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LCI Databases Sensitivity Analysis of the Environmental Impact of the Injection Molding Process

Author

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  • Ana Elduque

    (i+, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, C/María de Luna, 3, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain)

  • Carlos Javierre

    (i+, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, C/María de Luna, 3, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain)

  • Daniel Elduque

    (i+, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, C/María de Luna, 3, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain)

  • Ángel Fernández

    (i+, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Zaragoza, C/María de Luna, 3, 50018 Zaragoza, Spain)

Abstract

During the last decades, society’s concern for the environment has increased. Specific tools like the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and software and databases to apply this method have been developed to calculate the environmental burden of products or processes. Calculating the environmental impact of plastic products is relevant as the global plastics production rose to 288 million tons in 2012. Among the different ways of processing plastics, the injection molding process is one of the most used in the industry worldwide. In this paper, a sensitivity analysis of the environmental impact of the injection molding process has been carried out. In order to perform this study, the EcoInvent database inventory for injection molding, and the data from which this database is created, have been studied. Generally, when an LCA of a product is carried out, databases such as EcoInvent, where materials, processes and transports are characterized providing average values, are used to quantify the environmental impact. This approach can be good enough in some cases but in order to assess a specific production process, like injection molding, a further level of detail is needed. This study shows how the final results of environmental impact differ for injection molding when using the PVC’s, PP’s or PET’s data. This aspect suggests the necessity of studying, in a more precise way, this process, to correctly evaluate its environmental burden. This also allows us to identify priority areas and thereby actions to develop a more sustainable way of manufacturing plastics.

Suggested Citation

  • Ana Elduque & Carlos Javierre & Daniel Elduque & Ángel Fernández, 2015. "LCI Databases Sensitivity Analysis of the Environmental Impact of the Injection Molding Process," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 7(4), pages 1-9, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:7:y:2015:i:4:p:3792-3800:d:47534
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. N. Tangsubkul & P. Beavis & S. Moore & S. Lundie & T. Waite, 2005. "Life Cycle Assessment of Water Recycling Technology," Water Resources Management: An International Journal, Published for the European Water Resources Association (EWRA), Springer;European Water Resources Association (EWRA), vol. 19(5), pages 521-537, October.
    2. Martínez, E. & Blanco, J. & Jiménez, E. & Saenz-Díez, J.C. & Sanz, F., 2015. "Comparative evaluation of life cycle impact assessment software tools through a wind turbine case study," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 74(C), pages 237-246.
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    Cited by:

    1. David O. Kazmer & Davide Masato & Leonardo Piccolo & Kyle Puleo & Joshua Krantz & Varun Venoor & Austin Colon & Justin Limkaichong & Neil Dewar & Denis Babin & Cheryl Sayer, 2021. "Multivariate Modeling of Mechanical Properties for Hot Runner Molded Bioplastics and a Recycled Polypropylene Blend," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-23, July.
    2. Alexandre L. N. Vieira & Raul D. S. G. Campilho & Francisco J. G. Silva & Luís P. Ferreira, 2021. "Increasing the Environmental Sustainability of an Over-Injection Line for the Automotive Component Industry," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(22), pages 1-21, November.
    3. José Eduardo Galve & Daniel Elduque & Carmelo Pina & Carlos Javierre, 2016. "Sustainable Supply Chain Management: The Influence of Disposal Scenarios on the Environmental Impact of a 2400 L Waste Container," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 8(6), pages 1-12, June.

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