Life Cycle Assessment of Poly(Lactic Acid) (PLA): Comparison Between Chemical Recycling, Mechanical Recycling and Composting

Author(s)

Cosate de Andrade, Marina F. ; Souza, Patricia M. S. ; Cavalett, Otavio ; Morales, Ana R.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT; v. 24, n. 4, p. 372-384, DEC 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 11

Abstract

This paper presents a life cycle assessment (LCA) comparing three forms of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) disposal: mechanical recycling, chemical recycling and composting. The LCA data was taken from lab scale experiments for composting and hydrolysis steps. Polymerization data in chemical recycling was obtained from computer simulation. Mechanical recycling data from lab scale were combined with the data from a plastics commercial mechanical recycling plant. The analysis considered two different product systems based on the input of the recycled PLA in the product system. Considering the categories: climate change, human toxicity and fossil depletion, the LCA showed that mechanical recycling presented the lowest environmental impact, followed by chemical recycling and composting. Among the forms of recycling, the most important input was the electricity consumption. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 14/09883-5 - Environmental impact assessment and the genotoxic and mutagenic effects of biodegradable polymers
• Grantee: Ana Rita Morales
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants