Environmental-energy analysis and the importance of design and remanufacturing recycled materials

Abstract

This paper proposes a framework that interrelates the life cycle of the product, remanufacturing and recycling for plastics. The paper analyses the different chemical processes of recycling polymer wastes. We introduce a thermodynamic calculation of the energy consumed and CO2 emissions for all types of waste (municipal, electronic, vehicle). The remanufacturing process could reduce the amount of CO2 emissions through feedback to the product design stage with robust platforms that extend the product life cycle. In order to meet the requirements of remanufacturing we combine mechanical and chemical recycling solutions. These recycling processes must undergo a thermodynamic analysis to optimize energy and decrease the minimum CO2 emissions, i.e. recycling processes in line with the ultimate objective, which isthe reduction of CO2 emissions and slowing a part of the problem global warming.