Work

Combining MFA and LCA models to unveil the EU plastic value chain impacts

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Plastics value chains are complex, due to different feedstocks, sectors of applications and end products. To enhance the understanding of the environmental impacts associated with plastic value chains, Material Flow Analysis (MFA) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) can be integrated. In this study, the environmental impacts of the 2019 European Union's (EU) plastic value chain for 9 plastics sectors, from production to end-of-life were evaluated. The environmental impacts were assessed for 16 impact categories and for the single score adopting the European Commission Environmental Footprint 3.1 as life cycle impact assessment method. In the baseline scenario, climate Change impacts due to the EU plastic value chains amounted to 280 Mt CO2 eq., with plastic production contributing to 139 Mt CO2 eq. Sensitivity scenarios were defined to test variations of life cycle impacts. Combined improvements along the value chain or plastic production reduction are necessary to enable significant impacts’ savings.

Source: Resources Conservation and Recycling

DOI: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2025.108279

Authors: Andrea Martino Amadei, Lucia Rigamonti, Davide Tosches, Serenella Sala

Institutions: Politecnico di Milano, Politecnico di Torino, European Commission, Joint Research Centre

Language: English

Topic: Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Subfield: Environmental Engineering

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Climate action

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,270