Caterina Picuno , Spyridoula Gerassimidou , Weimu You , Olwenn Martin , Eleni Iacovidou
{"title":"The potential of Deposit Refund Systems in closing the plastic beverage bottle loop: A review","authors":"Caterina Picuno , Spyridoula Gerassimidou , Weimu You , Olwenn Martin , Eleni Iacovidou","doi":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107962","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107962","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This critical review assesses the implementation and impact of Deposit Return Schemes (DRSs), also referred to as ‘Deposit Refund Systems’ and ‘Deposit Return Systems’ in international contexts, focusing on plastic beverage bottles. The review explores the multi-dimensional challenges that shape effective DRS implementation. A total of 143 peer-reviewed articles and grey literature studies were analysed based on DRS definitions, scope, year of implementation, materials involved, and impacts across multiple dimensions (technical, social, economic, regulatory, and environmental). Emphasising Europe, the study outlines the multi-dimensional challenges and opportunities associated with DRSs. Key findings highlight the critical importance of balancing redemption locations, deposit values, and public awareness, as reflected in varying return rates in different countries. While industry stakeholders advocate for standardising DRS models to maximise economic and technical value in the plastic bottle value chain, significant European-wide and regional-specific challenges such as harmonizing legal requirements, potential trade-offs, and addressing environmental and transportation costs, persist. This underscores the ongoing need for evaluation and refinement of DRS implementation strategies within evolving waste management practices. As the first of its kind, this study underscores the necessity for future research to inform the sustainability assessment of DRS, policy development, and efforts to promote social accountability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21153,"journal":{"name":"Resources Conservation and Recycling","volume":"212 ","pages":"Article 107962"},"PeriodicalIF":11.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142553797","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
You Zhang , Xuewei Liu , Laure Patouillard , Manuele Margni , Cécile Bulle , Zengwei Yuan
{"title":"Where coal is produced really matters the environmental impacts","authors":"You Zhang , Xuewei Liu , Laure Patouillard , Manuele Margni , Cécile Bulle , Zengwei Yuan","doi":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107987","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107987","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>China is the largest coal producer. The environmental impacts caused by its vast production deserve attention. Previous site-generic life cycle assessment (LCA) studies focused on single or several coal mines, ignoring spatial heterogeneity of environmental impacts and hardly providing industry-level suggestions. Here, we propose a technical framework for regionalized LCA and evaluate provincial-level environmental impacts per tonne of coal in China. It reveals significant variations in climate change and particulate matter formation potential (PMFP), with water scarcity potential (WSP) showing the highest spatial disparities, and also demonstrates the significance of this work. Key processes dominating environmental impacts and underlying factors driving these variations are identified. Furthermore, the total PMFP and WSP of provincial-level coal production since 2002 are estimated, showing a growing trend in spatial variation. This study provides valuable insights to enhance the environmental performance of China's coal industry and serves as a methodological reference for regionalized LCA research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21153,"journal":{"name":"Resources Conservation and Recycling","volume":"212 ","pages":"Article 107987"},"PeriodicalIF":11.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142553794","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jun Ning , Shoujuan Tang , Yingjie Fu , Guangxin Liu , Yuheng Sun , Zhengyuan Feng , Donggen Huang , Lei Shi
{"title":"Substance flow analysis of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fiber in China","authors":"Jun Ning , Shoujuan Tang , Yingjie Fu , Guangxin Liu , Yuheng Sun , Zhengyuan Feng , Donggen Huang , Lei Shi","doi":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107984","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107984","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The flow process of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers presents complex characteristics that are challenging to quantify accurately. This study quantified the flow patterns of PET fiber production, consumption, trade, and recycling during 1990–2022 and analyzed the effects of the economy, technology, and policy on the metabolic processes of PET fiber. Key findings are as follows: (1) the consumption and export of PET fiber showed an exponential growth trend due to rapid economic growth, accession to WTO, and technological progress since 2001; (2) the production of PET fiber decreased slightly during 2016–2018, affected by high-quality transformation of industry and the elimination of backward production capacity policies; (3) the increases in recycled PET fiber input after 2019, due to carbon peak, carbon neutral, and circular economy policies, have affected the formation of a new pattern of PET flow and resulted in new opportunities and challenges for the development of PET industry.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21153,"journal":{"name":"Resources Conservation and Recycling","volume":"212 ","pages":"Article 107984"},"PeriodicalIF":11.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142553796","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Florian Wurm , Florence Schöb , Tina Moor , Julia Schweiß , Jörg Leukel , Tung Pham , Thomas Bechtold
