Cost Environmental Impact Research Articles

Life cycle assessment and life cycle cost of repairing surgical scissors

PurposeThe primary objective of this study was to evaluate the environmental impact and financial cost of repairing surgical scissors.MethodsWe used life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle cost analysis to estimate environmental impacts and financial cost of repairing surgical scissors. The functional unit was one use of a reusable surgical scissor (manufactured in Germany and used in the UK), and three baseline scenarios were compared: no repair, onsite (hospital), and offsite (external contract) repair. This ‘cradle-to-grave’ analysis included raw material extraction, manufacture of scissors and materials within primary and secondary packaging, transportation, decontamination, repair (where relevant), and waste disposal. Primary activity data was sourced from the instrument manufacturer, supplier, and from UK repair centres (both onsite and offsite), whilst the Ecoinvent database was used as a secondary data source for the manufacture of scissors. The World ReCiPe Midpoint and Endpoint Hierarchist method (Version 1.1) was used for environmental impact assessment. Scenario analysis was used to evaluate the impact of altering different assumptions, including number of uses, reducing number of repairs, increasing distance to offsite repair centre, and alternative electricity sources and waste handling processes. Life cycle cost analysis was calculated based on purchase cost, and cost of decontamination, repair, and waste disposal.Results and discussionThe carbon footprint of reusable scissors was 70 g CO2e per use, assuming scissors were used 40 times before replacement. This was reduced by 19% through use of offsite repair every 40 uses (57 g CO2e/scissor use), with small additional reductions associated with onsite repair (56 g CO2e/scissor use). Similar patterns of reduction were calculated for eighteen midpoint environmental impact categories (mean impact reduction of 30% for those repaired offsite relative to no repair) and also across three endpoint categories. Decontamination made the biggest contribution to the carbon footprint across all baseline scenarios (76% where no repair, 95–97% where repaired offsite and onsite respectively). Findings were robust to alternative scenario analyses. Life cycle cost was GBP £1.43 per use of reusable scissors, and when repaired either on- or offsite this decreased by 32% to GBP £0.97 per use.ConclusionRepairing surgical scissors rather than replacing them with a new pair can reduce environmental and financial cost. The extent to which repair may play a role in mitigating the environmental impact of other surgical instruments requires further research.

Effect of Green Supply Chain Management Practices on Environmental Performance: Case of Mexican Manufacturing Companies

Managers implement several Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) practices to improve sustainability and economic performance, such as environmental management systems (EMS), eco-design (ED), source reduction (SR) and attending to external environmental management (EEM) requirements; however, the relationship among them requires a deep study. This paper reports the case of the Mexican maquiladora industry, analyzing the main relationships among GSCM practices with environmental impact (EI) and environmental cost savings (ECS). The analysis reports three structural equation models (SEM) developed as simple, second-order, and mediating models. Those relationships are tested using 160 responses to a survey applied to the Mexican maquiladora industry and with partial least squares algorithms (PLS), where conditional probabilities for different scenarios in latent variables are also reported. Findings indicate that EMS has a direct effect on EI (β = 0.442) and ECS (β = 0.227), indicating that EMS reduces EI and cost associated with the production process; however, ED has no direct effect on EI (β = 0.019) and ECS ((β = 0.006), and it can be due to the maquiladora nature as foreign companies focused on manufacturing and not to product design.

Geochemical investigation of electrical conductivity and electrical double layer based wettability alteration during engineered water injection in carbonates

The injection of engineered water to increase the oil recovery from carbonates is increasingly becoming popular due to its reduced environmental impact and low cost of operation. However, the related variation in electric properties of rock and fluid with this technique is still ambiguous and needs thorough investigation. This study explores the variation in electrical conductivity, ion mobility, electrical double layer thickness, and the related oil recovery with the change in water composition from a geochemical perspective. In this study, we implemented an improved wettability alteration model based on the variation in electrical conductivity with a Matlab-IPhreeqc coupled simulator, to model the electrical conductivity, ion mobility, and electrical double layer (EDL) thickness. The variation in concentration of the ionic species obtained from the geochemical model is used to determine the electrical conductivity. This electrical conductivity-based wettability modification is dynamically simulated in the transport model. The model is validated with experimental coreflood data conducted on carbonates by simulating the electrical conductivity measurements reported in the literature. From the findings, it is evident that the formation temperature, sulfate concentration, and dilution of injected seawater has a noticeable effect on electrical conductivity during engineered water injection. It is important to mention that the EDL thickness is the main parameter affected by the change in electrical conductivity. In consequence, it is suggested to inject high-temperature water in carbonate reservoirs because it will increase ion mobility. This increase in ion mobility will enhance the EDL thickness and water film will become stabilized. Moreover, seawater dilution decreases electrical conductivity while spiking of sulfate concentration increases the activity of sulfate ions. However, the concentration of sulfate ions must be controlled as a wettability alteration agent, as it can cause the formation and precipitation of calcium sulfate. Furthermore, the variation in electrical conductivity and EDL thickness caused by the injection of seawater and diluted seawater increased the recovery of oil by approximately 16–21% in the selected case study.

Mind the Gap—A Socio-Economic Analysis on Price Developments of Green Hydrogen, Synthetic Fuels, and Conventional Energy Carriers in Germany

In recent years, the development of energy prices in Germany has been frequently accompanied by criticism and warnings of socio-economic disruptions. Especially with respect to the electricity sector, the debate on increasing energy bills was strongly correlated with the energy system transition. However, whereas fossil fuels have rapidly increased in price recently, renewable substitutes such as green hydrogen and synthetic fuels also enter the markets at comparatively high prices. On the other hand, the present fossil fuel supply is still considered too low-priced by experts because societal greenhouse gas-induced environmental impact costs are not yet compensated. In this study, we investigate the development of the price gap between conventional energy carriers and their renewable substitutes until 2050 as well as a suitable benchmark price, incorporating the societal costs of specific energy carriers. The calculated benchmark prices for natural gas (6.3 ct kWh−1), petrol (9.9 ct kWh−1), and grey hydrogen from steam methane reformation (12 ct kWh−1) are nearly 300% above the actual prices for industry customers in 2020, but below the price peaks of early 2022. In addition, the price gap between conventional fuels and green hydrogen will be completely closed before 2050 for all investigated energy carriers. Furthermore, prognosed future price developments can be considered rather moderate compared to historic and especially to the recent price dynamics in real terms. A gradual implementation of green hydrogen and synthetic fuels next to increasing CO2 prices, however, may temporarily lead to further increasing expenses for energy, but can achieve lower price levels comparable to those of 2020 in the long term.

Evaluation of foods, drinks and diets in the Netherlands according to the degree of processing for nutritional quality, environmental impact and food costs

ObjectiveThis study investigates nutritional quality, environmental impact and costs of foods and drinks and their consumption in daily diets according to the degree of processing across the Dutch population.DesignThe NOVA classification was used to classify the degree of processing (ultra-processed foods (UPF) and ultra-processed drinks (UPD)). Food consumption data were derived from the Dutch National Food Consumption Survey 2012–2016. Indicators assessed were nutritional quality (saturated fatty acids (SFA), sodium, mono and disaccharides (sugar), fibre and protein), environmental impact (greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and blue water use) and food costs.SettingThe Netherlands.ParticipantsFour thousand three hundred thirteen Dutch participants aged 1 to 79 years.ResultsPer 100 g, UPF were more energy-dense and less healthy than unprocessed or minimally processed foods (MPF); UPF were associated with higher GHG emissions and lower blue water use, and were cheaper. The energy and sugar content of UPD were similar to those of unprocessed or minimally processed drinks (MPD); associated with similar GHG emissions but blue water use was less, and they were also more expensive. In the average Dutch diet, per 2000 kcal, ultra-processed foods and drinks (UPFD) covered 29% (456 g UPF and 437 g UPD) of daily consumption and 61% of energy intake. UPFD consumption was higher among children than adults, especially for UPD. UPFD consumption determined 45% of GHG emissions, 23% of blue water use and 39% of expenses for daily food consumption. UPFD consumption contributed 54% to 72% to daily sodium, sugar and SFA intake.ConclusionsCompared with unprocessed or minimally processed foods and drinks, UPF and UPD were found to be less healthy considering their high energy, SFA, sugar and sodium content. However, UPF were associated higher GHG emissions and with less blue water use and food costs. Therefore daily blue water use and food costs might increase if UPF are replaced by those unprocessed or minimally processed. As nutritional quality, environmental impacts and food costs relate differently to the NOVA classification, the classification is not directly applicable to identify win–win-wins of nutritional quality, environmental impact and costs of diets.

The impact of optimal parcel locker locations on costs and the environment

PurposeLast-mile delivery is associated with a negative environmental impact and high costs. The purpose of this paper is to develop an approach to designing stationary parcel locker (SPL) networks while minimizing both CO2 equivalent (CO2e) emissions and costs during delivery and pick-up.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses a multinomial logit model to evaluate recipients' willingness to use SPLs based on their availability at home and travel distance. To determine optimal SPL locations, this study formulates a mixed-integer linear programming model.FindingsThe empirical study of different regional clusters reveals that optimal SPL locations can generate cost savings of up to 11.0%. SPLs have a positive impact on total CO2e emission savings in urban areas (i.e. up to 2.5%), but give rise to additional emissions (i.e. 4.6%) in less populated areas due to longer travel distances during the pick-up process.Originality/valueThis paper optimizes SPL locations and the ecological effect of SPLs by minimizing emissions and costs simultaneously. Furthermore, it extends existing discrete choice models by also including recipients' availability at home, increasing the accuracy of recipients' preferences. So far, the effect of SPLs has been studied for metropolitan areas only. A global logistics service provider shared a real dataset which allows us to study seven different regional clusters ranging from rural areas to large cities. Thus, this study contributes to the field of sustainable urban logistics.

Environmental and Economic Analysis of Heating Solutions for Rural Residences in China

A spatial assessment is important to explore appropriate heating schemes for rural residences in China. Taking rural residences in six typical cities of China as the focus, four heating solutions, namely, coal-fired boiler heating systems (CBHS), wall-hung gas-fired boiler heating systems (GBHS), direct electric heating systems (DEHS), and air source heat pump systems (ASHPS), are compared and analyzed from the perspectives of primary energy consumption, environmental impact and heating costs. The results show that the primary energy consumption and the environmental impact can be significantly reduced by using solutions of GBHS and ASHPS in comparison with CBHS. DEHS has the most significant primary energy consumption and environmental impact and is less economical. The weighted environmental impact of GBHS is reduced by over 94% compared with that of CBHS, the weighted environmental impact of ASHPS is reduced by 8–23%, 35–39%, and 43–44% compared with that of CBHS for severe cold regions, cold regions, and hot-summer and cold-winter regions, respectively. The life cycle cost of GBHS is about 33% higher than that of CBHS for the six typical cities. The life cycle cost of ASHPS is about 33–57% higher than CBHS for severe cold regions, but not much difference or even less than CBHS for cold regions and hot-summer and cold-winter regions.

Implementation of a Life Cycle Cost Deep Learning Prediction Model Based on Building Structure Alternatives for Industrial Buildings

Undoubtedly, most industrial buildings have a huge Life Cycle Cost (LCC) throughout their lifespan, and most of these costs occur in structural operation and maintenance costs, environmental impact costs, etc. Hence, it is necessary to think about a fast way to determine the LCC values. Therefore, this article presents an LCC deep learning prediction model to assess structural and envelope-type alternatives for industrial building, and to make a decision for the most suitable structure. The input and output criteria of the prediction model were collected from previous studies. The deep learning network model was developed using a Deep Belief Network (DBN) with Restricted Boltzmann Machine (RBM) hidden layers. Seven investigation cases were studied to validate the prediction model of a 312-item dataset over a period of 30 years, after the training phase of the network to take the suitable hidden layers of the RBM and hidden neurons in each hidden layer that achieved the minimal errors of the model. Another case was studied in the model to compare design structure alternatives, consisting of three main structure frames—a reinforced concrete frame, a precast/pre-stressed concrete frame, and a steel frame—over their life cycle, and make a decision. Precast/pre-stressed concrete frames were the best decision until the end of the life cycle cost, as it is possible to reuse the removed sections in a new industrial building.

Exploring Trade-Offs Between Profit, Yield, and the Environmental Footprint of Potential Nitrogen Fertilizer Regulations in the US Midwest.

