Amporn Sane. Carbon footprint analysis of Post-Consumer Recycled PET Value Chain of different plastic collection regions. (). Mae Fah Luang University. Learning Resources and Educational Media Center. : , .
Carbon footprint analysis of Post-Consumer Recycled PET Value Chain of different plastic collection regions
Abstract:
The substantial growth of PET bottle consumption has increased amount of plastic
waste and caused environmental impacts. PET recycling is one of potential alternatives
in solving plastic waste crisis; however, the system on collection and recycling of used
PET bottles in Thailand is still mismanaged. In addition, recycled PET (rPET) plastics
are mostly used in non-food applications (e.g., fiber and durable household goods) with
low quality post-consumer recycled (PCR) resin. This study aims to compare the
environmental impacts on post-consumer recycled PET value chain (from small plastic
buyer (or Saleng) to recycling manufacturer) for the geographic differences in plastic
collecting regions (Bangkok and Rayong province) by using the concept of life cycle
assessment (LCA) analysis. Key challenges and opportunities on using rPET for food
contact packaging in Thailand using PESTEL analysis were investigated. In-depth
interviews with related stakeholders of PCR value chain were conducted. Preliminary
result on LCA showed that post-consumer recycled PET value chain of 1 kg of used
PET bottles in Bangkok (2.222 kgCO2e) emits higher carbon footprint than postconsumer recycled PET value chain in Rayong province (1.860 kgCO2e). The
differences in using electricity in plastic baling processing and the distance from
medium-sized (or large-sized) plastic collectors to recycling manufacturer play
prominent indicators on carbon emission. The challenges of using rPET for food
contact packaging are the impractical plastic collection system and waste management,
high cost of technologies of PET recycling production, the migration potential of food
contact chemicals on PET bottle, misuse of refillable PET bottles, lack of awareness on
waste separation, and lack of regulations on rPET for food contact packaging. Moving
toward rPET for food contact packaging requires not only collaboration among
stakeholders across PET bottles lifecycle, but also public awareness on waste
management to ensure food contact safety of rPET and sustainable value chain.
Mae Fah Luang University. Learning Resources and Educational Media Center
Address:
CHIANG RAI
Email:
library@mfu.ac.th
Modified:
2023-03-16
Issued:
2023-03-16
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Journal of Food Science and Agricultural Technology (2023) Vol.7 (Special Issue) : 1-7