{"title":"Production and separation of knitted lyocell-cellulose acetate fabrics from crimped cellulose acetate fibers","authors":"Florian Wurm , Florence Schöb , Tina Moor , Julia Schweiß , Jörg Leukel , Tung Pham , Thomas Bechtold","doi":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107959","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107959","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cellulose acetate (CA) can serve as bio-favourable polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substitute in textiles, being biodegradable and mechanically disintegrable. Textile fiber production was hypothesised possible using filter tow production facilities. Different crimped CA fibers from a filter tow machine were used to produce mixed Lyocell-CA yarns via ring spinning. Yarn production, fiber-specific dyeing and subsequent material separation (recovery of 88 %) was possible by standard processes. Yarns of a 50:50 %w/w have a titer of ∼46 tex (≙ g/1000 m) and a tenacity of ∼0.1 N/tex. The yarns show increasing tenacity with increasing lyocell content (∼0.2 N/tex for 100 % Lyocell). Furthermore, CA was separated from dispersion dye using acetone-ethanol mixtures (1:2 v/v). Though ameliorating CA fiber spinning is required for pure CA yarn production, this process is implantable on existing machinery in common machine settings. Textile CA fibers can be produced by filter tow infrastructure. CA can help reducing the atmosphere's fossil-carbon enrichment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21153,"journal":{"name":"Resources Conservation and Recycling","volume":"212 ","pages":"Article 107959"},"PeriodicalIF":11.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142553792","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Helong Song , Koh Chuen Hon , Florent Gauvin , Samuel Pantaleo , Felix Berger , Wei Chen , H.J.H. Brouwers
{"title":"Durability assessment of alkyl ketene dimer hydrophobic treatment of bio-based thermal insulation materials","authors":"Helong Song , Koh Chuen Hon , Florent Gauvin , Samuel Pantaleo , Felix Berger , Wei Chen , H.J.H. Brouwers","doi":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107983","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107983","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bio-based composites are increasingly used as thermal insulation materials in construction due to sustainability and low thermal conductivity. However, their high moisture absorption can negatively affect performance and mould growth risk, shortening product lifespan. This study introduces alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) as an eco-friendly and economical solution for the hydrophobic treatment of two bio-based composites, mycelium and grass, to enhance their durability. We compare the physicochemical properties, hygrothermal performance, and mould growth resistance of bio-based composites before and after hydrophobic modification while evaluating their durability in simulated building envelopes across different climates. Results showed that the modified bio-based composites were well-grafted with AKD. The water absorption of bio-based composites significantly decreased after modification, and the mould growth resistance capacity of modified composites was significantly improved. Moreover, hygrothermal simulations reveal that AKD modification effectively enhances their suitability under different climate profiles, particularly when modified grass composites are applied.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21153,"journal":{"name":"Resources Conservation and Recycling","volume":"212 ","pages":"Article 107983"},"PeriodicalIF":11.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142553795","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kexing Li , Mahdi Bashiri , Ming K Lim , Tega Akpobi
{"title":"How to improve supply chain sustainable performance by resilience practices through dynamic capability view: Evidence from Chinese construction","authors":"Kexing Li , Mahdi Bashiri , Ming K Lim , Tega Akpobi","doi":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107965","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107965","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study explores the relationship between supply chain resilience (SCR) and sustainable supply chain performance (SSCP) within the context of the Chinese construction industry, a sector known for its complexity and vulnerability to disruptions. Drawing on data from 525 construction companies, the research investigates how SCR directly influences SSCP and examines the mediating role of dynamic capabilities in this relationship. The results highlight those dynamic capabilities, specifically the ability to seize and reconfigure, serve as critical mediators in the resilience-sustainability relationship while sensing does not have a significant mediating effect. This suggests that in highly dynamic environments like China's construction sector, focusing on capturing opportunities and reconfiguring resources is more effective for achieving sustainable outcomes than relying solely on sensing capabilities. This finding contributes to the growing body of knowledge by providing a nuanced understanding of how resilience practices can be leveraged to promote long-term sustainability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21153,"journal":{"name":"Resources Conservation and Recycling","volume":"212 ","pages":"Article 107965"},"PeriodicalIF":11.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142553793","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
H. Mahmood , A. Zippo , G. Iarriccio , M. Renon , A. Pegoretti
{"title":"Property modification of rigid polyurethane foam by end-of-life polyvinyl chloride foam particles","authors":"H. Mahmood , A. Zippo , G. Iarriccio , M. Renon , A. Pegoretti","doi":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107982","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107982","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>End-of-life (EoL) rigid crosslinked polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foams are subjected to hazardous procedure of incineration or landfilling for waste management. This work aims to valorize PVC waste for the property variation of rigid polyurethane (PU) foam. PVC waste was sieved to obtain different sized particles and were mixed homogenously in polyol/isocyanate mixture. The geometrical density of modified foams increased with the progressive addition of the PVC particles, the effect of which was more pronounced with 300 μm PVC particles. Morphological analysis of these foams revealed a reduction in cell size and an increase in the open porosity of the PU cell structure. Moreover, PU foams loaded with PVC particles did not manifest a severe reduction of the former's insulating property. The effect of damping in PU foams was also verified by resonance tests where a size effect was observed, increasing the damping ratio and thus enhancing the usefulness of such insulating structures.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21153,"journal":{"name":"Resources Conservation and Recycling","volume":"212 ","pages":"Article 107982"},"PeriodicalIF":11.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142553791","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Li An , Lei Shen , Shuai Zhong , Delong Li , Yidong Zhu
