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Valorization of Energetic Materials from Obsolete Military Ammunition Through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): A Circular Economy Approach to Environmental Impact Reduction

Author

Listed:
  • Andrzej Maranda

    (Łukasiewicz Research Network—Institute of Industrial Organic Chemistry, 03-236 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Leszek Wachowski

    (Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-712 Poznan, Poland)

  • Bożena Kukfisz

    (Institute of Safety Engineering, Fire University, 01-629 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Dorota Markowska

    (Faculty of Process and Environmental Engineering, Lodz University of Technology, 90-924 Lodz, Poland)

  • Józef Paszula

    (Faculty of Advanced Technologies and Chemistry, Military University of Technology, 00-908 Warsaw, Poland)

Abstract

Military ammunition and derivative materials that have reached the end of their service life are classified as hazardous waste due to the presence of explosives, necessitating proper decommissioning. Valorization of such materials through the reuse of energetic components offers a sustainable alternative, aligning with circular economy principles. This study aims to assess the environmental impact of civilian emulsion explosives (EEs) formulated with nitrocellulose powder derived from recycled ammunition, comparing these findings to traditional EEs and EEs containing standard nitrocellulose powder. The Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) was performed using the CML Baseline v3.07 methodology combined with the Ecoinvent 3.8 database, utilizing inventory data obtained from Polish sources. The results indicate that incorporating nitrocellulose powder into conventional EEs increases the overall environmental impact by 4.5%, while utilizing recycled nitrocellulose powder reduces the impact by 4.99%. This highlights the environmental benefits of recycling energetic materials for use in civilian applications, as it not only reduces hazardous waste and reliance on virgin materials but also supports the principles of the circular economy. By closing the loop on material use, this approach promotes environmental sustainability and resource efficiency, aligning with broader goals of sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrzej Maranda & Leszek Wachowski & Bożena Kukfisz & Dorota Markowska & Józef Paszula, 2025. "Valorization of Energetic Materials from Obsolete Military Ammunition Through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): A Circular Economy Approach to Environmental Impact Reduction," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(1), pages 1-17, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:1:p:346-:d:1560598
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Genovese, Andrea & Acquaye, Adolf A. & Figueroa, Alejandro & Koh, S.C. Lenny, 2017. "Sustainable supply chain management and the transition towards a circular economy: Evidence and some applications," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 66(PB), pages 344-357.
    2. Kirchherr, Julian & Reike, Denise & Hekkert, Marko, 2017. "Conceptualizing the circular economy: An analysis of 114 definitions," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 127(C), pages 221-232.
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    1. Jingyu Lei & Feng Chen & Yinchu Wang & Zilong Liu & Xingchuang Xiong & Xiaoping Song, 2025. "Difference Analysis of Coal Carbon Emission Coefficient in China and Its Effects on Carbon Emission Calculation, Quota Allocation, and Enterprise Costs," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-17, January.

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