Multiple strategies are available that could reduce nitrogen (N) fertilizer use in agricultural systems, ranging from voluntary adoption of new N management practices by farmers to government regulations. However, these strategies have different economic and political costs, and their relative effectiveness in decreasing N leaching has not been evaluated at scale, particularly concerning potential trade-offs in crop yield and profitability. To inform policy efforts in the US Midwest, we quantified the effects of four policy scenarios designed to reduce fertilizer N inputs without sacrificing maize yields below 95%. A simulated dataset for economically optimum N rates and corresponding leaching losses was developed using a process-based crop model across 4,030 fields over 30 years. Policy scenarios were (1) higher N prices, (2) N leaching fee, (3) N balance fee, and (4) voluntary reduction of N use by farmers, each implemented under a range of sub-levels (low to high severity). Aggregated results show that all policies decreased N rates and N leaching, but this was associated with an exponential increase in economic costs. Achieving an N leaching reduction target of 20% has an estimated pollution control cost of 30–37 US$/ha, representing 147 million US$/year when scaled up to the state level, which is in the range of current government payments for existing conservation programs. Notably, such control of N losses would reduce the environmental impact of agriculture on water quality (externalities) by an estimated 524 million US$/year, representing an increase in society welfare of 377 million US$/year. Among the four policies, directly charging a fee on N leaching helped mitigate economic losses while improving the point source reduction effect (i.e., targeting fields that were leaching hotspots) and better internalization effect (i.e., targeting fields with higher environmental impact costs). This study provides actionable data to inform the development of cost-effective N fertilizer regulations by integrating changes in crop productivity and N losses in economic terms at the field level.

Single-cell sorting of microalgae and identification of optimal conditions by using response surface methodology coupled with life-cycle approaches

Response surface methodology (RSM) has been widely used to identify optimal conditions for environmental microorganisms to maximize degrading pollutants and accumulating biomass. However, to date, environmental impact and economic cost have rarely been considered. In this study, a single cell of microalgae Chlorella sorokiniana ZM-5 was sorted, and its enrichment was carried out for the first time. The optimized conditions by RSM for achieving the highest COD, TN, TP removal and 352.61 mg/g lipid production were 24 h light time, 4.3:1C/N, 7.2 pH, and 30 °C temperature, respectively. Life-cycle approaches were then carried out upon this illustrative case, and the results indicated that the implementation of the above optimal conditions could reduce the total environmental impact by 48.0% and the total economic impact by 10.2%. This study showed the feasibility of applying life-cycle approaches to examine the optimal conditions of a biological process in terms of minimizing environmental impact and economic costs.

Life cycle assessment of a novel blast furnace slag utilization system

A novel system was proposed to realize the high value-added utilization of blast furnace slag. In this study, a comprehensive analysis concerning energy consumption, environmental impact and economic cost of the system was conducted based on the perspective of life cycle. Considering the serious situation of global warming, CO2 emission cost was also included. Main contributors in terms of environmental impact, energy consumption and economic cost were traced through contribution analysis. Global warming potential was the most prominent environmental issue (contributing 65.71% to total impact) and material cost offered the largest economic burden (contributing 90.57% to total cost). However, the adsorption capacity of two products offset total CO2 emission to −6103.62 kg·tslag−1 and decreased total economic cost to 352.26 $·tslag−1, turning the major limitation into a great opportunity. Most energy was consumed in upstream production of chemicals and only 3.18% of the total energy consumption came from the downstream utilization process. According to the sustainability evaluation among three processes, pretreatment performed worst and the hydrotalcite-like compounds synthesis process best. Additionally, sensitivity analysis indicated that overall performance of the system could be efficiently improved by reducing hydrochloric acid consumption. Analysis results in this study exhibited the huge potential of the system in emission reduction and could provide guidance for further improvement.

Holistic sustainability assessment of novel oscillating-heat-pipe grinding-wheel in Earth-friendly abrasive machining

The aero-engine manufacturing industry is booming in China, while sustainability is neglected. For example, the grinding superalloy part uses a high-volume low-velocity flood delivery strategy for grinding cooling, which is harmful to health and the environment, consumes more resources and energy, emits more CO2 and increases production costs. To achieve sustainability in the aero-engine manufacturing industry, it is worth considering eliminating coolant from the grinding to reduce the environmental impact and production cost. In this study, a novel oscillating heat pipe grinding wheel (OHP grinding wheel) is introduced to enhance the heat transfer in the eco-benign grinding process. The core concept is to design, fabricate particular oscillating heat pipes and position them in the grinding wheel so that the inside oscillating heat pipes transfer out the heat directly through the grinding wheel to avoid heat gathering, lower the grinding temperature, and suppress the thermal damages. Moreover, the use of harmful coolant can be diminished or even avoided, and an eco-benign grinding technology can therefore be achieved. Holistic sustainability analysis is then conducted in this paper. Compared with grinding by Non-OHP grinding wheel, the water-based coolant is avoided, the energy consumption is reduced by 26%–42%, and the carbon emission is reduced by 45%–56%. The OHP grinding wheel shows a great advantage in eco-benign grinding.

Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Uranium Recovery from Brine

• Once industrialized uranium recovery from brine is a feasible process. • Amidoximated adsorbents have a lower environmental impact than conventional methods. • Hazardous waste disposal and hydroxylamine are the most influenceable parameters of the system. • Solar energy has the least environmental impact compare to the other energy alternatives. With the increase in world population and the associated increase in raw material, clean water and energy demands, seeking for innovative and sustainable methods to decrease human-made environmental footprint becomes a task of utmost importance to reduce emissions and waste generation. Uranium-based atomic energy generation has an enormous potential to efficiently supply energy demand at the cost of high environmental impact on water bodies. Therefore, estimating the environmental impacts of the uranium recovery systems from desalination waste is a necessity. This study assessed the environmental impact of uranium recovery method from brine via AF1 and PAN-AO amidoximated adsorbents and compared them with the conventional uranium mining methods. As a life-cycle impact assessment method International Reference Life Cycle Data System was conducted with 16 impact categories considering cradle to gate analysis. The results for AF1, PAN-AO and all conventional uranium extraction methods showed that recovery of uranium in the long run is more effective than the conventional procedures. The sensitivity analysis results reveal that hydroxylamine, hazardous waste disposal are the most influential parameters during the uranium recovery via adsorbent methods. Comparative analysis between energy sources used in adsorbent recovery processes indicated that solar energy has the lowest environmental impacts among all kinds of energy scenarios. This study concluded that an alternative sustainable industrial process to obtain uranium is actually applicable. Hence, developing a uranium recovery strategy from brine should be considered while uranium mines are under investigation. Graphical Abstract .

Culturing strategy for producing levan by upcycling oil produced water effluent as base medium for Zymomonas mobilis

Three distinct reported media were tested as organic and inorganic supplementation of produced water (PW) from mature oil wells with the aim of producing levan. This effluent is generated at high amounts during oil extraction and are often associated to significant environmental impact and treatment costs. PW may display significant amounts of salts that can hinder microbial growth. Using a high saline PW (8%) this research identified that higher sucrose concentrations in association with ammonium and magnesium sulfates mitigated the negative effect of high salts concentrations on Zymomonas mobilis production of levan. Using neat supplemented PW as medium generated within 24 h 10 g L−1 of levan. The highest production of 31.9 g L−1 was obtained with dialyzed pretreated PW. Dialysis pretreatment may be an important standardization of PW prior to full-scale application. FT-IR characterization shows no significant differences between the produced levan and the commercial counterpart.

A review on heavy metal ions adsorption from water by layered double hydroxide and its composites

• We selected to review topics related to the specific application of LDH removal of heavy metals. • Classify and summarize its modification methods, absorption properties, composition, structure, and other aspects. • It is determined that future research needs to reduce environmental impact and economic costs to promote the synthesis and use of LDH. • This system summary will provide helpful guidance for preparing high-efficiency LDHs-based adsorbents and offer critical clues to elucidating the adsorption behavior of heavy metals on LDHs-based materials. Heavy metal pollution is highly toxic and persistent, posing a severe threat to human health, agriculture, and the safe environment. Therefore, there is an urgent need for fast and efficient heavy metal removal technology to deal with emergency response to heavy metal leakage. In recent years, the development of a unique layered double hydroxide material has attracted widespread attention in sewage treatment. Due to these fundamental scientific issues, the general concern about environmental pollution management of LDH-based materials, and the recent significant developments in this field, it is necessary to conduct a thematic review. This article summarizes 474 related articles published since 2005 and outlines functionalized layered double hydroxide (LDH) research status as heavy metal adsorption materials. In addition, there is still a lack of reviews on the adsorption characteristics, interaction mechanism, and application of LDHs-based nanomaterials in heavy metal removal. Here, the primary purpose of this article is to systematically summarize LDHs-based materials and their applications in removing heavy metals from aqueous solutions ( Fig. 1 ). First, we will focus on its preparation and modification methods to understand LDH intuitively. Subsequently, the effects of different environmental conditions on factors such as pH, temperature, and contact time were summarized. Finally, the interaction mechanism between LDHs composites and heavy metals is briefly described, and a quick conclusion is given.