{"title":"Conservation effects of transboundary protected areas on mitigating anthropogenic pressure across China's borders","authors":"Li An , Lei Shen , Shuai Zhong , Delong Li , Yidong Zhu","doi":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107976","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107976","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The escalating anthropogenic pressure in terrestrial borderlands is one of the major threats to transboundary ecosystems. To realize effective transboundary conservation efforts, neighboring countries need to clarify the spatial patterns and variation trends of anthropogenic pressure, as well as effects of the transboundary protected area (TBPA) on resisting anthropogenic pressure. This study investigated TBPAs across China's borders with diversified socioeconomic and natural backgrounds based on nighttime light, population density, impervious surface data and causal inference methods. We found both TBPAs and surrounding unprotected areas experienced significant increase of anthropogenic pressure, and the proportion of very high pressure in TBPAs expanded from 0.43 % in 2000 to 1.19 % in 2020. TBPAs effectively mitigated the growth trend of anthropogenic pressure by 23.91 %, however there's discrepancy in conservation effects among different TBPAs and countries. These results highlight the necessity to enhance international collaboration to address anthropogenic pressure and promote sustainable livelihoods in transboundary areas.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21153,"journal":{"name":"Resources Conservation and Recycling","volume":"212 ","pages":"Article 107976"},"PeriodicalIF":11.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142553790","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Assessing the environmental impacts associated with China's battery minerals and technologies","authors":"Yawei Huang , Heming Wang , Asaf Tzachor","doi":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107978","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107978","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Battery mineral production causes impacts on the environment and human health, which may increase the probability of supply restrictions imposed by exporting countries. As the largest battery producer, assessing the environmental impacts of China's battery-related minerals and technologies is crucial. However, studies that address the integrated issues of supply risks, vulnerability, and environmental impacts are relatively scarce for China. This study assesses China's battery materials and technologies’ environmental impacts. Results show that particulate pollution from nickel, cobalt, and manganese production exceeds CO<sub>2</sub> emissions, whereas the reverse is true for other battery materials. Battery technologies that involve nickel, cobalt, and manganese are predominantly affected by particulate pollution, causing over 62 % of human health damage. Each battery technology disproportionately affects the environment through a single element, with contribution values exceeding 46 %. In response, the study proposes strategies for a sustainable battery industry, including green energy systems, tailings backfilling, and circular economy measures.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21153,"journal":{"name":"Resources Conservation and Recycling","volume":"212 ","pages":"Article 107978"},"PeriodicalIF":11.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142553788","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Chao Tian , Haiqing Sui , Youlin Chen , Wenxi Wang , Huijing Deng
{"title":"Estimating carbon emission reductions from China's “Zero-waste City” construction pilot program","authors":"Chao Tian , Haiqing Sui , Youlin Chen , Wenxi Wang , Huijing Deng","doi":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107975","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.resconrec.2024.107975","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Zero-waste strategies aim to reduce the growing generation of all types of solid waste streams. China has launched a “Zero-waste City” construction pilot program to mitigate pollution, lower carbon emissions, and promote a circular economy. However, a knowledge gap remains in terms of quantifying the carbon emission reduction performance when this program was implemented in the pilot cities. This study developed a methodology to account for the carbon emission reductions from the solid waste management processes, including source control, mid-end utilization, and end-of-line disposal in China's zero-waste pilot cities. Results indicated that the intensity of solid waste generation has been effectively controlled, the utilization level has been significantly improved, and the capacity for harmless disposal has been greatly enhanced, leading to substantial carbon emission reductions and climate benefits. Further decomposition of the driving forces using the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) model revealed that emission intensity and treatment structure were the primary contributors to the carbon emission reductions. These findings could provide valuable insights for advancing China's in-depth construction of “Zero-waste City” projects and inform zero-waste management strategies in other countries.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21153,"journal":{"name":"Resources Conservation and Recycling","volume":"212 ","pages":"Article 107975"},"PeriodicalIF":11.2,"publicationDate":"2024-10-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142553789","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}