Life cycle analysis
It is a process to evaluate, as objectively as possible, the environmental loads associated with a product, process or activity.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a type of study that measures the environmental impact throughout the entire life cycle of a product or activity. That is, from the procurement of raw materials and their transportation, to the production of the product, its distribution and use. It can even go up to when it is reused, recycled or discarded (Román, n.d.).
In other words, it is a process to evaluate, as objectively as possible, the environmental loads associated with a product, process or activity by identifying and quantifying the use of matter and energy during its production.
Thanks to this analysis, it is possible to determine strategies for improving and minimizing environmental impacts at all stages of the life cycle of a product or service.
Procurement of raw materials
This stage encompasses activities of direct action in the environment and involves the use of non-renewable resources, water and biomass collection.
Process and manufacturing
This stage comprises all the activities required to transform raw materials and energy into the desired product.
Distribution and transportation
Transfer of the final product to the customer.
Use, reuse and maintenance
Use of the final product during its useful life.
Withdrawal and treatment.
In some cases, it is possible to close the life cycles by inserting the recovered material at a point in the manufacturing process of a new material.
Disposal, final destination
The material is not valued at the end of its life cycle. At this point, the way in which it is disposed of is valued.
- EXAMPLE OF ACV LIFE CYCLE ANALYSIS
ALPLA regularly conducts life cycle analyses of rPET and rHDPE from its own recycling plants around the world to confirm with scientific data the positive effects of recycling on the carbon footprint.
ALPLA's recycled resin in Mexico, at IMER and AlplaRecycling Toluca, (rPET and rHDPE, respectively) generate up to 87% less carbon equivalent emissions than virgin material. This finding is based on the calculation of the product's carbon footprint, carried out by the independent consultancy C-7 consult and shows ALPLA's commitment to offer solutions for safe, affordable and sustainable living worldwide.
Knowing the importance of companies' sustainability strategies and the imperative of having reliable and scientific data to support them, ALPLA calculated for the first time in Mexico the carbon footprint of its recycled resins produced in the country. This analysis has a cradle-to-gate approach, that is, from the collection of post-consumer material to its transformation into recycled resin ready to be processed into new products.
IMER (Industria Mexicana de Reciclaje S.A. de C.V.), a food grade PET recycling plant, produces rPET (recycled PET) with a carbon footprint of 0.38 kg CO2e per kilogram. This represents an 87% reduction of greenhouse gases when compared to virgin material.
ALPLARecycling Toluca, produces rHDPE (recycled HDPE) with a carbon footprint of 0.69 kg CO2e for every kilogram of recycled resin. This generates a 70% reduction compared to virgin material. This plant was inaugurated in November 2021 with an investment of 40 million euros and has a production capacity of 30,000 tons of recycled material per year.
