Optimization strategies for the carbon footprint of aluminum-plastic materials under low-carbon targets

Aluminum plastic composite panels are extensively utilized. However, a thorough life cycle environmental impact assessment remains absent. Previous research has largely been constrained by limited industrial applicability and has predominantly focused on the carbon footprint associated with the production of these panels. This study endeavors to bridge this gap by conducting an exhaustive life cycle assessment, leveraging updated and comprehensive data, and it encompasses a detailed analysis of environmental impacts and estimates the associated economic and social costs, thereby providing a more holistic evaluation. Results show that the life cycle impacts of 1 ton of panels are 5874.20 kg CO₂-eq for carbon footprint, 0.04 DALY for human health, 2.5E-05 species year for ecological quality, and 568.33 USD2013 for resource consumption. The main environmental burdens arise from aluminum and polyethylene production and processing. Social costs, including human health, environmental emissions, and resource consumption, total 1744.83 RMB, while economic costs, including raw material and transportation, total 10077.46 RMB. We propose seven carbon reduction strategies, notably using recycled aluminum, bio-based polyethylene, and waste recycling, which could cut the carbon footprint by 77.46%, human health impacts by 46.36%, ecological impacts by 77.14%, and resource use by 52.10%, while reducing life cycle and economic costs by 13.56% and 6.22%. Future power grid decarbonization could enhance emission reductions by 76.42% by 2050. Our research findings underscore the imperative of reducing raw material consumption and advancing recycling technologies, offering critical insights to accelerate green and low-carbon transitions in Chinese manufacturing sector.