Extending Multilevel Statistical Entropy Analysis towards Plastic Recyclability Prediction

Philippe Nimmegeers, Alexej Parchomenko, Paul De Meulenaere, Dagmar R. D’hooge, Paul H. M. Van Steenberge, Helmut Rechberger and Pieter Billen
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Philippe Nimmegeers: Intelligence in Processes, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS), Faculty of Applied Engineering, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
Alexej Parchomenko: Institute for Water Quality and Resource Management, TU Wien, Karlsplatz 13/226, 1040 Vienna, Austria
Paul De Meulenaere: CoSys-Lab, Faculty of Applied Engineering, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
Dagmar R. D’hooge: Laboratory for Chemical Technology, Ghent University, Technologiepark 125, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
Paul H. M. Van Steenberge: Laboratory for Chemical Technology, Ghent University, Technologiepark 125, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
Helmut Rechberger: Institute for Water Quality and Resource Management, TU Wien, Karlsplatz 13/226, 1040 Vienna, Austria
Pieter Billen: Intelligence in Processes, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS), Faculty of Applied Engineering, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 6, 1-21

Abstract: Multilevel statistical entropy analysis (SEA) is a method that has been recently proposed to evaluate circular economy strategies on the material, component and product levels to identify critical stages of resource and functionality losses. However, the comparison of technological alternatives may be difficult, and equal entropies do not necessarily correspond with equal recyclability. A coupling with energy consumption aspects is strongly recommended but largely lacking. The aim of this paper is to improve the multilevel SEA method to reliably assess the recyclability of plastics. Therefore, the multilevel SEA method is first applied to a conceptual case study of a fictitious bag filled with plastics, and the possibilities and limitations of the method are highlighted. Subsequently, it is proposed to extend the method with the computation of the relative decomposition energies of components and products. Finally, two recyclability metrics are proposed. A plastic waste collection bag filled with plastic bottles is used as a case study to illustrate the potential of the developed extended multilevel SEA method. The proposed extension allows us to estimate the recyclability of plastics. In future work, this method will be refined and other potential extensions will be studied together with applications to real-life plastic products and plastic waste streams.

Keywords: statistical entropy analysis; recycling; plastic waste; waste management; resource efficiency; circular economy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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