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Identifying ways of closing the metal flow loop in the global mobile phone product system: A system dynamics modeling approach

Author

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  • Sinha, Rajib
  • Laurenti, Rafael
  • Singh, Jagdeep
  • Malmström, Maria E.
  • Frostell, Björn

Abstract

In the past few decades, e-waste has emerged as one of the fastest growing and increasingly complex waste flows world-wide. Within e-waste, the life cycle of the mobile phone product system is particularly important because of: (1) the increasing quantities of mobile phones in this waste flow; and (2) the sustainability challenges associated with the emerging economies of reuse, refurbishment, and export of used mobile phones. This study examined the possibilities of closing the material flow loop in the global mobile phone product system (GMPPS) while addressing the broad sustainability challenges linked to recovery of materials. This was done using an adapted system dynamics modeling approach to investigate the dominant paths and drivers for closing the metal flow loop through the concept of eco-cycle. Two indicators were chosen to define the closed loop system: loop leakage and loop efficiency. Sensitivity analysis of selected parameters was used to identify potential drivers for closing the metal flow loop. The modeling work indicated leverage for management strategies aimed at closing the loop in: (i) collection systems for used phones, (ii) mobile phone use time, and (ii) informal recycling in developing countries. By analyzing the dominant parameters, an eco-cycle scenario that could promote a closed loop system by decreasing pressures on virgin materials was formulated. Improved policy support and product service systems could synchronize growth between upstream producers and end-of-life organizations and help achieve circular production and consumption in the GMPPS.

Suggested Citation

  • Sinha, Rajib & Laurenti, Rafael & Singh, Jagdeep & Malmström, Maria E. & Frostell, Björn, 2016. "Identifying ways of closing the metal flow loop in the global mobile phone product system: A system dynamics modeling approach," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 113(C), pages 65-76.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:recore:v:113:y:2016:i:c:p:65-76
    DOI: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2016.05.010
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Asif, Farazee M.A. & Rashid, Amir & Bianchi, Carmine & Nicolescu, Cornel M., 2015. "System dynamics models for decision making in product multiple lifecycles," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 101(C), pages 20-33.
    2. Eric Williams & Ramzy Kahhat & Magnus Bengtsson & Shiko Hayashi & Yasuhiko Hotta & Yoshiaki Totoki, 2013. "Linking Informal and Formal Electronics Recycling via an Interface Organization," Challenges, MDPI, vol. 4(2), pages 1-18, July.
    3. Geels, Frank W., 2012. "A socio-technical analysis of low-carbon transitions: introducing the multi-level perspective into transport studies," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 24(C), pages 471-482.
    4. Panambunan-Ferse, Meity & Breiter, Andreas, 2013. "Assessing the side-effects of ICT development: E-waste production and management," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 35(3), pages 223-231.
    5. Thomas Spengler & Marcus Schröter, 2003. "Strategic Management of Spare Parts in Closed-Loop Supply Chains—A System Dynamics Approach," Interfaces, INFORMS, vol. 33(6), pages 7-17, December.
    6. L. Andrew Bollinger & Chris Davis & Igor Nikolić & Gerard P.J. Dijkema, 2012. "Modeling Metal Flow Systems," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 16(2), pages 176-190, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. de Oliveira Neto, Geraldo Cardoso & de Jesus Cardoso Correia, Auro & Schroeder, Adriano Michelotti, 2017. "Economic and environmental assessment of recycling and reuse of electronic waste: Multiple case studies in Brazil and Switzerland," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 127(C), pages 42-55.
    2. Ali Shahbazi & Mazaher Moeinaddini & Mohammad Ali Abdoli & Mahnaz Hosseinzadeh & Neamatollah Jaafarzadeh & Rajib Sinha, 2023. "Environmental Damage of Different Waste Treatment Scenarios by Considering Avoided Emissions Based on System Dynamics Modeling," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(23), pages 1-22, November.

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