Search Results (3)

This systematic review examines methodological choices in assessing hydrogen production and utilisation technologies using prospective life cycle assessments (LCA) between 2010 and 2022, following PRISMA guidelines. The review analysed 32 peer-reviewed articles identified through Scopus, Web of Science, and BASE. The study reveals a significant gap in the consistent application of prospective LCA methodologies for emerging hydrogen technologies. Most studies employed attributional approaches, often lacking prospective elements in life cycle inventory (LCI) modelling. Although some initiatives to integrate forward-looking components were noted, there was often lack of clarity in defining LCA objectives, technology readiness level (TRL), and upscaling methods. Of the 22 studies that focused on emerging hydrogen technologies, few detailed upscaling methods. Additionally, the review identified common issues, such as the limited use of prospective life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) methods, inadequate data quality evaluation, and insufficient sensitivity and uncertainty analysis. These findings highlight the substantial gaps in modelling low-TRL hydrogen technologies and the need for more robust, comprehensive approaches to assess uncertainties. The review also identified common practices and areas for improvement to enhance the reliability and relevance of hydrogen technology environmental assessments. Full article

Recently, the European Commission announced their intention to restrict intentionally added microplastics to reduce the amount emitted by 0.5 million tons per year. Findings on microplastics indicate toxic behavior for biota, yet many mechanisms remain in the dark. Microplastics also pose a challenge in life cycle assessment as methods are actively being developed. Considering this recent decision, an anticipatory life cycle assessment was performed, comparing the impacts of natural grass pitches with artificial grass pitches using bio-based infill materials as well as polymeric ones made from recycled and virgin materials. The aim was to confirm if microplastics are in fact a considerable environmental hazard when compared to more traditional impacts. The microplastics’ impact was modeled after the MarILCA group’s work on the new midpoint of physical effects on biota. The results showed that the influence of the microplastics remains negligible when using the method provided. For most midpoint categories, the wood-based infill showed the best results, often closely tied with the infill made from recycled rubber from tires. A sensitivity analysis revealed that neither the physical effects on biota nor the greenhouse gas emissions from degradation in a marine environment are deciding factors when assessing the endpoint of ecosystem damage. Full article

Plastic waste production increasingly causes environmental pollution. However, end-of-life (EoL) research often lacks detail and timeliness and fails to integrate the end-of-life option into a product’s life cycle in a systemic perspective. This study addresses these knowledge gaps, by applying an improved anticipatory consequential life cycle assessment (LCA) approach. Reuse, mechanical and chemical recycling options were compared for (biobased and fossil-based) high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic shampoo bottles in the European context using three types of impact categories: climate change, fossil resource scarcity and mineral resources scarcity. The completeness and detail of EoL were increased by modelling the polymer reprocessing within the collection system including all transport distances, while timeliness was improved by implementing the data applicable for the time of implementation of EoL options in the future. The results show that the reuse option has the largest benefits on climate change impact, and on fossil and mineral resource scarcity for both HDPE and PET, for both biobased and fossil plastics. Furthermore, all EoL options cause a net reduction in all climate change, fossil and mineral resource scarcity thanks to the avoided impact of virgin plastic. Finally, the improved LCA approach, utilized in this study, includes plastic production, use and EoL in one assessment, and thus can provide valuable information for adjusting policy and regulations for plastic manufacturers in their production of new virgin plastic polymer, as it requires alignment with its use and EoL options. Full article