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Background Single-use anaesthetic drug trays are used widely in Australia, but their environmental impact is unclear. Methods A life cycle assessment was completed for 10 different types of single-use anaesthetic drug trays made of four materials: the synthetic plastics polypropylene and polystyrene, and the natural fibres bagasse (sugarcane pulp) and cellulose pulp. Results Carbon emissions per tray from total life cycle with landfill disposal were 33–454 g CO2-eq, which equates to 152–2066 tonnes CO2-eq annually. Recycling mitigates this impact, reducing emissions per tray to 16–294 g CO2-eq. The tray with the least emissions for landfill and recycling was the small polystyrene injection tray. There was a significant linear relationship between the mass of a tray and its carbon emissions. For landfill, recycling, and incineration disposal, Pearson's r value was 0.98, 0.99, and 0.95, respectively. Composting natural fibres can give a carbon benefit over some synthetic plastics under specific disposal scenarios, but this benefit was not seen under all circumstances. There was a strong positive correlation between the increasing mass of a tray and its increasing environmental impacts for water consumption, particulate matter formation, and mineral depletion. Conclusions Single-use trays with the lowest mass should be preferentially chosen. Recycling and composting will reduce environmental impacts. Natural fibre does not automatically confer any environmental benefit over plastic and sustainability claims should be carefully examined for accuracy. The practice of using a single-use drug tray for every procedure should be reconsidered. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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Different waste treatment options for municipal solid waste have been studied in a systems analysis. Different combinations of incineration, materials recycling of separated plastic and cardboard containers, and biological treatment (anaerobic digestion and composting) of biodegradable waste, were studied and compared to landfilling. The evaluation covered use of energy resources, environmental impact and financial and environmental costs. In the study, a calculation model (Orware) based on methodology from life cycle assessment (LCA) was used. Case studies were performed in three Swedish municipalities: Uppsala, Stockholm, and Älvdalen. The study shows that reduced landfilling in favour of increased recycling of energy and materials lead to lower environmental impact, lower consumption of energy resources, and lower economic costs. Landfilling of energy-rich waste should be avoided as far as possible, partly because of the negative environmental impacts from landfilling, but mainly because of the low recovery of resources when landfilling. Differences between materials recycling, nutrient recycling and incineration are small but in general recycling of plastic is somewhat better than incineration and biological treatment somewhat worse. When planning waste management, it is important to know that the choice of waste treatment method affects processes outside the waste management system, such as generation of district heating, electricity, vehicle fuel, plastic, cardboard, and fertiliser. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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Naphthenic acids (NAs) are naturally occurring organic acids present in crude oil and bitumen as contaminants. Their presence in the crude oil greatly reduces the quality and price of crude oil. NAs also causes corrosion in the production and processing facilities. They are quantified in the petroleum as Total acid number (TAN), which is the amount of KOH required to neutralize one gram of oil. In this study, the TAN of NAs was reduced by using subcritical methanol and then a mixture of 1-butyl-3methylimidazolium octyl sulfate ([BMIM] [C8HSO4]) and subcritical methanol. The experiments were conducted in an autoclave batch reactor at temperatures of 70-150°C, methanol partial pressures of 0.2-2.5MPa and reaction time of 0-120min. TAN value of the reaction was analyzed by ASTM D974 method. The experimental results demonstrate that high temperature and reaction time favors the TAN reduction. Approximately 24% TAN reduction was achieved by using only subcritical methanol at a temperature of 150°C, methanol partial pressure of 0.2MPa and reaction time of 30min. TAN was reduced to 32% by the addition of [BMIM] [C8HSO4] at the same conditions, indicating the capability of this IL to work under the subcritical methanol conditions. Maximum 56% TAN reduction was achieved at a temperature of 150°C, a reaction time of 120min using subcritical methanol. These results show that the subcritical methanol has the ability to lower the reaction time in an environmental-friendly and economical way. The presence of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium octyl sulfate [BMIM] [C8HSO4] further help in lowering the TAN. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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Material quality, and opportunities for multiple reprocessing, need to be considered when analysing the overall carbon footprint and energy efficiency of plastic products in life cycle assessments. This is rarely done today. This paper presents a case study evaluating a closed-loop recycling system involving a plastics manufacturer in Sweden which produces and reprocesses multiple-use plastic dining plates. The study involves (i) analysing the physical properties and food safety and (ii) assessing the life-cycle energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) performance of the closed-loop recycling system and three other conventional options. The results show certain deterioration in material quality of the plastic plates after six reprocessing cycles but maintained functionality and fulfilment of the food safety requirements. Furthermore, the results show that the life-cycle GHG emissions for the closed-loop recycling system correspond to 20–60% of those of the alternative systems. The primary energy use for the closed-loop recycling system amounts to 50–60% of that of two alternative systems, while it is higher compared to the system that involves one recycling loop followed by waste incineration with energy recovery. This study demonstrates the importance of taking material quality into account in life cycle assessments and confirms the GHG benefits of closed-loop systems. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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The direct synthesis of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) from CO2 and methanol is a green synthetic route owing to nontoxicity of starting materials and synthetic process. DMC is widely used as a nontoxic solvent, effective fuel additive, and synthetic intermediate in medicine, pharmaceutics, chemistry and other fields. The key challenge is to design efficient and stable catalysts, which mainly includes ionic liquids, alkali carbonates, transition metal oxides, heteropoly acids, supported catalysts. The problems of low yield and difficulties in experiments have not been fundamentally solved. Electro-assist synthesis that provides extra energy for CO2 activation is tried and membranes reactor that separates products in time to increase DMC yield is also studied. Dehydrant catalysts with in-situ hydration for water removal can significantly improve DMC yield and catalysts stability because chemical equilibrium shifts substantially and the catalysts deactivation by produced water poisoning is avoided. This direction will have a considerable breakthrough when appropriate combination of catalysts and dehydrant is obtained. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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China's express delivery service industry has been experiencing rapid development; in 2021, deliveries reached a total of 108.29 billion. However, with the increasing demand for express packaging and the accompanying environmental pressures, the widespread adoption of returnable mailing packaging has become a key consideration to promote the reduce, reuse, and recycle (3R) concept. This study performed a life cycle assessment (LCA) and analyzed the environmental impacts of returnable packaging with respect to those of traditional packaging. Five scenarios were established, including traditional express bags and boxes as well as returnable bags and boxes. Results revealed that the comprehensive environmental impact value of returnable packaging bags is 1.75 × 10−5 per capita equivalent (PE), representing 59% and 26% reductions compared to the waste incineration and recycling paths of plastic bag packaging, respectively. Additionally, the comprehensive environmental impact value of box-type returnable packaging is 1.85 × 10−4 PE, which is 63% lower than that of carton-type express packaging. To reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, returnable express boxes and bags should be reused at least five and fifteen times, respectively. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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Owing to their various advantages, such as low photodamage and high tissue penetration, carbon dots (CDs) with long emission wavelength have gained much attention, and are used to compensate for blue to green fluorescent CDs. However, their synthesis has been challenging. In the present study, an acid-mediated synthesis method was developed for the preparation of long-wavelength CDs by using N-phenyl-o-phenylenediamine as a precursor, phosphoric acid as an acidity regulator. According to the principle of similarity compatibility, liquid–liquid extraction was further adopted to separate red CDs (R-CDs) and orange double-color CDs (O-CDs) from long-wavelength CDs mixture for the first time. By optimizing the factors that affect quantum yield (QY), R-CDs with a QY of 4.16% and O-CDs with a QY of 60.80% were obtained. Structural analysis revealed that both types of CDs had a graphite-like structure with an abundance of various groups on their surface. Their fluorescence colors were quite different because of differences in the nature of these functional groups (e.g. contents of N and P). To explore the application value of two kinds of CDs, the potential use of R-CDs, for pH sensing and O-CDs for water content detection in organic solvents was studied systematically. The results revealed that R-CDs was acid sensitive and can be used to detect different pH values. While O-CDs can be used for the detection of various water content in different organic solvents including ethyl acetate, ethanol, methanol, DMSO, DMF and acetone. Finally, due to the low toxicity and good biocompatibility, the potential of R-CDs as probe for cell imaging was explored preliminarily. Co-localization experiments with commercial dye Lyso-tracker Red showed that R-CDs was localized in lysozyme and can be used for lysosomal imaging, further proving that R-CDs is a potential lysosomal probe. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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With the advent of powerful machine learning algorithms strongly supporting complex non-linear regression modeling, catalyst design features for a wide and customized set of catalysts used for a specific reaction have been made easy. Herein, we use these techniques in the methanol synthesis by CO2 reduction over Cu-based binary and ternary catalysts with the help of three machine learning algorithms: artificial neural network, support vector machine regression, and gaussian process regression. 227 catalytic performance dataset points from existing literature on CO2 hydrogenation to methanol were compiled and initially accessed by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for training and preliminary evaluation of the algorithms, which was further guided using a 10-fold cross-validation method. The predictive model and its insights were validated experimentally over 30 datasets derived from experimental runs of this reaction over a ternary Cu/ZnO/ZrO2 laboratory-synthesized catalyst at varying conditions of temperature, pressure, and space velocity in a continuous mode fixed-bed plug-flow reactor. The assessment of the space of input and laboratory data was aided by Principal Component Analysis (PCA), scores, and loadings plot. This work shows how experimentalists can predict typical heterogeneous catalytic reaction outputs (R2 greater than 0.9 for three variables) with fair accuracy using a combination of machine learning and PCA. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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Tea dregs, an abundant and easily found bio-waste, were utilized as a precursor to developing acid biochar (SO3H-TDAC) that was used as a catalyst in producing biodiesel through oleic acid (OA) esterification with methanol. SO3H-TDAC catalysts were prepared through the consecutive carbonization–sulfonation two-step method. The catalyst with the highest sulfonic acid density was obtained at a carbonization temperature of 300 °C, carbonization time of 1 h, sulfonation temperature of 125 °C, and sulfonation time of 5 h and was characterized by multiple characterization methods. The catalyst performance was optimized, and the maximum OA conversion of 95.4% was obtained under the optimum conditions of temperature, time, catalyst concentration, and MeOH/OA molar ratio of 70 °C, 2.5 h, 7.5 wt% to OA, and 12/1, respectively The reaction was well-described by pseudo-first-order kinetics, and the activation energy was calculated as 29.93 kJ mol−1. Moreover, thermodynamic parameters of enthalpy change, entropy change, and Gibbs energy change were computed as 27.6 kJ mol−1, −0.19 kJ mol−1 K−1, and 95.171 kJ mol−1, respectively, indicating the reaction to be endergonic and thermodynamically unfavorable. Finally, after four cycles, the catalyst retained a high OA conversion efficiency of 86.5%, and the original efficiency can be regained via re-sulfonating the spent catalyst. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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In-situ (trans)esterification (ISTE) of lipids in post-hydrolyzed rice bran (PHRB) with methanol under subcritical conditions has proven to be a suitable feedstock for fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) production. The lipids from PHRB had a fatty acid profile which was primarily composed of oleic (39 wt%) and linoleic (36 wt%) acids, and could potentially result in biodiesel with favorable properties. The PHRBs which were lipid-dense (31.35 and 48.98 wt% on a dry basis) and pre-functionalized (0.55 and 1.21 mmol H+/g dry and lipid-free PHRB), were successfully processed non-isothermally from 30 to 150 °C at high reactor loading of 85% and a solvent-to-solid ratio (SSR) of 4–6 mL/g dry PHRB, which resulted in yields of 26.48 and 35.11 g/100 g dry PHRB, equivalent to a conversion of ∼90% of the fatty acids. Due to the acquired acid sites in the collected PHRB, no additional catalyst was required. Elemental analysis and FT-IR spectroscopy were carried out to test the presence of sulfur and sulfonic sites in the PHRB residues. Furthermore, the recovered solids still exhibited substantial acid sites which were tested for activity through the esterification of oleic acid in methanol and were reused up to 7 cycles. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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Increasing atmospheric pollution with greenhouse gases, a large proportion of which are transport pollutants, is forcing the search for new fuels from renewable sources. Biodiesel is currently produced by transesterification of plant oils over heterogeneous catalysts under gentle conditions. The other recent technology dealing with the transesterification with alcohols under supercritical conditions, i.e., at high temperature and pressure, can be more efficient, the cost of the resulting biodiesel having been lower, and lower quality feedstocks having been used. Supercritical transesterification can be performed catalytically or catalyst-free. This paper provides an overview of the catalytic lipid transesterification under supercritical conditions. The influence of raw material, alcohol and catalyst, as well as process parameters on biodiesel yield is analyzed. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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A large portion of plastic produced each year is used to make single-use packaging and other short-lived consumer products that are discarded quickly, creating significant amounts of waste. It is important that such waste be managed appropriately in line with circular-economy principles. One option for managing plastic waste is chemical recycling via pyrolysis, which can convert it back into chemical feedstock that can then be used to manufacture virgin-quality polymers. However, given that this is an emerging technology not yet used widely in practice, it is not clear if pyrolysis of waste plastics is sustainable on a life cycle basis and how it compares to other plastics waste management options as well as to the production of virgin plastics. Therefore, this study uses life cycle assessment (LCA) to compare the environmental impacts of chemical recycling of mixed plastic waste (MPW) via pyrolysis with the established waste management alternatives: mechanical recycling and energy recovery. Three LCA studies have been carried out under three perspectives: waste, product and a combination of the two. To ensure robust comparisons, the impacts have been estimated using two impact assessment methods: Environmental footprint and ReCiPe. The results suggest that chemical recycling via pyrolysis has a 50% lower climate change impact and life cycle energy use than the energy recovery option. The climate change impact and energy use of pyrolysis and mechanical recycling of MPW are similar if the quality of the recyclate is taken into account. Furthermore, MPW recycled by pyrolysis has a significantly lower climate change impact (−0.45 vs 1.89 t CO2 eq./t plastic) than the equivalent made from virgin fossil resources. However, pyrolysis has significantly higher other impacts than mechanical recycling, energy recovery and production of virgin plastics. Sensitivity analyses show that some assumptions have notable effects on the results, including the assumed geographical region and its energy mix, carbon conversion efficiency of pyrolysis and recyclate quality. These results will be of interest to the chemical, plastics and waste industries, as well as to policy makers. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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Synthesis of methanol via CO2 hydrogenation is a very important reaction. In recent years, the In2O3 based catalysts were proved to be a sort of promising catalysts to accelerate this reaction, which have aroused extensive attention. However, design of novel In2O3 based catalysts that can efficiently produce methanol from CO2 hydrogenation at low temperature is still in great need. Herein we fabricated the InZrOx nanosheets via a simple solvothermal method, which had peculiar surface structure and plenty of oxygen defects. The InZrOx nanosheets displayed excellent low temperature catalytic performance in a slurry reactor. The methanol selectivity (90 %) and activity (1.4 mmol gIn -1h−1) were achieved at 180 °C, which are 2.3 and 1.6 times than that of the counterpart nanoparticles, respectively. Water as a clean and cheap reaction solvent played a crucial role, which participated in the kinetic process of the catalysis. The particular catalyst structure and the solvent effect of water accounting for the outstanding reaction results. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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The cultivation of whole crop forage maize (Zea mays L.) for cattle feed has a potential for increased forage yield while reducing nitrogen (N) fertilisation compared to perennial grass-based systems. However, the possible environmental trade-offs of forage maize cultivation remain unknown in the boreal region due to the short growing season which limits cultivation practices. The aim of this study was to compare the environmental impact of forage maize with more widely cultivated forage crops in Finland that include perennial silage grass mixtures and whole crop spring cereal harvested as silage. The use of plastic mulch film in forage maize cultivation was included in the assessment as well. A life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted including impact categories for global warming potential; marine and freshwater eutrophication; terrestrial acidification; freshwater, marine and terrestrial ecotoxicity; land use; and fossil resource depletion. Additionally, soil organic carbon (SOC) stock changes under long-term cultivation of the studied forage crops were simulated with the C-TOOL and Yasso20 models with methodological comparisons. The only clear differences between the studied crops were that the land use was lower (−26–48%) for forage maize, and the freshwater eutrophication (+59–67%) and terrestrial acidification (+10–57%) were higher for perennial grasses compared with other forages. A risk for decreased SOC stock under continuous forage maize cultivation was observed. Forage maize could be used to supplement perennial grass cultivation without major associated environmental risks. Future research shall be conducted on the effect of forage choices on the environmental impact of boreal dairy milk production and on decreasing the current high uncertainty associated with nitrous oxide (N2O) emission factors and SOC stock modelling choices. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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Enhancing the sustainability of food packaging (FP) is challenging due to the conflicting environmental and functional requirements, even though it leads to many negative environmental impacts over different life cycle phases. Sustainable FP aims to strike a balance in fulfilling protection, facilitation of handling, and communication functions while minimizing the environmental impacts and economic costs. Yet, there is a lack of holistic frameworks that support sustainable FP design decision-making processes based on life cycle thinking. Thus, the objective of this study is to develop a generalizable framework combining life cycle thinking with functional analysis for systematically and holistically comparing sustainable packaging design options, considering environmental, economic, and consumer preference dimensions. The proposed approach was applied to a rigid plastic packaging case study involving ketchup bottles. Kano's theory and Quality Function Deployment (QFD) were used to identify the user requirements, applicable design features, and prioritisation. Then, conjoint analysis, life cycle analysis (LCA), and analytical cost estimation were used to estimate the functional satisfaction, environmental impact, and costs incurred respectively. Finally, the values obtained for three criteria were aggregated using Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the overall sustainability of the design options was compared. The results show that both material quantity, type, and shape majorly influence the functional, environmental, and economic impacts. There is a disparity between the options with the highest functional satisfaction and the lowest environmental impacts respectively. The aggregated score indicates that an option currently available in the market has the highest performance, and yet there are other options with better environmental performance. However, even after the scores are aggregated, the inputs of packaging experts maybe necessary to successfully balance the sustainability requirements with the user expectations. The findings of this research, which proposes a systematic and holistic design process, can support packaging designers, industry decision-makers, and policy planners in enhancing the sustainability of FP. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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In recent years, a number of new guidelines and frameworks for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) have emerged, trying to support analysts in dealing with certain methodological issues and “gaps” of the ISO 14040-44, that are still the main LCA reference standards. This trend can be considered as positive, because the lack of shared, standardised and more detailed rules regarding LCA has affected for years the consistency of LCA analyses and their potential comparisons. However, the proliferation of guidelines and frameworks can also have negative consequences, first of all related to the potential resulting confusion and the lack of a clear reference for LCA analysts. These potential risks are particularly accentuated for multinational companies, which deal with many clients, in different markets, countries and sectors, and have to conform their analyses to different requirements each time. Focusing on the plastic packaging industry, this study compares six LCA guidelines and frameworks to highlight their similarities and differences. The documents selected to be analysed were: three documents applicable to products in general (ILCD, PAS 2050 and PEF), two packaging-specific guidelines (Pathfinder Framework and SPICE Methodological Guidelines) and a product specific standard for the packaging industry (PCR 2013:19). The methodological aspects analysed and compared, grouped according to the LCA stages, are: units of analysis; system boundaries; allocation methods; cut-off criteria; end-of-life; packaging; storage; biogenic CO2 emissions; carbon removals and carbon content; land use; offsets; impact categories and indicators; LCA methods and models; normalisation and weighting; data quality; sensitivity analysis. The aim is to understand to what extent potential differences may impact on companies and LCA analysts who conduct the assessments. Results highlight that the six guidelines and frameworks analysed are not always aligned and that, although some misalignments can be easily addressed, others could negatively affect the reliability of the analyses conducted. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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Many road construction and maintenance projects are increasingly using recycled material as pavement material. Most of the times, generic sustainability evaluations are ascribed to recycled products without fully considering their performance. The potential environmental benefits of various alternatives can be analytically evaluated with Life Cycle Assessment while many performance indicators can be found through laboratory and field tests. However, it is highly uncommon for these two approaches to be combined in the same assessment methodology and most of the analyses rely on one or the other. Trading off between environmental advantages and performance and durability in the field is considered of utmost importance when evaluating construction alternatives, especially on large projects. This study utilizes recycled plastic packaging films for bitumen modification. The recycled polyolefin blend is a combination of linear low-density polyethylene and low-density polyethylene (LLDPE/LDPE). LLDPE/LDPE was added in bitumen at various dosages (i.e., from 3% to 12% by weight of the bitumen) to assess the effect of recycled LLDPE/LDPE on the binder physio-chemical, rheological and thermal performance. In addition to the various laboratory performance tests, the environmental sustainability of the alternatives was evaluated through an LCA study. Finally, the outcomes from the two approaches (laboratory performance and environmental impact assessment) were combined via grey relational analysis to identify the best overall alternative. It was found that the storage stability of LLDPE/LDPE modified blends varied from 6 °C to 57 °C whereas the storage stability value of A35P was 2 °C. Softening point of bitumen was 44.1 °C which improved to 55.7–104.1 °C at different content of LLDPE/LDPE. The melting temperature of LLDPE/LDPE modified blends was 100.22, 101.44, 101.87 and 102.49 for LLDPE/LDPE-3%, LLDPE/LDPE-6%, LLDPE/LDPE-9% and LLDPE/LDPE-12%. The methodology highlighted in the paper can be easily adapted to other scenarios, hence facilitating multi-attribute decision-making processes when incorporating recycled materials in roads and leading to better informed decisions. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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Recent European regulations have imposed ecological alternatives to the packaging of expanded polystyrene (EPS) dairy products. In this study we explore the opportunity to replace the expanded polystyrene packaging, with a corrugated cardboard coated with bioplastic for the storage and transport of cheese and mozzarella. Life cycle analysis (LCA) indicates that the use of bioplastic coated corrugated board could significantly reduce the packaging's carbon footprint. Corrugated board has a lower environmental impact than polystyrene, except for the ecosystem quality indicator. This indicator is worse for corrugated because of the impacts associated with the cultivation of corn and sugar cane needed for bioplastics production, as well as the deforestation associated with paper production. EPS, on the other hand, is more impactful due to oil extraction and disposal processes such as landfill and incineration. From the analysis of defined sensitivity by increasing the percentage of composting and recycling, there is an improvement in the environmental performance of coated board, even in critical categories. Therefore, the latter scenario is the ideal and desired solution to obtain the replacement of EPS packaging with bioplastic coated cardboard. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) recycling is considered as one of the key approaches to achieving the circular economy (CE) of plastic waste. Bottle-to-Bottle and Bottle-to-Fiber recycling were assessed using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Material Circularity Indicator (MCI). Three allocation methods (i.e., substitution, recycled content, and economic allocation) were used to deal with the recycling system. Producing bottle-grade PET resin and polyester fiber from PET bottle waste can reduce environmental impacts for most midpoint impact categories (e.g., 60% greenhouse gas emissions reduction and 85% fossil resource scarcity reduction). At the endpoint level, the damages to resources, ecosystem quality, and human health of the recycled PET bottles derived from Bottle-to-Bottle recycling were less than virgin PET bottles when using the substitution and recycled content methods. When using the economic allocation method, the final LCA findings highly depended on the recycled content used to produce the PET bottles. On the other hand, regardless of the allocation method used, recycled polyester fiber derived from Bottle-to-Fiber recycling caused less environmental damages than virgin polyester fiber. The MCI scores of Bottle-to-Bottle recycling in the baseline scenarios range between 0.20 and 0.31, whereas the MCI scores of the expected scenario in the future show a higher level of material circularity (0.55–0.60) as a result of 100% collection rate for recycling of PET bottles and the use of recycled PET as a feedstock. Therefore, higher collection rates and recycled content support Bottle-to-Bottle recycling. On the other hand, the MCI score of Bottle-to-Fiber recycling in the baseline scenario is 0.52. This high score resulted from the use of 100% recycled PET as a feedstock of polyester fiber. Recycling polyester fiber at the end-of-life could further increase the MCI to almost 0.7. However, to keep the materials at their highest quality and value, Bottle-to-Bottle recycling should be the preferred option. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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Since long before the use of disposable foil, plastic and paper cups, clay cups have been widely used in India as single-use containers for a variety of beverages and foods. This is now changing. The cost, convenience and transportability of non-earthen containers has resulted in their replacing clay containers. This paper discusses the gains and losses from this substitution along the three dimensions of sustainability economic, environmental and social, and shows that the replacement analyses for even such a simple product are complex with tradeoffs in the three dimensions impacting the wellbeing of the producers and users. The paper also presents the life cycle assessment of clay cups in terms of endpoint and midpoint categories using ReCiPe method, and also find the environmental hotspots. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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By computer simulation, we analyze the performances of a compact (2 meter-long) externally-cooled multitubular reactor for the methanol synthesis loaded with highly conductive structured catalysts, namely washcoated copper honeycomb monoliths and copper open-cell foams. Such a reactor is simulated as inserted in a synthesis loop including an ideal condenser, a recycle and a purge stream. Parametric analysis of the catalyst volumetric fraction points out that compact methanol structured reactors can be operated even with loadings as low as 0.30m3 catalyst/m3 tube, but they would grant lower CO x conversions per pass, resulting in higher recycle ratios. The excellent radial heat transfer performances of the structured reactors enable however the catalyst intrinsic activity and/or the coolant temperature to be properly optimized to compensate for the lower catalyst loads, eventually granting lower recycle ratios (i.e. keeping CO x conversion per pass close to the equilibrium value) as well as limited hot-spot temperatures. Furthermore, reactor tubes with larger diameters can be adopted in compact conductive structured reactors loaded with limited catalyst volumetric fractions, thus allowing for reduction of investment costs. In particular, we show that, thanks also to the efficient radial heat transfer, the greater thermal loads generated in the configurations with larger tubes can be effectively managed to enhance the reactor performances. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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For commercially viable direct methanol fuel cells, electrocatalysts play a crucial role in motivating the sluggish methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) over anode. Unfortunately, the large-scale applications of current MOR catalysts are hampered by their poor tolerance to poisoning and fast activity degradation. Herein, a unique composite catalyst comprised of partial Pd nanoparticles and partial Pd single atoms (PdNPs/Pd-Nx@C) is developed. The as-fabricated catalyst exhibits remarkable activity of 9.45 mA·cm−2 towards MOR in alkaline solution, which is 7.05 and 3.92 times that of commercial Pd/C and nanoparticle type (PdNPs@C) electrocatalysts, respectively. Impressively, the PdNPs/Pd-Nx@C shows the highest long-time stability with 90.38% and 89.8% of the initial activity retained after 3600 s chronoamperometry (CA) test and 2000 cycles of cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements with accelerated durability test (ADT), respectively. Combined with high-angle annular darkfield scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM), X-ray adsorption fine structure (XAFS) spectra and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses, the superior performance of PdNPs/Pd-Nx@C can be ascribed to the synergistic effect from the Pd single atoms, N-doped carbon supports and Pd nanoparticles. Notably, the embedded Pd single atoms are liable to transfer electrons to the substrate due to the electronic metal-support interactions (EMSI) and the charge transfer between Pd nanoparticles and carbon supports is suppressed, inducing a weak adsorption strength of poisonous carbonous intermediate species on active Pd nanoparticles and improved poisoning tolerance in MOR process, which is verified by density functional theory (DFT) calculations as well as CO-stripping voltammetry experiments. This work not only contributes the first example of a synergistic catalyst between nanoparticles and single atoms for MOR but also deepens the knowledge on the metal-support interaction. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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The feasibility of carrying out the low-pressure methanol-synthesis process in forced unsteady-state conditions, using a network of three catalytic fixed bed reactors with periodical change of the inlet position, has been investigated; advantages and limitations in comparison with the previously proposed reverse-flow reactor have been highlighted. The effect of the main operating parameters—inlet temperature, switching time, inlet flow rate—has been studied. A cyclic-steady-state condition and auto-thermal behaviour are possible; nevertheless, they are attainable only for switching times varying in two narrow ranges. Out of these regions, complex steady-states of high periodicity, where conversion is low, or extinction of the reactors occur. For low values of the switching time, the establishing of optimal temperature profiles along the network allows higher conversions than in the reverse flow reactor. Furthermore, the performances of the network are weakly affected by wash-out, the removal of unconverted gas in correspondence of switching, which is in intrinsic disadvantage of reverse flow operation. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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The push to control the greenhouse gas emissions is motivated by environmental regulations. For the aim to be achieved, the suggestion of eliminating or at least reducing gas flaring is currently taken under environment. In this regard, a new configuration for flare gas treatment is proposed in this study. This configuration is aimed to collect H2 and CO2 from flare gas, simultaneously. The collected components would be sent to the methanol synthesis reactor in the upstream section. The proposed configuration is made up of a multi-step membrane-assisted separation unit. In order to clarify what lies behind the idea, we proposed a mathematical formulation which is composed of conservation equations and kinetic rate equations is developed. H2 and CO2 elimination in the first step followed by a membrane-assisted water gas shift reactor for catalytic CO conversion and H2 recovery in tandem, and removing the remaining CO2 in the supplementary step is investigated numerically. The collected H2/CO2 mixture is aimed to recover into the upstream methanol synthesis reactor. The obtained results reveal that by utilizing such a strategy, about 2500 kmol/day CO2 (almost 98% of total input) is eliminated from the flare gas stream. Moreover, by considering the converted CO, about 4050 kmol/day CO2 is recovered to the methanol reactor. As a whole, 0.68% enhancement in the methanol generation and the reduction of about 4050 kmol/day flare gas pollutants are achieved in tandem when 98% N2 and 92.9% CH4 is separated the from purge gas. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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There is a serious need to assess the evolution of transitions from a linear to a Circular Economy (CE) using tools, metrics, and measurement indicators that not only are able to take into account the circularity, but also the other sustainability performances of products. Currently, most measurement tools do not lead to valuable decisions, as they do not capture the performance of the CE in its entirety, resulting in poorer performance on certain aspects, such as the environment. In addition, the lack of industry-specific indicators may hinder the adaptation of CE due to the different structures and functions of products. Consequently, this paper proposes a circularity indicator adapted from the Material Circularity Indicator (MCI) for the plastic industry, specifically Multi-layer Plastic Packaging (MPP). The adapted indicator is expanded based on the quality of recycled polymers by defining a new utility factor (X) as the polymers' intensity of re-use. It also highlights that it is necessary to combine a circularity indicator with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for viable end-of-life (EOL) management. To illustrate the use of the proposed indicator and the trade-offs between circularity and environmental impacts, a case study on three-layer plastic packaging is applied to two end-of-life scenarios (Incineration, and closed-loop mechanical recycling). The results show that an increase in material circularity generally decreases the environmental impacts. However, recycling was found to have a higher impact than incineration on some impact categories such as land use and freshwater eutrophication. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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Cu/ZnO-based catalysts are widely used for methanol production from CO/CO2/H2. In recent years there has been growing interest in methanol synthesis from CO2/H2. Cu/ ZnO catalysts are less active for methanol production in CO2-rich feed gas, but the activity appears to be promoted by the addition of Pd to the catalyst. This paper presents a brief chronological overview of kinetic results in these catalyst systems including the work done by the author. Experiments at controlled levels of conversion, including microreactor studies, have provided an insight into the role of products in the kinetics of methanol synthesis. In particular, it has been shown that the product water inhibits CO2 hydrogenation to methanol. Under these conditions, Pd appears to promote the activity, but in fact it plays a role in counteracting the inhibition by water. This could possibly be explained by hydrogen spillover which moderates the [Cu(metal)+H2O = Cu-O(ads) + H2] redox. The paper goes on to discuss the mechanistic effect of water on Cu/ZnO-catalyst systems under CO2-rich and CO-rich atmospheres. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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Methanol conversion over SAPO molecular sieve DNL-6 was investigated from the view point of the reaction mechanism. The organic materials confined in the cavities of DNL-6 were mostly polymethylbenezenes. By combination of in situ NMR study with ex situ GC–MS measurements, the structure of heptamethylbenzenium ion (heptaMB+) formed during MTO reaction was definitely confirmed. Further evidences from the mass spectra and 13C solid-state NMR spectra in the isotopic switch experiments showed that the side chain methylation mechanism was the main reaction route for olefin formation from hydrocarbon pool species. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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To address an innovative trigeneration process using coke oven gas as the input fuel, a novel heat integration process based on a solid oxide fuel cell is designed and discussed in the current research. Since the coke oven gas is a hydrogen-enriched fuel, its application in a solid oxide fuel cell power plant can improve sustainability and environmental indexes. The flue gas leaving the fuel cell subsystem is directed to a Kalina power cycle and an absorption power cycle for heat recovery, wherein additional power is available. Accordingly, the rejected flue gas is sent into a methanol synthesis unit for producing methanol. A part of generated electric power is delivered to a proton electrolyte membrane electrolyzer, where the water electrolysis process generates hydrogen and oxygen. Here, the generated hydrogen is delivered to the methanol synthesis unit. This system is simulated in the Aspen HYSYS software. To study the designed system, energy, exergy, environmental, and economic assessments are considered. In addition, a sensitivity study based on the main variables is performed. According to the results, the energy and exergy efficiencies of the whole structure are 34.69% and 88.885, respectively. In addition, the methanol production cost was 0.595 $/kg. The CO2 emission intensity is found to be 0.18 kgCO2/kgMeOH. So, the use of coke oven gas reduced the environmental threats considerably. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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The rapid growth of the packaging industry has resulted in a substantial increase in waste and pollution. Regulations, goals and social responsibilities have reoriented businesses’ priorities towards sustainable practices. The life cycle assessment (LCA) carried out in this study measured and compared significant efforts affecting the sustainability of plastic cosmetic packaging. Evaluations were conducted on the life cycle environmental effects of dematerialisation, recycled content, renewable energy share powering the manufacturing processes, energy-saving efforts, and end-of-life (EoL) recycling rates across various scenarios. Consideration was also given to different types of fossil and bio-based polymers (ABS, PP, PET and PLA). Dematerialisation and recycled content were identified as having the most significant positive effects on packaging sustainability. An average net reduction of 52% in the total carbon footprint for all materials assessed was noted when 100% recycling material was applied. The overall impact was reduced by an average of 13% when using 100% solar photovoltaic energy sources in the manufacturing processes. The minimal contribution of the manufacturing stage to the overall impact, compared to the other life cycle stages, was the main attribute causing this comparatively low impact reduction. Furthermore, compared to the other case scenarios, it was determined that polypropylene (PP) was found to have the most favourable environmental impact. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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This study conducted a full life cycle analysis of bottled water on four types of bottles: ENSO, PLA (corn based), recycled PET, and regular (petroleum based) PET, to discern which bottle material is more beneficial to use in terms of environmental impacts. PET bottles are the conventional bottles used that are not biodegradable and accumulate in landfills. PLA corn based bottles are derived from an organic substance and are degradable under certain environmental conditions. Recycled PET bottles are purified PET bottles that were disposed of and are used in a closed loop system. An ENSO bottle contains a special additive which is designed to help the plastic bottle degrade after disposed of in a landfill. The results showed that of all fourteen impact categories examined, the recycled PET and ENSO bottles were generally better than the PLA and regular PET bottles; however, the ENSO had the highest impacts in the categories of global warming and respiratory organics, and the recycled PET had the highest impact in the eutrophication category. The life cycle stages that were found to have the highest environmental impacts were the bottle manufacturing stage and the bottled water distribution to storage stage. Analysis of the mixed bottle material based on recycled PET resin and regular PET resin was discussed as well, in which key impact categories were identified. The PLA bottle contained extremely low impacts in the carcinogens, respiratory organics and global warming categories, yet it still contained the highest impacts in seven of the fourteen categories. Overall, the results demonstrate that the usage of more sustainable bottles, such as biodegradable ENSO bottles and recycled PET bottles, appears to be a viable option for decreasing impacts of the bottled water industry on the environment. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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This study evaluated the environmental impacts caused by drinking water consumption in Barcelona (Spain) using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. Five different scenarios were compared: 1) tap water from conventional drinking water treatment; 2) tap water from conventional drinking water treatment with reverse osmosis at the water treatment plant; 3) tap water from conventional drinking water treatment with domestic reverse osmosis; 4) mineral water in plastic bottles, and 5) mineral water in glass bottles. The functional unit was 1 m3 of water. The water treatment plant considered in scenarios 1, 2 and 3, treats around 5 m3 s−1 of surface water. The water bottling plants considered in scenarios 4 and 5 have a production capacity of 200 m3 of bottled water per day. The LCA was performed with the software SimaPro ®, using the CML 2 baseline method. The results showed how tap water consumption was the most favourable alternative, while bottled water presented the worst results due to the higher raw materials and energy inputs required for bottles manufacturing, especially in the case of glass bottles. The impacts generated by domestic reverse osmosis were between 10 and 24% higher than tap water alternative depending on the impact category. It was due to the higher electricity consumption. Reverse osmosis at the water treatment plant showed impacts nearly twice as high as domestic reverse osmosis systems scenario, mainly because of the higher energy inputs. Water treated by domestic reverse osmosis equipment was the most environmentally friendly solution for the improvement of tap water organoleptic characteristics. An economic analysis showed that this solution was between 8 and 19 times cheaper than bottled water. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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Ordered bimodal mesoporous boria–alumina composite (OBMBAC) with high specific surface area and pore volume has been prepared through an evaporation-induced self-assembly (EISA) process using non-ionic block copolymer as a template without addition of any mineral acids such as HCl or H2SO4. Nitrogen adsorption test, low-angle X-ray diffraction (XRD) and high resolution TEM evidenced a novel bimodal mesoporous structure of the composite. The wide-angle XRD pattern showed that the composite was typical of poorly crystallized material. Solid MAS NMR and FT-IR analysis confirmed the chemical bonding of BOAl bonds in the composite. NH3-TPD (Temperature programmed desorption) test showed that the composite possessed complex acid sites. And strong Lewis and Brønsted acid sites can be detected. In the reaction of methanol dehydration to dimethyl ether (DME), the composite demonstrated high catalytic activity in conversion of methanol (85%) and good selectivity (100%) of DME. These characteristics of the ordered bimodal mesoporous boria–alumina composite are desirable for future applications related to effective utilization of DME as “green energy source” or aerosol propellant. