Title: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of PET bottles and comparative LCA of three disposal options in Mauritius

Authors: Rajendra Kumar Foolmaun, Toolseeram Ramjeawon

Addresses: Faculty of Engineering, University of Mauritius, Republic of Mauritius. ' Faculty of Engineering, University of Mauritius, Republic of Mauritius

Abstract: Disposal of the increasing volume of used Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles has been a cause for concern for the Mauritian Government. To assist Government in decision-making, a study on PET bottles and its disposal was undertaken using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tool. Three disposal scenarios, namely (100%) landfilling; (100%) incineration; and 50% landfilling and 50% incineration were compared. Sima Pro 5.1 software was used to analyse data and Eco-indicator 99 method was used for the impact assessment. The results showed that about 90% of the total environmental impact happened during the assembly and use phase of PET bottles. 100% incineration was found to be the most preferred option.

Keywords: life cycle assessment; LCA; polyethylene terephthalate; PET bottles; plastic bottles; solid waste; waste management; waste disposal; Mauritius; incineration; landfill; environmental impact.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2008.016997

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2008 Vol.2 No.1/2, pp.125 - 138

Published online: 03 Feb 2008 *

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