Work

Beyond technical trade-offs: How the value chain impacts the deployment of mechanical and chemical recycling in the European automotive plastic sector

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Deploying diverse recycling technologies is essential for advancing the circular economy in the plastic sector. This study uses a qualitative approach, combining document analysis and 25 expert interviews, to explore recycling technology deployment in the European automotive plastic sector. Five key parameters – feedstock quality, input quantity, carbon footprint, economic performance, and output quality – are identified as critical for technology deployment, highlighting the trade-offs between different recycling methods. Linking these trade-offs to specific automotive value chain steps – manufacturing, collection and dismantling, shredding and post-shredding – shows the importance of considering value chain specificities. For example, improvements in dismantling automotive plastic components could create new opportunities for mechanical and solvent-based recycling as well as depolymerization but still yield insufficient volumes for pyrolysis and gasification. A deep understanding of value chain configurations and developments is necessary to optimize technology deployment and leverage their complementarities in response to societal and environmental needs.

Source: Journal of Cleaner Production

DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.144616

Authors: Alberto Arcà, Denise Reike, Catharina R. Bening

Institution: ETH Zurich

Language: English

Topic: Recycling and Waste Management Techniques

Subfield: Waste Management and Disposal

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,260