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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The introduction of reusable packaging systems (both refill and return) has the potential to significantly reduce waste from single-use plastic packaging. However, for these schemes to be successful, both the environmental impact and the willingness of consumers to engage with such systems need to be carefully considered. This paper combines and discusses two complementary studies: (i) a life cycle assessment comparing the environmental impacts of single-use, refillable, and returnable containers for a takeaway meal, and (ii) a large online survey of UK adults exploring what types of product and packaging consumers are willing to reuse, how, and why. The findings of the life cycle assessment indicate that reusable containers outperform single-use plastic containers on most measures of environmental impact. The survey found that given the choice of disposal, reuse or recycling, that recycling is the preferred method of dealing with packaging once empty in the UK, and that people's decisions with regards to what types of packaging they are willing to reuse are largely driven by the aspects of the packaging itself (e.g., material and type) rather than the nature of the product inside of the packaging (e.g., state of matter of the contents). The survey also showed that people were more willing to engage in reuse systems with which they were already familiar. Additionally the language used to describe these schemes and the term ‘reuse’ needs to be considered. Combined, these factors can be used to determine the best packaging reuse system for a given product and situation. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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Methanol is rated among the top chemical commodities worldwide. Its production via indirect synthesis routes from natural gas is energy intensive and costly regarding the investment and operation. This study addresses the economics of methanol synthesis routes with different reforming technologies. Processes with steam reforming, autothermal reforming, and dry methane reforming are considered for medium capacities below 3000 metric tons per day. The exergetic efficiency of these processes is 34.8%, 56.9% and 39.8%, respectively. Furthermore, combined methane reforming, two-step reforming and a parallel configuration of steam – and dry methane reforming are discussed. Their exergetic efficiency is 48.6%, 57.2% and 46.3%, respectively. The processes with endothermic reforming technology inherently feature a co-production of electricity for high efficiency. The results from an economic case study are reported. Approximately 60–70% of the investment is required for the reforming unit. The fuel cost has a contribution of 50–60% in the specific product cost. Depending on the process, the payback period is 2 to 10 years. The economic uncertainties are addressed by conducting sensitivity analyses. An exergoeconomic analysis is used to calculate the levelized cost of methanol and electricity. The two-step reforming process constitutes the most attractive design from an exergoeconomic point of view, having the lowest levelized cost of methanol and electricity production among all processes. Finally, the plants are assessed by comparing the levelized cost of methanol with the range of historical methanol prices in Europe and North America. A low natural gas price makes an operation economically viable in both continents. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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Coordination complexes and metal–organic frameworks are compounds with unlimited applications in electrochemistry. Those based on Co, Ni, and Cu offer redox-active properties that can be an advantage for the electro-oxidation of short-chain alcohols in alkaline media. At the present, there is a crescent interest for its application in direct methanol fuel cells and a big effort is being carried out to improve the oxidation potentials obtained with these compounds before their practical uses as DMFCs anodes. Herein, we collected the recent advance on the use of coordination compounds (coordination complexes and Metal-Organic Frameworks) as modifiers for electrodes and their evaluation on methanol electro-oxidation in alkaline media. Fundamental aspects of the key role of coordination compounds in electro-oxidation, the fabrication of modified electrodes containing coordination compounds, and diverse examples of its use of methanol electro-oxidation will be discussed. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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Bio-based plastics are produced from bio-based raw materials such as sugar cane, potatoes, corn, and agricultural and slaughterhouse waste. The evolution of the bio-based plastics market is affected by the stakeholders involved owing to their role in production processes, environmental guidelines and purchasing decisions. It is therefore imperative to understand the perceptions of stakeholders in order to inform the development of the bio-based plastics sector. This novel exploratory study investigates the perceptions and opinions of three stakeholder groups: environmental professionals and plastic processors; university students; and consumers in Belfast, Northern Ireland. During the focus groups (25 participants in total), samples of bio-based plastics, including starch-based monolayer and multilayer, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), were presented. A qualitative analysis using the framework method revealed that environmental professionals and plastic processors were aware of both the benefits of bio-based plastics, such as a reduction in use of fossil fuels; and the challenges, which include the utilisation of agricultural land for biomass substrates and possible contamination of current conventional plastic recycling streams. Although there was a general lack of knowledge among students and consumers about bio-based plastics, they conveyed their beliefs that the use of agricultural waste will lead to closed-loop systems, resulting in a balanced approach to production and waste management. Some students and consumers, raised concerns about contamination of food by bio-based packaging prepared from slaughterhouse waste. However, these participants supported the use of slaughterhouse waste in the production of bio-based plastics for non-food contact items. The students and consumers and some of the environmental professionals and plastic processors were reluctant to pay more for bio-based plastics. The results indicate that manufacturers of bio-based plastics could benefit from informing consumers about the environmental impacts of beginning-of-life parameters, such as production processes and feedstocks, by using life cycle assessment parameters. This should be incorporated into information provided on labelling using standards from neutral organisations. This research could inform future communication strategies around bio-based plastics with both the public and industry. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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Growing population and expanding economies are important causes of increasing global energy demand. In wake of the continuous hike in the petroleum prices, depleting world resources and increased constant threat to planet's environment, the need for environment friendly alternative fuels has augmented many times. Methanol has been in the limelight over the past few years. High production cost, catalyst deactivation, economy of scale, huge energy requirements are the leading bottlenecks, which should be resolved to move towards the cleaner production. To address the issues, various reactors and their configurations have been modelled over years and the need to summarise all these efforts seems obligatory. One-dimensional to three-dimensional models for traditional packed bed reactors to processes for direct conversion of natural gas to methanol is available in literature. The presented study is an attempt to compile most of these efforts in order to guide future work in this area for cleaner and healthier environment. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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The present study uses cradle-to-factory gate life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate environmental impact categories in producing packaged canola edible oil in Isfahan province of Iran. In this study, LCA methodology is applied in order to satisfy two goals, namely, to evaluate hot spots in production chain of canola oil and to compare environmental burdens of oil production at each stage of the production chain. The initial data about inputs consumption and canola yield are collected from 126 farmers in Fereydounshahr region by face-to-face questionnaire method. Detailed information about processing, input materials and energy consumption in industrial phase of oil production are obtained by visiting factory units and interviewing with employees and engineers of Golbahar Sepahan oil factory. The required data about the background system are extracted from Ecoinvent 3.2 and Industry data 2.0 databases. LCA results in canola edible oil production show that farm stage has a key role in environmental impacts wherein the use of chemical fertilizers and diesel fuel make major contributions. In oil extraction and refinement step, natural gas combustion and background processes of natural gas also play major roles in generating environmental impact categories. In packaging step, the packaging materials, i.e., plastic and carton, and the background processes of diesel fuel have major contributions to aggravating environmental burdens. In conclusion, reducing the consumption of chemical fertilizers, especially nitrogen-based ones, is important for reducing environmental footprints in canola edible oil production due to the key role of farm stage in environmental impacts of canola edible oil production. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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The operational stability, power efficiency, and technical simplicity of enzymatic biofuel cells are the focus area of research for practical applications of this green energy-generating device. Here, we report some critical findings on these issues on a methanol-fuelled pure biofuel cell fabricated by using alcohol oxidase and bilirubin oxidase as anodic and cathodic catalysts, respectively. The cell was fabricated with a new design strategy comprising efficient anoxic condition in the anodic chamber, adequate airflow to the cathode for enhancing oxygen reduction reactions, and a passive fuel pumping facility to the anode. A magnetic nanoparticle-based bio-nanocomposite matrix on the carbon-cloth electrode offered as a biocompatible enzyme immobilization matrix for harvesting electrons in the cell through the direct electron transfer mechanism as validated by cyclic voltammetry. Six units of the cells, when connected in a series, the device's potential increased to 4.3-fold (3.1 V) and rested at a stable state under a load with a half-life of ∼ 372 days and a coulombic efficiency of 60%. This high operational stability has been attributed to the efficient anoxic setup in the anodic chamber that supported the stability of alcohol oxidase, the activity of which was intact even after 49 days of the operation. This work also demonstrated that the prolonged interaction of molecular oxygen with the oxidase drastically inactivates it without affecting the structural integrity of the enzyme protein. This enzymatic fuel cell with improved design and functions is a step forward for achieving practical application as a standalone power supply to small-scale devices. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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This chapter explores the processes of a typical logistics network for the management of reusable packaging for food products. While the impacts associated with packaging waste in the food sector are well known, the adoption of reusable crates or handling systems for food items entails many logistics processes such as storage, transportation, and cleaning, whose impact needs to be quantified and assessed with cost-benefit analysis. This chapter thus presents a methodology and a decision-support tool used to quantify the logistic and environmental impacts associated with packaging distribution in the closed-loop network between growers, retailers, and the pooler. This methodology allows quantifying of the performance of the as-is scenario and predicting the savings of choosing intermodal transport solutions (i.e., railways, seaways) for the delivery and collection of reusable plastic crates (RPCs) for fruits and vegetables. The methodology is applied to a multiscenario what-if analysis of a case study provided by an Italian pooler operating in the retail food supply chain. The results are generated through a decision-support tool, which embeds a geographic information system (GIS) and realizes data-driven assessment of storage and distribution operations experienced by RPCs. We quantified some categories of impacts among the set of greenhouse gases emissions (GHGs) resulting from transportation and associated costs. The results showcase a total transportation cost reduction of 11.7% in the to-be scenario, while the number of kilograms of CO2eq decreases by 9.2%. The contribution of this chapter lies in the investigation of the environmental sustainability of a packaging closed-loop network (CLN) for food products. Moreover, we decided to limit the boundaries of the analysis to the transport process, which is often neglected and underrated in typical life cycle assessment (LCA). Findings from this chapter represent practical suggestions and strategic guidelines for managers and practitioners of reusable package systems toward more sustainable operations. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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The environmental performance of hemp based natural fiber mat thermoplastic (NMT) has been evaluated in this study by quantifying carbon storage potential and CO2 emissions and comparing the results with commercially available glass fiber composites. Non-woven mats of hemp fiber and polypropylene matrix were used to make NMT samples by film-stacking method without using any binder aid. The results showed that hemp based NMT have compatible or even better strength properties as compared to conventional flax based thermoplastics. A value of 63 MPa for flexural strength is achieved at 64% fiber content by weight. Similarly, impact energy values (84–154 J/m) are also promising. The carbon sequestration and storage by hemp crop through photosynthesis is estimated by quantifying dry biomass of fibers based on one metric ton of NMT. A value of 325 kg carbon per metric ton of hemp based composite is estimated which can be stored by the product during its useful life. An extra 22% carbon storage can be achieved by increasing the compression ratio by 13% while maintaining same flexural strength. Further, net carbon sequestration by industrial hemp crop is estimated as 0.67 ton/h/year, which is compatible to all USA urban trees and very close to naturally, regenerated forests. A comparative life cycle analysis focused on non-renewable energy consumption of natural and glass fiber composites shows that a net saving of 50 000 MJ (∼3 ton CO2 emissions) per ton of thermoplastic can be achieved by replacing 30% glass fiber reinforcement with 65% hemp fiber. It is further estimated that 3.07 million ton CO2 emissions (4.3% of total USA industrial emissions) and 1.19 million m3 crude oil (1.0% of total Canadian oil consumption) can be saved by substituting 50% fiber glass plastics with natural fiber composites in North American auto applications. However, to compete with glass fiber effectively, further research is needed to improve natural fiber processing, interfacial bonding and control moisture sensitivity in longer run. