Valorization of Energetic Materials from Obsolete Military Ammunition Through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): A Circular Economy Approach to Environmental Impact Reduction

Andrzej Maranda, Leszek Wachowski, Bożena Kukfisz, Dorota Markowska and Józef Paszula ()
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Andrzej Maranda: Łukasiewicz Research Network—Institute of Industrial Organic Chemistry, 03-236 Warsaw, Poland
Leszek Wachowski: Faculty of Chemistry, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-712 Poznan, Poland
Bożena Kukfisz: Institute of Safety Engineering, Fire University, 01-629 Warsaw, Poland
Dorota Markowska: Faculty of Process and Environmental Engineering, Lodz University of Technology, 90-924 Lodz, Poland
Józef Paszula: Faculty of Advanced Technologies and Chemistry, Military University of Technology, 00-908 Warsaw, Poland

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 1, 1-17

Abstract: Military ammunition and derivative materials that have reached the end of their service life are classified as hazardous waste due to the presence of explosives, necessitating proper decommissioning. Valorization of such materials through the reuse of energetic components offers a sustainable alternative, aligning with circular economy principles. This study aims to assess the environmental impact of civilian emulsion explosives (EEs) formulated with nitrocellulose powder derived from recycled ammunition, comparing these findings to traditional EEs and EEs containing standard nitrocellulose powder. The Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) was performed using the CML Baseline v3.07 methodology combined with the Ecoinvent 3.8 database, utilizing inventory data obtained from Polish sources. The results indicate that incorporating nitrocellulose powder into conventional EEs increases the overall environmental impact by 4.5%, while utilizing recycled nitrocellulose powder reduces the impact by 4.99%. This highlights the environmental benefits of recycling energetic materials for use in civilian applications, as it not only reduces hazardous waste and reliance on virgin materials but also supports the principles of the circular economy. By closing the loop on material use, this approach promotes environmental sustainability and resource efficiency, aligning with broader goals of sustainable development.

Keywords: valorization; ammunition; circular economy; LCA; emulsion explosive (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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