Work

Life cycle analysis of waste management of a brake pad manufacturing company

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Industrial waste management significantly impacts greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, yet methodological inconsistencies challenge standardized quantification. This study applies a life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate waste management practices at a brake pad manufacturing SME in Mexico, using the IPCC Emission Factor Database (EFDB), the U.S. EPA’s WARM model, and the UK government’s conversion factors. While results show major discrepancies across tools, all agree on the climate benefits of recycling, reporting net reductions of –175.65 MTCO₂e for mixed metals and –24.77 MTCO₂e for corrugated containers. However, current models fail to fully integrate avoided emissions into official inventories, underestimating the role of circular strategies. To address this, the study proposes a hybrid methodology that combines scenario-based LCA with standardized emission factors, offering a context-adapted framework for emissions accounting in Mexico’s automotive sector. The research also highlights the importance of digital transformation (DT) and market orientation (MO) in shaping strategic responses among SMEs. While DT is often framed around technological adoption, this study underscores that market-driven strategies can enhance the effectiveness of environmental decision-making. By aligning MO with DT initiatives, firms can better adapt to regulatory pressures and sustainability targets. This integrated approach supports more consistent GHG accounting, promotes circular economy principles, and provides practical guidance for SMEs navigating digital and environmental transitions simultaneously contributing to both emissions mitigation and long-term competitiveness.

Source: Cleaner Waste Systems

DOI: 10.1016/j.clwas.2025.100314

Authors: Samira Dominguez-Villanueva, Miguel Angel Rojas-García, Francisco Javier Sánchez-Ruiz, Hernán Hernández-Reyes, Luis Cuautle-Gutierrez

Institution: Universidad Popular Autónoma del Estado de Puebla

Language: English

Topic: Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Subfield: Environmental Engineering

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

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

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,430