Chemical/Materials/Environmental Engineering
This thesis project focuses on the life cycle assessment (LCA) of chemical recycling versus mechanical recycling of plastics by adopting a multiple life cycle perspective. In particular, the work aims to highlight the differences between the two recovery methods in terms of chemical risk and environmental gain. The project will initially use existing literature to analyse the impact of chemical recycling on functionalities, such as improved product performance, while also exploring the potential environmental benefits and risks of using each method. Subsequently, it will focus on a case study for PET. Through this analysis, the project seeks to answer the question of which environmental aspects emerge the most between the two recovery processes. The project will also consider the current and future potential of chemical recycling, in order to assess the possibility of its future implementation for a more effective sustainability of the polymer supply chain.
In collaboration with CNR.
Requirements: have successfully passed the 5 CFU course "Life Cycle Assessment of materials and processes"
Contact person: Giovanni Dotelli, Alessandro Salvi, Nicolas Bertoldo