Environmental Impact Of Products Research Articles

Natural fibre reinforced composite materials: Environmentally better life cycle assessment – A case study

Emergent worldwide awareness in the direction of sustainability has urged numerous inventiveness to examine and apply additional environment open solutions in daily actions. The natural fiber composite materials (NFCs) have emerged as a replacement to synthetic fibre reinforced composites and other old-style engineering materials. NFCs offer several benefits in terms of environmental impact such as recyclability, renewability and biodegradability, as well as lower raw material costs and light weight. The sustainability of natural fiber composites is examined on the basis of life cycle assessment (LCA) analysis, a methodology formulated to investigate the potential environmental impact of products all over of their life cycle stages. Furthermore, a case study on the application of LCA analysis to evaluate the potential environmental impact of products made from natural fiber composites. Eco-indicator methods is used as an impact assessment technique in the simplified LCA analysis, based on cradle-to-grave approach. The present paper also focuses on how the LCA methodology is able to assist the product designers in performing simplified LCA analysis to assess the product environmental impact holistically throughout their life cycle stages.

The framework design of smart factory in discrete manufacturing industry based on cyber-physical system

ABSTRACTA cyber-physical system (CPS) is a new trend in smart manufacturing-related research, where the physical system acts as a data access role with sensors and communication systems to collect real-world information and communicate to computation modules (i.e. cyber layer), which further analyse and notify the findings to the corresponding physical systems through multiple feedback loops. This paper develops a conceptual framework for a new paradigm called smart factory based on CPS by applying virtual-real mapping and fusion, digital twin, big data-driven, virtualisation, and edge-to-cloud service technology to the manufacturing system. The definitions, characteristics, architectures and previous case studies on smart factory based on CPS are explained in detail. In the paradigm, the digital twin merges the physical system modelling and cyberspace simulation to provide an intelligence solution simulation analysis ability. This generates a variety of digital designs of production processes, quality, cost, efficiency and environmental impact analysis about smart factory business mode in the preproduction phase based on big data which can be analysed, and provide authoritative solutions for actual physical space. The proposed system is applied and validated in a real case study from the circuit breaker production industry.

Reducing waste in manufacturing operations: bi-objective scheduling on a single-machine with coupled-tasks

This study addresses a scheduling problem involving a single-machine with coupled-tasks and bi-objective optimisation considering simultaneously inventory and environmental waste. A Mixed Integer Linear Program representing the problem is first developed. Subsequently, a Genetic Algorithm (GA) is presented, followed by numerical experiments on multiple instances. Pareto fronts are determined using the ϵ-constraint and weighted sum methods, and a trade-off point is selected according to a distance criterion. Numerical experiments on both small and large instances show near-optimal results for small instances, and considerably reduced computing times for large ones when using the GA. The results show that a compromise can be found, with a decrease in setup-related waste up to 36% for an increase of inventory of 12%. This will help decision-makers to better consider the environmental aspect when designing schedules, as well as reduce their production environmental impact and waste-management costs.

An integrated environmental and cost assessment method based on LCA and LCC for automobile interior and exterior trim design scheme optimization

This paper provided an integrated method to evaluate environmental impact and life cycle cost (LCC) of various alternative design schemes in the early design and development stages of complex mechanical product; an optimization method of product design schemes based on life cycle assessment (LCA) and LCC is proposed as a supporting design tool to achieve optimal integration of environmental impact and cost of the design. The applied research methods include product level deconstruction model, LCA/LCC integrated analysis model, and the product design scheme optimization method. In the life cycle environmental assessment, GaBi software and CML2001 evaluation method are used to evaluate product environmental impact. In terms of product design configuration scheme optimization, the TOPSIS method is used to optimize the design schemes generated. Taking the internal and external trim of automobile as an example, the specific implementation process of the method is illustrated. The case study indicates that, when comprehensively considering the environmental impact and cost, the composite indices of the optimal and worst schemes are 0.8667 and 0.3001, respectively; their costs are ¥164.87 and ¥179.68, respectively; and the eco points of environmental impact are 14.74 and 39.78, respectively. The cost of the two schemes are not much different, but the environmental impact of the optimal scheme is only 37.1% of the worst scheme’s; When cost is the only factor to be considered, the lowest cost design scheme is about 36.7% of the maximum scheme’s cost, and the environmental impact of the lowest cost design scheme is about 1.6 times of the maximum cost scheme’s. When environmental impact is the only factor to be considered, the least environmental impact of design scheme accounts about 31.7% of the largest; the cost of design scheme with the least environmental impact accounts for about 58.1% of the largest one’s. Integrating LCA and LCC, scientific suggestions can be provided from several perspectives. By considering the environmental impact and LCC, this paper proposes a method of product design scheme optimization as a supporting design tool which could evaluate the design options of the product and identify the preferred option in the early stage of product design. It is helpful to realize the sustainability of the product. In order to improve the applicability of this method, the weighting factors of environmental impact and cost could be adjusted according to the requirements of energy saving and emission reduction of different enterprises.

