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An Integrated Framework for Environmental and Social Life Cycle Assessments in PET Bottle Waste Management: A Case Study in Brazil

Author

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  • Eduardo J. P. Martin

    (Department of Production Engineering, Sao Paulo State University—UNESP, Bauru 17033-360, Brazil)

  • Deborah S. B. L. Oliveira

    (Department of Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Sao Carlos—UFSCar, Sao Carlos 13565-905, Brazil
    School of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK)

  • Luiza S. B. L. Oliveira

    (Department of Chemical Engineering, Federal University of Sao Carlos—UFSCar, Sao Carlos 13565-905, Brazil
    Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA)

  • Barbara S. Bezerra

    (Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Sao Paulo State University—UNESP, Bauru 17033-360, Brazil)

Abstract

The improper disposal of PET bottle waste in Brazil jeopardizes the sustainability goals, impacting the social, economic, and environmental aspects. In order to tackle this issue, this study introduces a framework that was developed using a combination of environmental and social life cycle assessments (LCAs), along with a modified Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodology. Nine disposal scenarios were evaluated in Bauru, Brazil, including various combinations of landfills, sorting cooperatives, and incineration. Environmental (Env-LCA) and social (S-LCA) assessments followed the ISO 14040 standards, with the S-LCA incorporating the UNEP/SETAC guidelines. Scenario 9 was identified as the most sustainable option from the evaluated scenarios, with 100% of the waste sent to sorting cooperatives, with modified collection schemes. Conversely, Scenario 1, with a high landfill percentage, proved to be the least sustainable.

Suggested Citation

  • Eduardo J. P. Martin & Deborah S. B. L. Oliveira & Luiza S. B. L. Oliveira & Barbara S. Bezerra, 2023. "An Integrated Framework for Environmental and Social Life Cycle Assessments in PET Bottle Waste Management: A Case Study in Brazil," Waste, MDPI, vol. 1(3), pages 1-16, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jwaste:v:1:y:2023:i:3:p:43-739:d:1224984
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Navid Hossaini & Bahareh Reza & Sharmin Akhtar & Rehan Sadiq & Kasun Hewage, 2015. "AHP based life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) framework: a case study of six storey wood frame and concrete frame buildings in Vancouver," Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 58(7), pages 1217-1241, July.
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