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Life Cycle Assessment of Plastic Resin: A Case Study of the Petrochemical Industry in Thailand for the Production of HDPE Resin
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This life cycle assessment of high-density polyethylene resin production in Thailand evaluated environmental, economic, and social impacts across the full production chain, finding that energy-intensive petrochemical processes are the dominant driver of environmental burden.
Life cycle sustainability is an important tool for assessing product performance based on the three pillars of environment, economy and society. This study examined the life cycle impact, cost and social implications of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) resin. Environmental assessment revealed nonrenewable energy as the greatest impact followed by carcinogens, respiratory inorganics and global warming while economically, the operational cost of HDPE resin production was significantly highest. The social impact assessment following the United Nation Environmental Programme (UNEP)/ Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) guidelines demonstrated optimal performance for all indicators except for gender ratio and disabled employee criteria which were lower human rights indicators than other companies. The subcategory of occupational health and safety should be specified in future aspects, such as rate of disease from company operation. Energy efficiency and material acquisition should be improved to reduce the environmental impact and positively redress declining costs, leading to decrease in disease rate among workers in the local community. Results suggested that improving environmental impact would increase economic performance through optimal energy efficiency, while the social life cycle assessment indicator should mainly focus on health and safety in the event of disease arising from business operations.
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Life Cycle Assessment of Recycling High-Density Polyethylene Plastic Waste
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Researchers used Life Cycle Assessment to compare landfill, incineration, and mechanical recycling of high-density polyethylene plastic waste, finding that increased recycling substantially reduces energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and carcinogen releases while diminishing demand for virgin plastic production.
The capabilities and deficiencies of life cycle assessment to address the plastic problem
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This review critically evaluates the capabilities and limitations of life cycle assessment (LCA) as a tool for understanding the full environmental impacts of plastics across their supply chain, from production through end-of-life disposal. The authors argue that LCA can contextualize plastic impacts relative to alternative materials and reveal invisible environmental costs throughout the plastic life cycle, while also identifying key deficiencies in current LCA methodology for addressing plastic pollution.
Study of the Environmental İmpact of Petroleum Product Waste Generated During Polyethylene Production at the SOCAR Polymer Plant
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Researchers analyzed the environmental impact of polyethylene production at the SOCAR Polymer plant, examining the morphological composition of waste generated during synthesis, polymerization, and granulation stages and quantifying emissions of petroleum product waste with implications for microplastic pollution.
A critical review on plastic waste life cycle assessment and management: Challenges, research gaps, and future perspectives
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This review examines the full environmental impact of plastics from production through disposal, noting that life cycle assessments often produce unexpected results when comparing bio-based and petroleum-based plastics. A major gap exists because microplastic pollution is not yet factored into these environmental assessments, despite growing evidence of its ecological harm.
Life Cycle Assessment of Selected Single-Use Plastic Products towards Evidence-Based Policy Recommendations in Sri Lanka
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Researchers applied life cycle assessment to common single-use plastic products in Sri Lanka, quantifying their environmental impacts across production to disposal and providing evidence-based recommendations to guide national plastic pollution policy.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.