Soft sensor model of adsorbable organic halogen based on bleached pulp quality indices

Adsorbable organic halogen (AOX) produced during the bleaching process contains polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins. To predict AOX in a timely and economical manner during pulp bleaching, a soft sensor model based on pulp quality indices was developed by analyzing the correlation between the AOX in the bleaching effluent and the whiteness, Kappa number, and intrinsic viscosity of the pulp. Variations of the main components during pulp bleaching were considered to determine their effects on wastewater AOX content. The results showed that the models can predict the AOX content of bleaching wastewater precisely and rapidly. The high relevant between pulp components and whiteness, Kappa number, and intrinsic viscosity allows the soft sensor model to predict AOX value without interference of components. The developed model has practical importance for monitoring AOX emissions and controlling pollution, which is essential for the global optimization of bleached pulp production cost, pulp quality, and environmental impact. Additionally, it adapts to the requirement of intelligent control of the bleaching process.

A methodology for the identification of waste-minimizing scheduling problems

Abstract Sustainability in manufacturing operations has become the subject of increasing attention in the recent years. At the operational level, knowledge about material and energy flows circulating in the production system provides information regarding costs, efficiency and environmental impact, as well as opportunities for improvements. Several methods have been proposed for flow assessment and flow cartography, but work combining production scheduling and flow assessment remains scarce. To address this issue, we propose comprehensive guidelines in order to identify waste reduction opportunities and integrate them in a scheduling problem. This work combines sustainable production principles with environmental and material flow assessment to promote waste prevention at the operational level of production, by identifying the main waste-generating activities that can be improved through scheduling. From a decision-maker’s point of view, more informed choices can be made regarding the production scheduling and the opportunities for operational improvement. From a research perspective, a framework for the identification and integration of waste-minimizing opportunities in scheduling problems is proposed. Four steps permit the product system definition, flow inventory, economic and environmental impact assessment and scheduling problem identification. An application to a hub-cap production system serves to highlight the benefits of this methodology, showing that hazardous waste generation could be reduced by 10% using adequate scheduling.

Improving the efficiency of thin-film fiber-shaped dye-sensitized solar cells by using organic sensitizers

Fiber-shaped Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSFs) represent one of the most interesting technologies aimed at the light harvesting and the production of electricity for wearable applications. In order to boost DSSFs commercialization, their production costs and environmental impact must be reduced. To this end, a suitable strategy could be to build thin film-based devices endowed with metal-free organic sensitizers, exploiting their higher molar extinction coefficients compared to typical ruthenium-containing organometallic dyes. In this work, three thiazolo[5,4-d]thiazole-based organic dyes, TTZ3, TTZ5 and TTZ7, capable of strongly absorb visible light, were used for the first time to manufacture titanium wire-based DSSFs. DSSFs based on a thin TiO2 layer (5 μm) sensitized with the three organic dyes were prepared and tested and the obtained results show that power conversion efficiencies for the organic dyes (0.80%) are higher than that obtained with the reference N719 dye (0.45%). An efficiency of 0.99% with short circuit current density equal to 3 mA/cm2 was achieved when the TTZ7-based DSSFs were tested in diffuse illumination condition, highlighting the supremacy of these dyes compared to the metal-organic reference. The excellent photovoltaic performances of TTZ dyes were attributed to their better light harvesting properties, resulting in the production of higher photocurrent densities, which was confirmed by the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis. The superiority of organic dyes on DSSFs performances compared to N719, shown for the first time in this work, support the real possibility to apply these molecules for the preparation of efficient light-harvesting devices based on thin film photoanodes.

ENERGY OPTIMIZATION OF INDUSTRIAL STEAM BOILER USING ENERGY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR

This article shows the application of an energy management system and the calculation of energy efficiency indicators to a pyrotubular boiler, following the guidelines of the ISO50001 standard. The actual energy consumption indicators, the theoretical consumption index, the energy baseline and the efficiency index 100 were evaluated based on gas consumption and steam production data. As for the savings measure, a 20% reduction in gas consumption can be achieved by reducing the operational variability equivalent to 186,633 m3/month, thereby achieving a monthly savings of $70,920,717 COP and a large reduction in natural gas equivalent to a reduction in CO2 emissions (1,318,739.05 kg CO2/month). Also, the purges currently recorded in the boiler are higher than the recommended value for this equipment, and the excess air released varies between 6% and 11%, increasing the losses due to sensible heat. Three main implementations were applied to improve the energy performance of the steam boiler. The first saving implementation was the reduction of the generation pressure from 250 to 180 psig, achieving a lower gas temperature with a reduction of heat losses from the boiler, pipes and steam leakage losses, achieving a saving of 2% of the average natural gas consumption. The second implementation was the automation of the boiler purges, in accordance with the recommended value UNE-9075/85, achieving a total saving of 0.66%, and the third measurement allows on-line correction of the combustion air by direct measurement of O2, which maintains the measured oxygen value at 3%, which is the recommended value. With this practical and novel method energy performance indicator on the boiler, was increased the performance of the equipment, as well as the production costs and environmental impact reduction.Keywords: Energy Optimization, Steam Boiler, Energy Performance Indicator, ISO 50001 Standard.JEL Classification: Q42DOI: https://doi.org/10.32479/ijeep.8188

Is Servicization a Win-Win Strategy? Profitability and Environmental Implications of Servicization

Problem definition: Servicization is a business strategy to sell the functionality of a product rather than the product itself. It has been touted as an environmentally friendly strategy as it encourages manufacturers to take more responsibility for their products. We study when servicization results in a win-win outcome where it can simultaneously increase a firm’s profits and decrease its environmental impact compared with selling products. Academic/practical relevance: Whereas policy planners are interested in strategies that reduce environmental impact, firms are unlikely to embrace them if they are not profitable. Hence, understanding when servicization results in a win-win outcome is critical both for firms and for policy makers. Methodology: We construct a stylized game-theoretic model that takes into account several key dynamics not accounted for in prior literature. In particular, we allow the servicizing firm to tailor the service to consumers’ needs, endogenize product durability choice, and also use an environmental impact metric that captures the low discretionary use nature of products. Results: For products that have a low use impact relative to their production and disposal impacts, servicization can be a win-win strategy only if the firm has sufficiently high operating efficiency. By contrast, for products that have a high use impact relative to their production and disposal impacts, servicization can be a win-win strategy only if the firm has sufficiently low operating efficiency and the consumer segments are adequately similar. Furthermore, servicization can improve consumer welfare and simultaneously improve profitability and environmental impact only for products with a low relative use impact. Managerial implications: Whether servicization leads to a win-win outcome cannot simply be determined by changes in product durability, as often argued. It critically depends on the firm’s relative operating efficiency, environmental impact of product in its use phase relative to the production and disposal phases, and the similarity of consumer segments. Our results explicitly characterize these relations.

Superabsorbent food packaging bioactive cellulose-based aerogels from Arundo donax waste biomass

A.donax waste biomass has been valorized for the extraction of cellulosic fractions with different purification degrees, as well as aqueous bioactive extracts, which were then combined to develop superabsorbent bioactive aerogels. All the developed aerogels presented excellent water and oil sorption capacities; however, the presence of hemicelluloses yielded more porous and hydrophilic aerogels, capable of absorbing more water. With regards to the aqueous extracts, the hot water treatment (HW) of A. donax stems promoted the extraction of polysaccharides and polyphenols, producing the extract (S-HW) with the highest antioxidant capacity. This extract was then incorporated into the aerogels produced from the less purified stem fractions (F2A and F3A), which were chosen due to their good water sorption capacity, higher antioxidant potential and lower production costs and environmental impact. The hybrid aerogels showed a great potential to be used as bioactive pads for food packaging. In particular, the F2A + S-HW aerogel would be the most optimum choice since it provides a complete release of the extract in hydrophilic media, as demonstrated by in-vitro release and β-carotene bleaching inhibition studies, and it is able to reduce the colour loss and lipid oxidation in red meat upon refrigerated storage to a greater extent.

Control quality assessment using fractal persistence measures

Control Performance Assessment (CPA) has great practical importance. Control quality significantly affects final production throughput, efficiency and environmental impact. There are many approaches starting from time-domain methods, through Minimum Variance, Gaussian and non-Gaussian statistics up to alternative wavelet, fractal or entropy measures. Analysis of production data from process industry shows that signals are often described by non-Gaussian distributions, mostly fat-tail. On the other hand, simulations show that strong disturbances may significantly screen ability of proper detection. This work tests different approaches, i.e. Gaussian standard deviation and fat-tail distribution factors, integral indexes and focuses on persistence measures of rescaled range R/S plot. Robustness of above measures against disturbances with varying statistical properties is investigated. Results confirm that fractal measures may be applied as robust alternative to standard statistics.

