Decision Support Methodology for Designing Sustainable Recycling Process Based on ETV Standards

Abstract

The scarcity of resources and the increasing in generation of wastes encourages the need for solutions through circular economy strategy. Recycling is mostly used as the key vector to reduce the environmental impact. Nevertheless, different end-of-life pathways are available even for same kind of waste. All recycling solutions are not equivalent in terms of secondary raw materials quality and quantity. These performance factors of recycled materials are mainly influenced by technological and economic investments, and their changes lead to huge environmental impact differences. Environmental assessment of different aluminium recycling pathways allowed us to identify the lack of decision-making process during the design phase of new recycling pathways. Using the Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) certification guidelines, our methodology allows to assess and guide the choices of designers to ensure economic, environmental and social efficiency.