Thomas & Meester, Steven De & Ardente, Fulvio & Mathieux, Fabrice & Dewulf, Jo, 2015. "The recyclability benefit rate of closed-loop and open-loop systems: A case study on plastic recycling in Flanders," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 101(C), pages 53-60.
    9. Pauline Deutz & Giuseppe Ioppolo, 2015. "From Theory to Practice: Enhancing the Potential Policy Impact of Industrial Ecology," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 7(2), pages 1-15, February.

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