Mechanical behaviour modelling and finite element simulation of simple part of Ti-6Al-4V sheet under hot/warm stamping conditions

In order to reduce production costs and environmental impact, the cycle time reductions associated with a decrease in temperature levels are relevant. This study focuses on the behaviour modelling of Ti-6Al-4V alloy at temperatures between 400 °C and 500 °C in order to obtain greater formability than at room temperature, whilst remaining below SPF conditions to reduce tool, workshop and energy costs. Mechanical tests are conducted to identify elasto-viscoplastic model parameters. They use displacement field measurements obtained by Digital Image Correlation (DIC) and based on innovative surface preparation patterns adapted to high temperature exposures. Different material parameters are identified to define a model that is able to predict the mechanical behaviour of Ti-6Al-4V alloy under hot/warm stamping conditions. Then, an omega shape forming test is developed to validate the behaviour model. Finally, the experimental results are compared with numerical simulations which require the implementation of the behaviour model formulation into an FE code.

System interaction, System of Systems, and environmental impact of products

Product-systems interact with their surrounding systems and together form a System-of-Systems (SoS). The interactions lead to emerging behaviour from the SoS, including rebound effects that influence the actual environmental impact of changes in the product-systems. Accordingly, the SoS impact can be higher than the sum of impacts from its interacting product-systems. This paper proposes a modelling approach for life cycle assessment of a product-system considering emerging behaviours in its SoS context beyond what is normally considered in a consequential LCA. The applicability of the proposed approach is demonstrated on a transportation system case study.

An Investigation Into Environmental Impact of System of Systems

Traditionally, environmental impact of products is considered as a function of the product itself. However, products can only function not only within their own system, but by dynamically interacting with other systems, hence all together they form a network of System of Systems (SoSs). In this context, not only the individual product system itself but also the dynamic interactions between the systems might have an impact on the environment which could also be described as rebound effect of the SoS emerging behavior. Therefore, it is crucial to study these systems within their SoSs in order to understand their environmental impacts more accurately. This paper first provides a perspective about these systems from the general system theory perspective to understand their characteristics and then introduces a conceptual framework to study their environmental impact. The framework is tested by using fore- and background transportation systems to demonstrate the applicability of the framework.

Suitability Assessment of Automobile Repair Options in terms of Product Value, Environmental Impact and Cost:

Suitability Assessment of Automobile Repair Options in terms of Product Value, Environmental Impact and Cost:

Modeling the Drying Kinetics of Earth Bricks Stabilized with Cassava Flour Gel and Amylopectin

Earth bricks could contribute to alleviate the housing shortage in the world, thanks to their low cost, easy production, and low environmental impact. However, to manufacture bricks with required properties, many raw soils must be ameliorated. In Central and Eastern Africa, the waste water of the cassava processing is used to improve earth brick mechanical properties. This technique is interesting, because it is sustainable, low-cost and easy to implement. But, studies on this stabilization method are scarce, in particular on the drying kinetics of these bricks. Now, it is important to know the drying duration, because the earth brick’s strength is strongly correlated to its moisture content. Thus, this study aims to quantify and to model the effect of adding cassava flour gel and amylopectin on the drying kinetics of earth bricks. Depending on the soil nature, the drying duration decreases from 7% to 25% for a stabilizer content of 20%. For the five models used, the coefficient of determination is superior to 0.997 and the chi square is inferior to 3 × 10−4. In average, the best model is Khazaei, followed in order by Avrami-Page, diffusion, Yong and Peleg. The effective coefficient of diffusion of water is about 4 × 10−5 m⋅s−2. The parameter T of the Khazaei’s model is strongly correlated to the drying duration and the stabilizer content, and their relationships have been deduced.

Ecological and economic aspects of vinyl chloride production based on the use of raw materials of coking plant

Ecological and economic aspects of vinyl chloride production are considered as the main resource for production of polyvinyl chloride using by-products of coking enterprise, including low-grade coke, as well as coke gas. Implementation of this project is possible based on carbon technologies and technology of conversion of methane contained in coke gas into acetylene using hydrogen-arc pyrolysis. It is proposed to include cryogenic separation of coke gas into methane and hydrogen, needed for implementation of this technology and production of hydrogen chloride as a component for production of vinyl chloride in process of raw material preparation. Rational use of resources of two Kemerovo enterprises - “Cock” PJSC and “Khimprom” PJSC for this product manufacturing allows optimization of added value chain. Currently, “Coke” PJSC has inoperative volumes of coke gas, which can be used as a raw material for vinyl chloride production. Carbon technology of PVC production, as international practice has shown, is economically advantageous if cost of coal raw materials and waste coke production is 40% lower than cost of oil or natural gas. Analysis of economic expenditures and cost of vinyl chloride production based on added value chains have identified the most “narrow” elements of technological process, requiring innovative solutions to reduce costs and environmental impact of production.

