A life cycle assessment of three biodegradable polymers versus three polyethylene based polymers
Loading...
Authors
Jaramillo, Marcie
Issue Date
2010
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Environmental engineering
Alternative Title
Abstract
Three consumer-grade biodegradable polymers were studied by life cycle analysis in comparison to their polyethylene counterparts. The biodegradable polymers (polyhydroxyalkanoate [PHA], polylactic acid [PLA], and Mater-Bi) were compared to the polyethylene polymers (low-density polyethylene [LDPE], high-density polyethylene [HDPE], and polyethylene terephthalate [PETE]) from both virgin materials as well as recycled polyethylene inputs. The life cycle impact was evaluated based upon manufacturing energy, energy gained from disposal by incineration, manufacturing CO2 emissions, CO2 emissions from disposal by incineration, and retail price of each polymer. For the polymers studied, the biodegradable polymer Mater-Bi had the lowest life cycle energy requirements as well as the lowest life cycle CO2 emissions. However, the retail price of consumer Mater-B1 items were twice that of its polyethylene counterpart, LDPE. PETE (either from virgin inputs or recycled inputs) had the highest life cycle energy requirements as well as the highest life cycle CO2 emissions. Conversely, PETE was priced similarly to its biodegradable counterpart, PLA. As microbial degradation rates within sanitary landfills are small, biodegradable polymers would be expected to degrade no more than similar organic waste, when disposed of in a traditional landfill. Based upon its low energy and CO2; profiles, Mater-Bi would be the most acceptable Bibieeradable polymer for consumer use. Mater-Bi becomes even more preferable when disposed of by composting, as intended.