Performance evaluation of jet fuel production by hydrothermal liquefaction in Europe

The EU Horizon 2020 project HyFlexFuel successfully demonstrated hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) fuel production chains from different feedstock types to upgraded kerosene products. Now the question arises which commercial scale HTL system design is associated with the lowest environmental impact and production costs. The contribution addresses this research question by establishing a comprehensive process model for different feedstock types (sewage sludge, straw, miscanthus and microalgae) based on experimental biocrude production and upgrading campaigns in pilot and laboratory scale. This model enables evaluating different process configurations and serves as basis for subsequent system analyses by applying techno-economic and life cycle analyses (TEA and LCA). Upgraded biocrude using sewage sludge, representing a waste stream in wastewater management, can be produced at near-competitive price levels. Compared to conventional jet fuel production, greenhouse gases are reduced significantly. However, sewage sludge is a limited resource and only limited amounts of jet fuel could be substituted. Lignocellulosic feedstock such as straw or miscanthus are available in larger quantities and provide the opportunity to produce large amounts of sustainable aviation fuels at moderate costs.

Comparison of the Environmental Impact and Production Cost Rates of Aggregates Produced from Stream Deposits and Crushed Rock Quarries (Boğaçay Basin/Antalya/Turkey)

Comparison of the Environmental Impact and Production Cost Rates of Aggregates Produced from Stream Deposits and Crushed Rock Quarries (Boğaçay Basin/Antalya/Turkey)

Application of biosolids in civil engineering: State of the art

Biosolids are the byproducts from the domestic/industrial sewage treatment processes, and contains solids and heavy metals. They are conventionally disposed by landfilling, ocean disposal, or incineration methods. However, owing to the cost of disposal and negative environmental impact, in recent years, efforts have been made by researchers to utilize biosolids for various applications. Many researchers have reported civil engineering applications of stabilized biosolids (lime / cement / crushed concrete stabilized biosolids) such as backfill material, fill for road embankment, brick and aggregate manufacturing. The studies have also reported that stabilized biosolids yields reduction in permeability, and improvement in shear strength, compaction characteristics (OMC and MDD) and California bearing ratio (CBR). This paper reviews in details the existing literature related to various aspects such as characterization of biosolids, its environmental impact and treatment/stabilization methods while emphasizing on its potential applications. The study concludes that stabilized biosolids have good potential to be utilized for various Civil Engineering applications, while minimizing the impact on environment and challenges related to disposal of biosolids.

Use of recycled aggregates from civil construction in self-compacting mortar

abstract: The utilization of wastes from demolition in civil construction in self compacting concrete (SCM) has the potential to reduce both the environmental impact and financial cost. In this context, this article aims to verify the behavior of the incorporation of recycled aggregates of civil construction in the mix designs of self-compacting mortar (SCM) in replacing cement, presenting as an interesting alternative to natural raw materials. This study used the EMMA® software to optimize the choice of percentages of fine recycled aggregates when replacing cement. The proportions chosen were 0%, 5%, 15%, and 25%, through the analysis of the granular packing curve of the respective mix designs. The proportion of 0% has in its composition cement, metakaolin, sand, superplasticizer (SP) and water. The parameters obtained, through tests in the fresh state of the mini-slump and mini-funnel V, certified the samples as SCM. The compressive strength and flexural tensile strength tests in the hardened state demonstrated a reduction in mechanical properties of the material with cement replacement. It is concluded that the waste used brick and ceramic can be added in replacement to the cement in SCM without significant loss of properties in the fresh and hardened state.

Assessment of South African Chromite Sand for Binder Jetting Application

Binder Jetting is an Additive manufacturing (AM) technique in which binding liquid is jetted on layers of powdered materials, selectively according to the Computer Aided Design (CAD) model to form a 3D part. One of the applications of binder jetting technology is the manufacturing of sand moulds for sand casting known as Rapid Sand Casting. Silica sand is often used in both Rapid Sand Casting and traditional moulding due to its good refractory properties coupled with its low cost. However, the use of silica sand is associated with some technical limitations, including its high thermal linear expansion and low conductivity, hence it is not appropriate to all casting applications. Chromite sand is used as an alternative refractory material to address the shortcomings of silica sand. This study assessed the suitability of South African Chromite sand for rapid sand casting. Tensile bending and compression test specimens were manufactured from different South African chromite sand samples using a Voxeljet VX 3D printer. The mechanical properties of the specimen produced using binder jetting were compared to those produced by traditional moulding. It was observed that all five printed specimens met the minimum tensile strength of 220 N/cm2 for casting. Hence locally sourced South African Chromite sand can be utilised for rapid sand casting, reducing environmental impact and operational cost.