Effects of Packaging and Food Waste Prevention by Consumers on the Environmental Impact of Production and Consumption of Bread in Norway

Bread is a staple food in Norway, with a yearly per capita consumption of 52 kg. It is an important source of energy, dietary fibre and protein as well as certain minerals and vitamins. Previous studies have shown that bread has a relatively low environmental impact compared with other foods. Food waste studies, however, have shown that bread and other baked goods have a high wastage rate in Norway. On the basis of lower Norwegian wheat yields, it is therefore expected that the environmental impact of bread could be higher than in other European countries. The purpose of this study was to assess the environmental impact of bread from cradle to grave, identify environmental hotspots, examine the role of packaging in bread waste and identify possible remediation measures with a particular focus on the post-farm value chain. The results showed that for every kilogram of bread consumed, the global warming potential was 0.99 kg CO2-eq, the eutrophication potential was 7.2 g PO4-eq, the acidification potential was 8.4 g SO2-eq and the cumulative energy demand was 18 MJ. The principal uncertainty within the calculation was the use of database data for the 21 ingredients. For example, the effect of soil mineralisation, which could give significant CO2 and N2O emissions, was not included because figures have only been quantified for a few ingredients and there is no international agreement on the methodology. The primary hotspot was the production of the ingredients, principally at the agricultural stage, while bread waste took the second place. The highest potential for the reduction of post-farm environmental impact lies in reducing product wastage at the retail and consumer stages. Consumers already employ strategies to reduce wastage, such as using extra packaging and freezing and toasting bread. This study shows that other consumer packaging solutions can keep the bread fresh for longer, thus reducing wastage and the need for the abovementioned consumer strategies. Nevertheless, other researches in this subject have shown that consumer preferences and behaviours play a significant role in the creation of bread waste, and this should therefore be taken into account when planning reduction measures.

The Effect of Government Support on Green Product Design and Environmental Impact

We study competing fi rms' green product design decisions, and the effect of two common types of government support, namely R&D support and sales subsidies, on the products, firms and the resulting impact. Each fi rm produces a product that contains a traditional quality and an environmental quality according to corresponding technology capabilities of the firm and market competition. Our main results are as follows. First, we show that fi rms will produce greener products and charge higher prices when they embrace greater technology capabilities related to production of the quality, or when consumers become more conscious of the impact. Second, we find that although both the government R&D support and sales subsidies prompt fi rms to produce greener products, the overall impact is mixed. Specifi cally, while sales subsidies generally lead to positive benefi ts, R&D support can have an unanticipated negative overall impact on the environment. Third, we show that fi rms do not always benefi t from either type of the government support.

Leaching ion adsorption rare earth by aluminum sulfate for increasing efficiency and lowering the environmental impact

The leaching efficiency (LE) of ion adsorption rare earth (IARE) by the sulfate and chloride of ammonium, magnesium and aluminum were comparatively determined using column leaching method. It is found that at equal equivalent concentration of cation, the LE of IARE by aluminum sulfate is the highest, and the zeta potential of clay mineral particles in the tailing is near to zero, which means a lower risk of landslide and pollutant emission. Furthermore, the optimum concentration of aluminum sulfate is determined to be 0.02 mol/L, which is much lower than that of ammonium sulfate and magnesium sulfate. To reduce the production cost and environmental impact, we proposed a multi-stage leaching process, which was firstly leaching with ammonium sulfate and then with aluminum sulfate, following by water washing and lime neutralizing. With the ratio of ammonium sulfate to aluminum sulfate varying from 1:0 to 0.5:0.5, the residual ammonium in tailing decreases from 11.2% to 0.6%, however, the LE of RE shows an optimum value at 0.8:0.2. By neutralizing the pH of tailing with lime water to over 6, the ion concentration in water rinsing solution can meet the requirement for water discharge. At the same time, the zeta potential of clay particles is found to be around −5 mV, means a relatively lower risk of landslide. These facts indicate that the LE of IARE can be increased and the danger caused by tailings landslides and pollutant emissions can be reduced by replacing ammonium sulfate with aluminum sulfate as leaching reagent.