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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Phospholipids are important biomolecules for the study of lipidomics, signal transduction, biodiesel, and synthetic biology; however, it is difficult to synthesize and analyze phospholipids in a defined in vitro condition. Here, we present a protocol for in vitro production and quantification of phospholipids. We describe steps for preparing a cell-free system consisting of fatty acid synthesis and a gene expression system that synthesizes acyltransferases on liposomes. The whole reaction can be completed within a day and the products are quantified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Eto et al. 1 | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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The energy-water nexus is a concept widely established but rarely applied to product and, in particular, to food and beverage products, which have a great influence on greenhouse gases emissions. The proposed method considers the main nexus aspects in addition to other relevant aspects such as climate change, which is deeply linked with energy and water systems, and assessing process as well as product. In this framework, this study develops an integrated index (IWECN) that combines life cycle assessment (LCA) and linear programming (LP) to assess energetic, water and climate systems, enabling the identification of those products with minors energetic and water intensity and climate change effects and helping to the decision-making process and to the development of eco-innovation measures. In this case, the product assessed was one bottle (70 cl) of gin and two main hotspots were identified: the production of the glass bottle and the energy requirements of the distillation stage. Based on that, several eco-innovation strategies were proposed: the use of photovoltaic solar energy as energy source and the substitution of the glass bottle by a plastic one and by a tetra brick. The nexus results indicated that the use of solar photovoltaic energy and plastic as bottle material was the best alternative decreasing 58% the IWECN value of the production of one bottle of gin. The sensitivity analysis presented a strong preference for photovoltaic solar energy in comparison with electric power and for the reduction of the glass bottle weight or its substitution by a plastic bottle. The use of the IWECN index is extendable to any product with the aim of facilitating the decision-making process in the development of more sustainable products to introduce them in new green markets. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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Milk packaging has been analysed multiple times in pursuit of finding the most appropriate vessel from an environmental point of view. Research has concentrated on commercially available containers of 0.5 – 2.5 litres, usually made from High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polyethylene Terephtalate (PET), paper-based cartons, or glass, with some studies considering a reuse scheme for glass bottles. Whilst applicable for household delivery, such a reuse scheme is not practical for delivery to cafés where large volumes of milk are used every day; little information is known about transportation of bulk volumes of milk in bigger vessels such as steel churns. This study compares a proposed milk supply chain using a mix of reusable stainless steel churns and reusable glass bottles with the current supply chain that uses single-use HDPE bottles, for transportation of milk to 10 cafés belonging to The University of Sheffield. A cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment (LCA) is conducted using data obtained from the university and Our Cow Molly, a local dairy farm which delivers milk to the university. Sensitivity analysis was performed around the recycling rate of plastic bottles, water consumption for churn cleaning, the reuse rate of glass bottles and churns and the source of the on-farm electricity. The study suggests that the greenhouse gas emission can be lowered by approx. 6.5 tons of CO2 equivalent annually if the reuse scheme is applied (this equates to a 65% reduction for the processes analysed). Considerable savings are also reported in categories such as water consumption, fossil resources depletion and cumulative energy demand. The reuse scheme is, however, likely to induce a similar or higher mineral resource use and higher environmental damage in the marine eutrophication category due to water treatment. Production of plastic bottles in the plastic scenario and maintenance and transport on the reusable side are the main contributors to the environmental impact. Further improvements in the reuse scenario could be achieved by reducing the amount of water used for cleaning and hence the electricity demand for water heating. The reuse scheme could also benefit environmentally from using an electric refrigerated van instead of a diesel vehicle. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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Consumption of plastic is steadily increasing, making disposal through landfilling, incineration, and open-or closed-loop recycling challenging. The majority of these plastic waste is Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles, widely used for single-use beverage and liquid containers. This study focuses on using Recycled PET (RPET) bottles as confining material on rectangular concrete columns. This method uses RPET strips that are produced by stripping parts of the RPET bottle which are then wrapped around externally on concrete columns. It can easily be adapted in rural areas with low skilled workers, unlike the conventional methods which makes use of expensive materials and require trained workers. Production of twenty-seven rectangular unreinforced concrete specimens with a size of 100 mm × 100 mm × 300 mm are made. The RPET strips are varied having width of 10 mm and 20 mm, and clear spacing between strips of 10 mm and 25 mm by using two available PET bottles in the industry. A fastening system is proposed, instead of using industrial adhesives, in placing and tying the RPET strips to the rectangular column. Results show a 19% to 70% increase in ultimate compressive strength for rectangular columns which are externally reinforced by RPET. A significant increase in axial strain from the stress-strain diagram is experienced. The proposed method is practical and effective in strengthening concrete structures. The findings suggest that test for long-term durability should be implemented. Life cycle analysis as well as further studies on the scalability of this viable PET waste management solution should be conducted. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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Methanol is a basic form of alcohol that results from the combination of a methyl group (CH3) and a hydroxy group (OH). The global demand for methanol is expected to reach 117Mtons in coming years owing to its mass use in the petrochemical, transportation, and chemical industries. Methanol is primarily synthesized using non-renewable resources such as natural gas, coal, and cooking. The depleted natural resources are not only insufficient to sustain the ever-growing demand for methanol but also contribute to global warming. Biomass has the potential to be an alternative renewable source for methanol production. Numerous state-of-the-art studies established cost-effective and efficient processes for converting biomass into methanol. Commercial adoption of a biomass-to-methanol generation technique hinges on various factors such as the type of feed material, available infrastructure, and operation cost. This chapter provides a detailed overview of conventional and non-conventional approaches to methanol production from biomass. An overview of global biogas production has been presented to determine the practicality of implementing biomass-to-methanol generation on a large scale. Additionally, the chapter discusses the challenges and prospects of different state-of-the-art techniques available for methanol production from biogas. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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Synthesis of nanoparticles through the green approach using plant and vegetable extracts has gained popularity since they are thought to be efficient and cost-effective materials. This study is designed to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) from onion waste peel extract (Allium cepa L.) via the green synthesis approach. The synthesized ZnO-NPs were characterized by utilizing the UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) and X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD)techniques. The nanoparticles formation was confirmed by the UV–Vis sharp absorption spectra at 318 and 322 nm. The synthesized ZnO-NPs size and shape was revealed by the XRD and SEM respectively. Smallest nanoparticle average crystallite size was found 57.38 nm with hexagonal shape. The bioactive functional groups that are in charge of capping and stabilizing the ZnO-NPs was assured by the FTIR data. Further, prepared ZnO-NPs were used to assess their possible antioxidant and antibacterial properties. DPPH test for free radical scavenging showed potential antioxidant properties of the synthesized ZnO-NPs. The antibacterial activity were studied against three clinical strains: P. aeruginosa, E. coli, and S. aureus with the maximum zone of inhibition 13.17 mm, 22.00 mm and 12.35 mm respectively at 100 μg/mL subsequently minimum inhibitory concentration was found 50 μg/mL for P. aeruginosa, and S. aureus whereas 100 μg/mL for E. coli. Antioxidant and antibacterial activity tests appear bio-resource based ZnO-NPs from Allium cepa L. extract have effects on free radical and growth of microorganisms.Therefore, it could be a promising candidates for agricultural and food safety applications as an effective antimicrobial agent against pathogenic microorganisms and also can address future biomedical applications after complete in vivo study. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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The market growth of consumer electronics makes it essential for industries and policy-makers to work together to develop sustainable products. The objective of this study is to better understand how to promote environmentally sustainable consumer electronics by examining the use of various materials in laptop enclosures (excluding mounting hardware, internal components, and insulation) using screening-level life cycle assessment. The baseline material, is a fossil plastic blend of polycarbonate-acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. Alternative materials include polylactic acid, bamboo, aluminum, and various combinations of these materials known to be currently used or being considered for use in laptops. The flame retardants considered in this study are bisphenol A bis(diphenyl phosphate), triphenyl phosphate, 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide, and borax-boric acid-phosphorous acid. The Tool for the Reduction and Assessment of Chemical and other environmental Impacts v2.1 was used for the assessment of impacts related to climate change, human and ecological health, and resource use. The assessment demonstrates that plastics, relative to the other materials, are currently some of the better performing materials in terms of having the lowest potential environmental impact for a greater number of impact categories based on product life cycle models developed in this study. For fossil plastics, the material performance increases with increasing post-consumer recycled content. To best characterize and improve the environmental sustainability of bio-based materials like polylactic acid, it will be necessary to better model end-of-life options for this application. The impacts of using pressed bamboo materials in laptop enclosures can be lessened by improving key sub-processes, such as strip gluing. The final issue highlighted by this study is the need to develop more sustainable alternatives for flame retardants and fillers because they can represent a significant portion of the cradle-to-grave life cycle impacts, even though they often constitute a small portion of the weight of the final product. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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Platinum supported on high surface area tungsten trioxide (WO3) has received intensive attention in recent years, mainly because of its improved tolerance towards carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning during methanol oxidation and its enhanced electrocatalytic activity. However, the chemical instability of WO3 in acid medium is a major issue that hinders its application in fuel cell electrodes. In the present work, the stability of WO3 is shown to be improved by suitable Ti4 substition in the WO3 framework. However, the improvement in the stability of WO3 in acid medium was found to be significant only at lower amounts of Ti4 in the framework. On the other hand, the electrocatalytic activity of Pt loaded W1−x Ti x O3/C (x =0.0, 0.05, 0.09 and 0.17) for methanol oxidation, evaluated by cyclic voltammetry, in acid medium follows the order: Pt–W0.83Ti017O3/C>Pt–WO3/C>Pt–W0.91Ti0.09O3/C∼Pt–W0.95Ti0.05O3/C. The trend in the activity observed correlates well with that of the increase in the ohmic resistance of the electrode determined by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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Plastic debris into the environment is a growing threat for the ecosystems and human health. The seafood sector is particularly concerned because it generates plastic losses and can be endangered by plastic contamination. Life cycle assessment (LCA) does not properly consider plastic losses and related impacts, which is a problem in order to find relevant mitigation strategies without burden shifting. This work proposes a methodology for quantifying flows of plastics from the life cycle of the seafood products to the environment. It is based on loss rate and final release rate considering a pre-fate approach as proposed by the Plastic Leak Project. They are defined for 5 types of micro and macro plastic losses: lost fishing gears, marine coatings, plastic pellets, tire abrasion and plastic mismanaged at the end-of-life. The methodology is validated with a case study applied to French fish products for which relevant data are available in the Agribalyse 3.0 database. Results show that average plastic losses are from 75 mg to 4345 mg per kg of fish at the consumer, depending on the species and the related fishing method. The main plastic losses come from lost fishing gears (macroplastics) and tire abrasion (microplastics). Results show high variability: when mismanaged, plastic packaging at the end-of-life (macroplastics) is the main loss to the environment. As a next step the methodology is to be applied to other fish or shellfish products, or directly implemented in a life cycle inventory database. Further research should characterize the related impacts to the environment when life cycle impact assessment methodologies will be available, and identify eco-design solutions to decrease the major flows to the environment identified. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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Petrochemical-based synthetic plastics poses a threat to humans, wildlife, marine life and the environment. Given the magnitude of eventual depletion of petrochemical sources and global environmental pollution caused by the manufacturing of synthetic plastics such as polyethylene (PET) and polypropylene (PP), it is essential to develop and adopt biopolymers as an environment friendly and cost-effective alternative to synthetic plastics. Research into bioplastics has been gaining traction as a way to create a more sustainable and eco-friendlier environment with a reduced environmental impact. Biodegradable bioplastics can have the same characteristics as traditional plastics while also offering additional benefits due to their low carbon footprint. Therefore, using organic waste from biological origin for bioplastic production not only reduces our reliance on edible feedstock but can also effectively assist with solid waste management. This review aims at providing an in-depth overview on recent developments in bioplastic-producing microorganisms, production procedures from various organic wastes using either pure or mixed microbial cultures (MMCs), microalgae, and chemical extraction methods. Low production yield and production costs are still the major bottlenecks to their deployment at industrial and commercial scale. However, their production and commercialization pose a significant challenge despite such potential. The major constraints are their production in small quantity, poor mechanical strength, lack of facilities and costly feed for industrial-scale production. This review further explores several methods for producing bioplastics with the aim of encouraging researchers and investors to explore ways to utilize these renewable resources in order to commercialize degradable bioplastics. Challenges, future prospects and Life cycle assessment of bioplastics are also highlighted. Utilizing a variety of bioplastics obtained from renewable and cost-effective sources (e.g., organic waste, agro-industrial waste, or microalgae) and determining the pertinent end-of-life option (e.g., composting or anaerobic digestion) may lead towards the right direction that assures the sustainable production of bioplastics. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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A structure's sustainability depends not only on its components, but also on the manufacturing process. The adhesive layer mostly increases the structural weight, reducing weight-specific properties, beside hindering its disassembly and sorting at end-of-life. This study investigates an alternative joining method based on ultrasonic welding for upcycled honeycomb core sandwich panels. Thermoplastic composite skins, reinforced with flax or glass fibres, are connected to an upcycled polyethylene core made from disposed bottle caps and tested under quasi-static and dynamic loads. A life cycle assessment evaluates the environmental benefits of skin/core welding compared with adhesive bonding. Welded panels made from similar skins and cores presented similar to higher weight-specific flexural properties of adhesive-bonded structures (up to 45 % increase), while specific energy absorption under impact is increased by up to 23 % with welded joints. Skin/core welding reduces the panel environmental damage by up to 71 %, with an increment of up to 130 % in its eco-mechanical efficiency. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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The rapid growth of employing single-use plastic delivery bags (SPDBs) as express delivery packaging has led to serious resource depletion and environmental pollution. To mitigate these environmental threats, reusable plastic delivery boxes (RPDBs) were developed as an alternative option. This study utilized the life cycle assessment method to compare the environmental impacts of RPDBs and SPDBs. The results indicated that RPDBs cause fewer environmental impacts than SPDBs during intra-city delivery but higher impacts during inter-city delivery. Greenhouse gas emissions from plastic production were found to be the largest impact contributor, mainly from fossil energy generation during primary plastic pelleting. Increasing the average number of reuse cycles of RPDBs to 50, by 2025, would generate 6.24 million kg CO2-eq but could reduce CO2-eq emissions by 309.3 million kg and tons of plastic wastes by 0.96 million, compared to using SPDBs. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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The consumption stage has been identified as the largest producer of food waste (FW) across the food supply chain (FSC), with fruit and vegetables being the most affected product category. The present study aims to determine the optimal storage scenario at household level to avoid food waste and which has the lowest environmental footprint. Broccoli was stored under different storage conditions: unbagged or bagged (periodically opened) in bioplastic bags inside a domestic refrigerator at 5 or 7 °C for 34 days and then analysed for relative humidity (RH), sensory properties and bioactive compounds. A life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted to evaluate the environmental profile of 1 kg of broccoli purchased by the consumer (cradle-to-grave). At day 0 (base scenario) the carbon footprint was 0.81 kg CO2 eq/kg, with the vegetable farming being the main contributor to this environmental impact, mostly driven by fertiliser (production and its emissions to air and water) and irrigation (due to electricity consumption for water pumping). Quality and food waste depended on time and storage conditions: For short storage times, within three days, the best quality combined with the lowest environmental footprint was for unbagged broccoli at 7 °C and no household food waste. However, this scenario had the highest food waste level from day 3 onwards, with increased resource loss and overall environmental footprint. For long-term storage, using a bag and storing at 5 °C helped to reduce food waste with the lowest environmental footprint. For example, at 16 days, this scenario (bagged at 5 °C) could save 4.63 kg/FU of broccoli and 3.16 kg CO2 eq/FU compared to the worst scenario (unbagged at 7 °C). Consumers are the key to reducing household food waste and this research provides the knowledge for improvement. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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A large number of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles are discarded daily after usage. Thus, plastic bottle recycling has elicited considerable attention in recent years. In this context, this study aims to quantify the environmental and economic impacts of blanket production from 100% recycled waste plastic bottles in China through a life cycle assessment coupled with life cycle costing method. In addition, the environmental impact of replacing coal with natural gas and solar energy was evaluated. Results show that impact categories of global warming and fossil depletion have significant influence on the overall environment. Carbon dioxide, water, iron, coal and chromium (VI) to water are the main contributors to the overall environmental burden. The internal and external costs are $6433/metric ton and $370/metric ton, respectively. Analysis results indicate that the optimization of organic chemicals, recycled polyester filament and steam production processes can reduce environmental and economic burdens substantially. Energy substitutions with natural gas and the use of solar photovoltaic in steam production and electricity generation are effective measures for decreasing environmental impacts. Finally, suggestions based on research results and the current status of waste plastic bottle recycling in China are proposed. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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Green economic development has become a new strategy for large countries to contend with the energy crises and environmental pollution. Bamboo is a kind of sustainable resource with a fast growth rate and strong carbon fixation capacity which can be used to make various eco-friendly products. Bamboo fiber (BF) tableware is a product which is developed to replace non-degradable plastic food packaging products. The study takes the life cycle assessment (LCA) of green BF tableware production in Wanxian, Chongqing city, China, as an example and compares with the polypropylene (PP) tableware standard database to investigate the impact of production, transportation, waste and disposal methods on resources, the environment, and human health. The results showed that the environmental coordination of bamboo fiber tableware (BF) was better than PP tableware. The environmental impact of the 2 kinds of tableware mainly occurred in the raw material acquisition and product transportation stages, and the main impact was human health damage. A comparative study of different disposal options after waste showed that the benefits of both types of tableware were in the order of recycling > incineration > landfill. Independent of the disposal ratio, the benefits of BF tableware are positive. In contrast, PP tableware positively impacts the overall environment only when waste recycling reaches more than 30 %. On this basis, ecological design suggestions for 2 kinds of tableware are presented. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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This study presents a new, facile and fast strategy to synthesize platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) in methanol under ultrasonic irradiation. Here, for the first time, methanol was used to reduce Pt2+ to Pt0 in the absence of a reductive and surfactant. The hydroxyl free radical (OH•) liberated from methanol under the sonication effect facilitates the formation of PtNPs by aiding the production of nucleation sites and donating electrons to Pt2+. The results show that the PtNPs with an average diameter of 3.9 nm, high percentage PtNPs yield and pure Pt with face-centered cubic (fcc) structure can be synthesized sonochemically in one minute in the presence of methanol. The catalytic efficiency of the obtained PtNPs for degradation of methyl blue (MB) in an aqueous solution showed a rapid rate of decolorization of MB dye. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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With the rapid and prosperous development of China's express delivery industry, the environmental issue of packaging waste has become increasingly pressing. Express packaging is diversified and complicated, with obstacles of excessive packaging and low recycling rate, which pose challenges to the low-carbon development of the express industry. At present, the amount and flow of express packaging waste are indistinct, and a systematic assessment of environmental emissions is lacking. In this study, the amount of express packaging waste generated is assessed, the measurement model is constructed through field research, and the overall material metabolism pattern is analyzed using material flow analysis (MFA). Further, life cycle assessment (LCA) is adopted to assess the environmental impact of treating 1 ton of express packaging waste and its potential for pollution and carbon reduction. The findings reveal that China generated 16.11 million tons of express packaging waste in 2023, predominantly paper and plastic. The comprehensive utilization rates of paper and plastic express packaging waste are 50.1% and 13.2%, respectively. Most plastic packaging is mixed in municipal waste to be landfilled or incinerated. Treatment of 1 ton of express packaging waste generates 796 kg CO2 eq. of greenhouse gas emissions. The reuse, recycling, and incineration result in avoided environmental burdens. By 2030, source reduction, increasing the proportion of incineration and recycling, and promoting recycled packaging could diminish most environmental impacts by 10% to 40% and synergistically reduce CO2 and pollutants such as PM2.5 and heavy metals. This study systematically explores the environmental problems of express packaging waste in China. It can provide data support and policy recommendations for the long-term green development of the express industry. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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The direct synthesis of dimethyl ether (DME) from synthesis gas via methanol as an intermediate is a promising process for realizing a decentralized, small-scale Power-to-X concept. The efficient realization of this coupled process depends to a large extent on the appropriate catalyst configuration, i.e. the combination of the catalyst for methanol formation with the one for the subsequent dehydration step. In this work, two catalyst configurations were compared in terms of CO-conversion and DME-selectivity using modelling and experiments. Catalysts for methanol formation (Cu/ZnO/Al2O3, CZA) and dehydration (Zeolite H-ZSM-5, Z) prepared via flame spray pyrolysis and hydrothermal synthesis, respectively, were combined in the form of hybrid pellets (CZA&Z) and CZA-core@zeolite-shell (CZA@Z) particles. During the synthesis of the CZA@Z system, alteration of the CZA core in terms of CuO-reducibility and activity in methanol synthesis were found after individual steps of calcination and hydrothermal shell synthesis. In contrast, the preparation of the CZA&Z system presents an easy and tunable method with promising catalytic properties in terms of CO-conversion and DME-selectivity, once the proper mass ratio of the two catalysts was set. From modelling, for the same CZA/Z ratio in general higher CO-conversion was found for the CZA&Z system as compared to the CZA@Z, while the latter system shows higher DME-selectivity. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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Silver (Ag) and gold (Au) nanoparticles, have gained attention for their unique properties and diverse applications, including medicine and antimicrobial agents. To meet the demand for eco-friendly synthesis methods, we explored plant-mediated nanoparticle synthesis using Anemopsis californica extracts. The Anemopsis californica leaves were used to extract bioactive compounds with water, methanol, and isopropanol. These extracts served as reducing and stabilizing agents for Ag and Au nanoparticle synthesis. The process involved mixing the extract, a metallic precursor solution, and deionized water in specific volume ratios, resulting in nanoparticles denoted as W-(Ag or Au), M-(Ag or Au), and I-(Ag or Au) for water, methanol, and isopropanol, respectively. The synthesized nanoparticles ranged from 5 to 30 nm in size and displayed various shapes. UV-Vis spectroscopy confirmed their presence with surface plasmon resonance bands. Antibacterial tests on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli showed significant antibacterial effects of Ag nanoparticles, especially those synthesized in methanol. In contrast, Au nanoparticles had limited antibacterial impact, regardless of the solvent. Cytotoxicity evaluations with macrophage cells indicated that Ag nanoparticles were more cytotoxic than Au nanoparticles, with the synthesis solvent influencing cytotoxicity. The observed antibacterial effects of Ag nanoparticles align with their reputation as potent antimicrobial agents, particularly against Gram-positive strains. The limited antibacterial impact of Au nanoparticles suggests differences in their antibacterial mechanisms. Varying cytotoxicity between Ag and Au nanoparticles underscores the significance of the chosen synthesis method in shaping nanoparticle properties. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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With increasing demand for the treatment of microbial resistance around the globe, it is necessary to develop metallic nanoparticles , ideally by the use of nontoxic medium i.e. plant constituents, that could arrest the microbial growth. For this reason, small and highly crystalline PdNPs were effectively synthesized by using Eryngium caeruleum leaf extract as both the reducing and capping agent. During the synthesis of PdNPs, the size and shape were made controlled by using different solvents i.e., ethanol, methanol and aqueous extract of Eryngium caeruleum. A series of physicochemical characterizations were applied to inquire the synthesis, crystal structure, particles size, and surface morphology of PdNPs. Furthermore, the PdNPs demonstrated excellent potential for the inactivation of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, where the methanol-PdNPs exhibited maximum growth inhibition zones against tested bacteria as compared to ethanol-PdNPs and aqueous-PdNPs. Besides, PdNPs showed better antioxidant activity to effectively scavenge 2, 2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). More importantly, the synthesized PdNPs are not only active for ROS generation but also show no hemolytic activity. We believe that this greener approach uncovered the useful and efficient applications of highly active PdNPs and their biocompatibility. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is nowadays one of the most applied methodologies for evaluating the potential environmental impacts of products and systems related to the plastic packaging sector. Nevertheless, the recent increasing interest on Circular Economy principles introduces challenges in its application, addressing towards adjustments to system boundaries and functional units. This research paper underscores the need for LCA models that are both dynamic, adaptable and capable of capturing both (i) the environmental performances of end-of-life processes and (ii) the quality of the materials obtained from them. To this aim, the main literature is taken as reference to compare chemical and mechanical recycling applied to PET. From the outcomes, the need of considering potential quality degradation resulting from increased recycling and reuse operations applied to the input material is well recognized. The study highlights the potential role of LCA to provide comprehensive information, thereby facilitating comparative assertions and offering valuable insights for informed decision-making and the development of sustainable policies within the plastic packaging industry. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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As a necessary component of traffic signal and the safety features on traffic system, pavement markings could not be replaced by other means currently. With the enhancement of environmental and healthy requirements, it was also crucial to reduce energy consumption and negative environmental impact of marking materials. This review synthesized the state-of-the-art technologies and applications of marking materials in pavement engineering in terms of environmental impact and cost evaluation. Firstly, the common raw materials of pavement markings were introduced, including glass beads, binder, pigment, filler and dispersion medium. Afterwards, this article comprehensively classified marking materials, involved thermoplastic markings, paint materials, cold-plastic markings, two component markings and marking tapes. Especially, the application of waterborne paints was highlighted, which had presented potential advantage on environmental protection, cost saving and heath issue. In addition, the performance requirements of marking materials were discussed, focusing on the retro-reflectivity and durability. For the uniformity of traffic marking system, the necessary of developing specifications and pavement marking management system were emphasized. Subsequently, life cycle assessment analysis on pavement marking materials was considered based on the cost and environmental impacts, typically involved the volatile organic compounds, heavy metal and glass beads. Finally, advanced marking materials and innovative applications were described and investigated, including photo-luminescent coating, nanocomposite paints and translucent concrete-based smart lane separator. Moreover, prospects and conclusions were summarized to present the avenues and opportunities for future researches. The pavement marking industry would continue to concentrate on safety, performance and environment aspects while taking the advantage of the technological advancements in future. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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With the introduction of Ga3+ into Cu/ZnO catalyst precursors, a series of catalysts have been prepared using a simple co-precipitation method and tested as catalysts for the synthesis of methanol from CO2 hydrogenation. It is found that the presence of a small amount of Ga3+ can facilitate thermal deep reduction of ZnO support to Zn atoms under hydrogen prior to catalysis; hence, a highly active CuZn bimetallic nanoparticle offering catalytic sites is generated. The effect of Ga3+ incorporation is attributed to the formation of Ga-containing spinel, ZnGa2O4 structure, which creates electronic heterojunction with excess ZnO phase to account for the facilitated reduction of Zn2+ to Zn0 to form CuZn when in contact with Cu nanoparticle. A correlation between Zn0 concentration in the CuZn alloy nanoparticle to the catalytic performance can thus be clearly demonstrated, which shows CO2 conversion and methanol selectivity can be significantly improved by increasing the Zn0 content in these hetero-junctioned catalysts. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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In this study, the size-selected platinum (Pt) nanoparticles are loaded on sulfonated graphene with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the conductive polymer for fuel-cell applications. Methanol oxidation reactions and reliability of various catalysts based on carbon black, graphene, and sulfonated graphene catalyst supports are compared under alkaline conditions. When PVA is used as the conductive polymer in place of Nafion, both the electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) and the methanol oxidation property were superior, irrespective of the catalyst and support. On the other hand, the catalyst with Pt on sulfonated graphene (Pt/sG) outperforms those on other supports. For methanol oxidation, the catalyst decay occurs with a decay of only 9.06% for Pt/sG. It is suggested that the sulfonate functional group on graphene not only improves catalytic activity but can also enhance catalyst reliability. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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The high efficiency of 2-cyanopyridine (2-CP) as dehydrating agent in the direct dimethyl carbonate (DMC) synthesis from CO2 and methanol over CeO2 catalysts has been recently demonstrated with excellent DMC yields (>90%) in both batch and continuous operations. The catalytic reaction is expected to involve a complex three-phase boundary due to the high boiling points of 2-CP and also 2-picolinamide (2-PA) formed by hydration of 2-CP. The catalyst is also known to deactivate noticeably in the time-scale of days during the continuous operation. The aim of this work is to gain visual information of the catalyst under operando conditions by means of an optically transparent, fused quartz reactor to understand the behavior of catalyst deactivation and to learn about the phase behavior of the reaction mixture. The catalytic tests using the fused quartz reactor could reproduce the results observed in a common stainless steel reactor, and the effects of reaction temperature and pressure (up to 30bar) were examined in detail to show that there is an optimum condition (30bar, 120°C) to achieve the best catalytic performance. The visual inspection was further combined with IR and Raman spectroscopic studies to identify the origin of the catalyst deactivation and establish an efficient catalyst reactivation protocol. Interestingly, not coke but 2-PA surface adsorption was found responsible for the catalyst deactivation. The operando visual inspection evidenced that the surface of the CeO2 catalyst particles is constantly wet and also coated with some crystallites (likely of 2-PA) during the reaction, whereas the bulk of the CeO2 particle is still accessible for the reactants and thus available for the reaction. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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The global plastic sector urgently needs a circular economy and decarbonization since excessive plastic use is aggravating plastic pollution and climate change. In this regard, a novel strategy was proposed to close both the plastic loop and carbon loop using carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), which involves recycling waste plastic into adsorbents for CO2 capture and converting the captured CO2 back into new plastic. This plastic-CO2-plastic route applied in polyurethane was assessed through life cycle assessment and a new indicator, carbon closure efficiency (CCE), was proposed to quantify the extent to which a carbon loop is closed. Results indicate a negative emission of -9.57 kg CO2 eq/kg polyurethane. However, CCUS amplifies other impacts, including primary energy demand, water use, etc. Chemical feedstocks and adsorbent preparation are crucial factors for most environmental impacts. CCUS-based strategy far surpasses chemical recycling in CCE score, highlighting its effectiveness in closing the carbon loop. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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The use of functional fillers added to PLA-based products can be beneficial in terms of cost reduction and properties improvement. The existing life cycle assessment of PLA containers mainly focuses on the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission of PLA material model without fillers, and overlooked environmental impacts of functional fillers and the significant environmental problem-shifting on other indicators. This paper presents a life cycle assessment (LCA) of cooking oil bottles made from PLA, PLA/Fibers and PLA/CaCO3 considering a wide spectrum impacts, and compares the environmental profile of them based on normalization and weighting analysis. The functional unit was set at 1000 bottles of 900 mL. The system boundary is from cradle to gate, including PLA-based particles production, bottle processing and transportation. The results showed that the contribution of the primary energy demand (PED) index of PLA-based bottles accounted for 159% to 192% of the global warming potential (GWP) index, which may be overlooked in previous studies. Compared to PLA and PLA/Fibers bottles, PLA/CaCO3 bottles have lower environmental impacts in most categories and the lowest integrated impact index. In terms of PLA/CaCO3 bottles, PLA particles and electricity contributed the most to energy conservation and emission reduction (ECER) results, accounting for 63.09% and 28.26% to the integrated impacts index, respectively. The results imply that the use of fillers in PLA bottles tends to reduce the environmental impacts, especially calcium carbonate can efficiently minimize environmental impacts of PLA-based bottles. And PED, SO2 and NOX indicators ranking above CO2 should be taken into consideration to avoid the environmental problem-shifting, which can provide valuable reference for the creation of the method of making biodegradable plastic and carbon neutral policies. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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The increasing amount of post-consumer plastic waste (PCPW) is a global concern. Well-established recycling technologies operate close to their limits. Innovative technologies like chemical recycling with uncertain environmental performance are developed. To anticipate unforeseen and unwanted consequences it is important to explore the potential of new technologies early during development. This paper uses Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to determine an environmental budget and to support the engineering of new recycling technologies. The approach is demonstrated for the case study of recycling waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) trays. The results’ robustness is ensured by sensitivity analysis and uncertainty propagation via Monte Carlo simulation. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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As of yet, disposal platforms for synthetic polymers have not matured in an environmentally benign manner. Consequently, their wastes tend to remain as sources of pollution that chronically release hazardous substances. In a strategical sense, biopolymers synthesized from natural (plant/animal or microbial) sources are thus recognized as an attractive and alternative option to replace synthetic polymers in various respects, as demonstrated from their Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). It is found that some biopolymers (e.g., polylactic acid (PLA)) are naturally biodegradable, whereas others (e.g., ones derived from bioethanol) are not. In light of such limitations, new and innovative ideas and findings have been proposed to seek for the sustainable use of biopolymers. In this review, the prospects of biopolymer technology were emphasized to address the issues associated with non-degradability of plastics. In this respect, essential strategies were also discussed further for biopolymers as an alternative option for non-degradable plastics to help establish sustainable management plan for plastic wastes based on standards, certifications, and labeling of biopolymers. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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Packaging can play a substantial role in moving towards more sustainable food systems by affecting the amount of food loss and waste. However, the use of plastic packaging gives rise to environmental concerns, such as high energy and fossil resource use, and waste management issues such as marine litter. Alternative biobased biodegradable materials, such as poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) could address some of these issues. For a careful comparison in terms of environmental sustainability between fossil-based, non-biodegradable and alternative plastic food packaging, not only production but also food preservation and end-of-life (EoL) fate must be considered. Life cycle assessment (LCA) can be used to evaluate the environmental performance, but the environmental burden of plastics released into the natural environment is not yet embedded in classical LCA. Therefore, a new indicator is being developed that accounts for the effect of plastic litter on marine ecosystems, one of the main burdens of plastic's EoL fate: lifetime costs on marine ecosystem services. This indicator enables a quantitative assessment and thus addresses a major criticism of plastic packaging LCA. The comprehensive analysis is performed on the case of falafel packaged in PHBV and conventional polypropylene (PP) packaging. Considering the impact per kilogram of packaged falafel consumed, food ingredients make the largest contribution. The LCA results indicate a clear preference for the use of PP trays, both in terms of (1) impact of packaging production and dedicated EoL treatment and (2) packaging-related impacts. This is mainly due to the higher mass and volume of the alternative tray. Nevertheless, since PHBV has limited persistence in the environment compared to PP packaging, the lifetime costs for marine ES are about seven times lower, and this despite its higher mass. Although further refinements are needed, the additional indicator allows for a more balanced evaluation of plastic packaging. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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The use of single-atom catalysts (SACs) has emerged as a very promising advancement in the field of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and methanol oxidation reaction (MOR). This is primarily attributed to their exceptional electrical properties and atomic efficiency. Nevertheless, the progress of electrocatalysis in the future is contingent upon the discovery of catalysts that are most effective, achieved by the thorough examination of active sites and reaction pathways. The primary objective of this review was to examine the theories and hypotheses pertaining to activity descriptors for SACs. Specifically, it aimed to elucidate the influence of the coordination number of the metal center and the nearest neighbor configuration on the active sites during electrocatalysis. Additionally, the review aimed to provide an overview of the recent advancements in electrocatalytic ORR and methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) using SACs. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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Most plastics are today mechanically recycled (MR), whereas chemical recycling (CR) is an emerging technology. Substitutability of virgin material is vital for their environmental performance assessed through life cycle assessment (LCA). MR faces the reduction in the material’s technical quality but also the potential market because legal safety requirements currently eliminate applications such as food packaging. This study presents a data-driven method for quantifying the overall substitutability (OS), composed of technical (TS) and market substitutability (MS). First, this is illustrated for six non-food contact material (non-FCM) applications and three hypothetical future FCM applications from mechanical recyclates, using mechanical property and market data. Then, OS results are used in a comparative LCA of MR and thermochemical recycling (TCR) of several plastic waste fractions in Belgium. For mechanical recyclates, TS results for the studied non-FCM and FCM applications were comparable, but OS results varied between 0.35 and 0.79 for non-FCM applications and between 0.78 and 1 for FCM applications, reflecting the lower MS results for the current situation. Out of nine application scenarios, MR obtained a worse resource consumption and terrestrial acidification impact than CR in six scenarios. MR maintained the lowest global warming impact for all scenarios. This study contributes to an improved understanding of the environmental benefits of MR and TCR. Inclusion of other criteria (e.g. processability, colour, odour) in the quantification of the overall substitutability for MR products should be further investigated, as well as the environmental performance of TCR at industrial scale. