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Sustainability

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Full-Text Articles in Engineering

Systems Analysis For Pet And Olefin Polymers In A Circular Economy, David R. Shonnard, Emily Tipaldo, Vicki Thompson, Joshua M. Pearce, Gerard T. Caneba, Robert Handler May 2019

Systems Analysis For Pet And Olefin Polymers In A Circular Economy, David R. Shonnard, Emily Tipaldo, Vicki Thompson, Joshua M. Pearce, Gerard T. Caneba, Robert Handler

Michigan Tech Publications

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET #1) and polyolefin plastics such polyethylene (HDPE #2, LDPE #4) and polypropylene (PP #5) are major products from the chemical industry, and they comprise a significant fraction of municipal solid waste that ends up in landfills or as litter and marine debris. The reuse of these polymeric materials can be optimized through systems analysis with a view on materials flow analysis, techno-economics, environmental life cycle assessment, and consequential societal impacts. This contribution will present the overall research approach for this exploratory project within the DOE- and industry-funded REMADE Institute and end with a proposed systems analysis framework.