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Analysis of Lifespan of Plastic Pallets and Containers in Korea Using Probability Density Function (PDF)

Author

Listed:
  • Dowan Kim

    (Department of Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul 01811, Republic of Korea)

  • Joungdae Kim

    (Department of Health and Environment, Hallym Polytechnic University, ChunCheon 24210, Republic of Korea)

  • Chaegun Phae

    (Department of Environmental Engineering, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Seoul 01811, Republic of Korea)

Abstract

Pallets and containers are reused for a long period of time and are circulated and shared among consumers via a pool system. Although attempts have recently been made to convert to an EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) system in Korea, it is difficult to calculate their mandatory recycling rates because they are treated as the same waste, even though they are clearly different from disposable consumer goods and plastic packaging materials. In this study, we tried to calculate waste generation based on the lifespan of plastic pallets and containers using the probability density function. The life distribution for each material (PE (polyethylene) and PP (polypropylene)) of pallets and containers was derived, and by applying this, the amount of waste generation from 2010 to 2027 was estimated. The Mean Time to Failure among pallets was 9.6 years for PE and 3.2 years for PP, and among containers, was 16.5 years for PE and 12.2 years for PP. Additionally, it was calculated that pallets had a waste generation rate of 67.5% to 75.1% by shipment, and containers 26.9–69.2%. These results can be used to calculate the waste generation rate when calculating the mandatory recycling rate of pallets and containers in the future. However, since pallets and containers are used second-hand, or are exported together with products after being shipped domestically, the amount flowing into recycling companies decreases, so it is considered that supplementation via material balance analysis is necessary to calculate the mandatory recycling rate.

Suggested Citation

  • Dowan Kim & Joungdae Kim & Chaegun Phae, 2023. "Analysis of Lifespan of Plastic Pallets and Containers in Korea Using Probability Density Function (PDF)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-11, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:11:p:8797-:d:1159279
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jonghun Park & Laszlo Horvath & Robert J. Bush, 2018. "Life Cycle Inventory Analysis of the Wood Pallet Repair Process in the United States," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 22(5), pages 1117-1126, October.
    2. Ivan Deviatkin & Musharof Khan & Elizabeth Ernst & Mika Horttanainen, 2019. "Wooden and Plastic Pallets: A Review of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Studies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(20), pages 1-17, October.
    3. Roy, Debjit & Carrano, Andres L. & Pazour, Jennifer A. & Gupta, Akash, 2016. "Cost-effective pallet management strategies," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 93(C), pages 358-371.
    4. Elia, Valerio & Gnoni, Maria Grazia, 2015. "Designing an effective closed loop system for pallet management," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 170(PC), pages 730-740.
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