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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Plastic pollution of the natural environment world-wide is ubiquitous. More than 80% of marine litter is made of plastics, 70% of which originates from disposable items, so plastic disposables need to be replaced with disposables made from renewable materials. However, it is important to investigate the environmental impact of renewable alternatives through their life cycle, in order to support sustainable consumption and production. In this study, the carbon footprint of disposable plates made from two different renewable materials (paper, tree leaves) were analysed using life cycle assessment. The leaf plate was produced in India and the paper plate in Finland, but both were used and disposed of in Sweden. The results showed that the leaf plate had higher carbon footprint, due to long-distance transport and use of fossil fuel-based electricity for production. Scenario analysis indicated that the emissions associated with the leaf plate were lower when replacing air freight with sea transport and with economies of scale in expanded production. For the paper plate, the processing stage was shown to contribute most life cycle emissions. These could be lowered by applying a biodegradable coating. In comparison the leaf plate had the benefit of being biodegradable, but this benefit was not enough to compete with the paper plate which was consider the less environmentally damaging alternative. However, in order to increase sustainability in the food supply chain, it will not be enough to just improve the material use for single use plates, especially since the idea of single use materials could be seen as less sustainable, but improved materials have the potential to offset the anticipated growth of the food service sector where single use items are widely used. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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Although plastics emissions pose hazards to ecosystem quality, life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies do not yet include quantification of the potential impacts of plastic leakage. To address this gap in LCA, the MarILCA working group was founded. This work contributes to MarILCA's output by providing characterization factors for assessing the impacts of aquatic (marine and freshwater) microplastic emissions through the impact category of physical effects on biota and ultimately the ecosystem quality damage category. First, the existing exposure and effect factor (EEF) for micro- and nanoplastic emissions in aquatic compartments (Lavoie et al., 2021) is updated using additional toxicity data, delivering a generic EEF of 1067.5 PAF m3/kgin compartment. Second, fate factors (FFs) are developed for eleven different polymers (EPS, PS, PA/Nylon, PP, HDPE, LDPE, PET, PVC, PLA, PHA, TRWP), three shapes (sphere/microbead, cylinder/microfiber, microplastic film fragments) and five sizes (1, 10, 100, 1000, 5000 μm). To calculate the FFs, a detailed degradation model and a simplified sedimentation model are proposed. Polymer density and size play a major role in the fate, whereas the influence of the shape is less relevant. Ultimately, the EEF and FFs are combined to deliver midpoint and endpoint characterization factors (CFs). Uncertainty is calculated with Monte Carlo analysis. Default and archetype-based CFs are recommended to LCA practitioners in case the details of emission parameters are not fully known. CFs for 1 μm microplastic size are proposed as interim CFs for nanoplastic emissions. Finally, endpoint CFs are tested in case studies within the UNEP report “Supermarket food packaging and its alternatives: Recommendations from life cycle assessments”, assessing the relative magnitude of potential microplastic impacts compared to complete LCA results. The case studies confirm that the proposed methodology contributes to filling a gap in LCA and can assist environmental decision-making on single-use plastics and their alternatives. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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Methanol is a recognized renewable clean energy. In the context of carbon neutrality, it is of great significance to achieve low-carbon production of methanol fuel and its application in internal combustion (IC) engines to reduce emissions. First, this article systematically introduced and evaluated the technical routes and methods of methanol production from carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2). Then it evaluates the feasibility analysis of the application of methanol in IC engines from different aspects, and the impact of the combustion of methanol fuel in IC engines on emissions. Finally, the research direction of methanol fuel in the future is pointed out. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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In this work, a detailed thermodynamic analysis and simulation of an intensified process for CO2 hydrogenation to methanol with in-situ water sorption is presented. The study focused on the effect of different operating parameters, such as temperature, pressure, H2/CO2 molar ratio and adsorbent volume capacity, on the reactor performance with the aim to define the optimum operating window. The analysis was also performed for the conventional process as benchmark. The continuous removal of H2O shifts the thermodynamic equilibrium and drives the reactions of CO2 to completion under the entire investigated parameter range. In temperatures and pressures of interest for practical application (220°C–270°C and 50–70bar), the methanol yield is up to 130% higher in the sorption-enhanced process compared to direct hydrogenation. The only negative aspect was the decrease of CH3OH selectivity in favor of CO production. Despite this, the benefits of water sorption are indisputable and overcome the slight decrease in selectivity. The simulation of the complete process, including gas recycle, showed that with in-situ water removal 15% higher methanol productivity can be attained, with very high once-through CO2 conversion and CH3OH yield and very low gas recycle. This has important implications on the economics of the process, as it decreases the size of the reactor and the auxiliary equipment and practically eliminates the need for downstream methanol-water separation via distillation, leading to substantial process intensification and reduction of capital and operating costs. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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Currently, Belgium is in a transition period after which more household plastic packaging waste will be collected separately in function of increased recycling. The challenge is to identify the most environmentally sound treatment option for the increased selectively collected plastic waste. In this study, mechanical recycling (MR) and thermochemical recycling (TCR) of four newly collected subfractions, being polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), mixed polyolefins (MPO) rigids and polyethylene (PE) films, were investigated through prospective Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), in comparison to incineration with energy recovery. Results showed clear benefits of recycling over incineration with energy recovery. Generally, MR showed a better net environmental impact compared to TCR (for PP, PS, MPO rigids and PE films, respectively, e.g., a global warming impact of 100, -1580, 539 and 101 kg CO2 eq. per ton by TCR, and -1183, -3096, -319 and -1162 kg CO2 eq. per ton by MR, and 2339, 2494, 2108 and 2141 kg CO2 eq. per ton by incineration). This could mainly be explained by the avoided burdens of virgin materials. Whereas TCR avoids the virgin supply of the feedstock for polymer production, MR avoids additionally polymerisation and granulation. MR products, i.e. regranulates or flakes, can be directly used in manufacturing, whereas TCR products require first processes like steam cracking, polymerisation and granulation before being used in manufacturing. As this study assumed a 1:1 substitution ratio between MR regranulates and their virgin alternatives, it presents the most favourable results for MR, which should be kept in mind and further investigated. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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The plastic industry is a high carbon emission industry in China. Previous studies mainly focused on the flows and stocks of polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) plastics. However, there is limited detailed information on the GHG emissions of PS, PVC, and ABS in China and the key paths of carbon peak in 2030. Therefore, we established the GHG accounting model of PS, PVC, and ABS based on dynamic material flow analysis and life cycle assessment, and further analyzed the carbon peak path and strategy in 2030. The results show that the main source of GHG is the production and manufacturing stages. Notably, the key paths of GHG emissions are the manufacturing process of PS STP&C and foam plastics, PVC film and STP&C, and ABS STP&C. Moreover, the cumulative GHG emissions of these plastics reached 230.34, 677.43, 143.12 Tg CO2e in 2007-2017, respectively. From 2007 to 2017, the trends of GHG emissions from the PS, PVC, and ABS had their characteristics. PVC had the largest GHG emissions. Different from PVC and ABS, GHG emissions from PS showed a trend of slow rise and then slow decline in this period. According to the current trend, the life-cycle GHG emissions of PS, PVC, and ABS would not reach the carbon peak in 2030. Under some mitigation strategies, the carbon peak would be achieved before 2030. This study clarifies the main sources of life-cycle GHG emissions of these plastics, and reveals the path and strategy of carbon peak in 2030. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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The major hurdle in recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic would be the safe management of plastic waste generated from personal protective equipment and mitigating a plastic pollution crisis. Facemasks were adopted worldwide as the first line of defense against the COVID-19 pandemic, and their demand increased exponentially during the last few years. Through a life cycle assessment, this study aims to evaluate the environmental impacts of various facemasks available in the UAE market. SimaPro software was used to conduct a cradle-to-grave LCA, with a functional unit of "The number of face masks required by a person in UAE over a month (30 days)". Results show that the GWP (in kg CO2 eq) of 1 FU of surgical FM is 0.867, activated carbon FM is 1.11, N95 FM is 1.55, cloth FM is 0.642, and PLA FM is 0.946. Packaging increases the GWP by 36–178%. Long-distance transportation from China to UAE was identified to be a significant hotspot under GWP and FRS. Other hotspots include polypropylene material in filtration layers, aluminum in nosepieces, electricity usage in cloth masks, and disposal scenarios. Multiple supply chain optimizations are suggested, such as the substitution of recycled aluminum in nose pieces, the use of sustainable transportation, and limiting the use of packaging material to a bare minimum to improve the sustainability of the face mask industry. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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Herein, reduced graphene oxide supported well-dispersed bimetallic AuPt alloy nanodendrites (AuPt ANDs/rGO) were fabricated by a one-pot coreduction approach using ionic liquid (1-aminopropyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide, [APMIm]Br) as the stabilizer and capping agent. There is no any other polymer or seed involved. Characterized measurements include transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high angle annular dark-field scanning TEM (HAADF-STEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The typical samples displayed excellent electrocatalytic activity and durability towards hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) in contrast with Pt nanocrystals/rGO and commercial Pt/C (50%) catalysts, which make it promising for practical catalysis in energy conversion and storage. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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The discovery of low cost and efficient catalytic materials for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is of paramount importance for industrial-scale fuel cell manufacture. In this work, a convenient and straightforward approach was designed and applied to produce iron and nitrogen co-doped biomass carbon/graphene composite (Fe–N/CB-RGO) by using soybean dregs combined with graphene oxide (GO). The results show that the optimized Fe–N/CB-RGO (1) sample has high catalytic activity and stability for ORR, the onset potential of Fe–N/CB-RGO (1) is 0.02 V vs. Hg/HgO, which is merely 50 mV negative-shifted comparison with commercial Pt/C. The composition optimized Fe–N/CB-RGO (1) catalyst showed excellent methanol tolerance, with the presence of methanol surprisingly improving ORR performance. This unique catalytic performance of the Fe–N/CB-RGO (1) catalyst is attributed to electron transfer synergies arising from close interfacial contact between the biomass-derived carbon and graphene. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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Plastic mulching film (PMF) enhances grain yields, while leading to negative effects on water depletion, environmental impact, and plastic residues if not properly controlled. By constructing a Food–Water–Environment–Plastic nexus effect analysis model jointly utilizing the WOFOST model, mixed regression, and life cycle assessment, we evaluate the comprehensive effect of PMF promotion in Chinese maize cultivation. 35 cross-cutting scenarios are analyzed to identify the optimal PMF promotion mode and corresponding policy recommendations are given. The results show that PMF will increase China’s maize yield, securing food for an additional 267.65 million people in 2050. PMF promotion will aid high-altitude and drought-prone regions to overcome yield constraints, expanding China’s maize belt westward. However, promotion will exacerbate regional water supply-demand imbalances in northern and southern China and form a “T-shaped” PMF residue belt. In the optimal scenario, China will increase yield by 48.52 million tonnes, reducing resource and environmental impacts by over 60 % in 2050. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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A comparative life cycle assessment analysis among pressure bag molding and bag molding with autoclave for the manufacturing of car components in carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) was carried out. Four scenarios were analyzed: i) autoclave bag molding with aluminum mold, ii) autoclave bag molding with CFRP mold and plastic master, iii) autoclave bag molding with CFRP mold and medium density fiberboard master, and iv) pressure bag molding with aluminum mold. The collected data for life cycle inventory derives from an Italian manufacturer of CFRP car components, scientific references and Ecoinvent database. Cumulative energy demand, global warming potential, ReCiPe midpoint and endpoint methods were used as impact and damage categories for quantifying the environmental impacts of the different manufacturing processes investigated. The results showed that the pre-impregnated composite fibers with thermoset polymer matrix, used as input material for the four investigated scenarios, represents the main source of total environmental impact, due to the use of polyacrylonitrile as a precursor for carbon fibers. The comparison among the environmental assessments of the different scenarios demonstrated that the most impacting process is the autoclave bag molding with composite mold and polyurethane master, whilst the most sustainable process is the autoclave bag molding with aluminum mold. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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The styrene oxide to styrene carbonate conversion performed in CO2 atmosphere, herein selected as a case study, was implemented in microdroplets (aerosol) reactions at the preparative scale (3.5 mmol of the starting material) and mild conditions (1 atm CO2 pressure), within a custom-made ultrasonic nebulization reactor. Upon optimization of the promoter stoichiometry (1 eq of 4.3 TEG/KI ratio) and methanol (MeOH) dilution (7.5 mL of 2.5 v/v MeOH/TEG), performances under mass transfer-limited conditions of this novel methodological paradigm have been compared at 25 °C and 50 °C with those implemented as: a) no-stirred, b) stirred, and c) sonicated bulk reactions. Complete selectivity and an apparent acceleration factor (AAF) of 1.9 was registered at both temperature for microdroplets reactions in respect with the sonicated counterparts, these latter performing better than the other bulk reactions. These significative efficiency improvements, candidate aerosol reactions as a preferred process intensification approach in the realm of effective CO2-utilization strategies and, in general, in the development and exploitation of gas-liquid two-phase reactions. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 12: Responsible consumption and production and 14: Life Below Water coincide in the targeting of the problem of plastic pollution. The problem has been garnering immense media attention in the recent years. Efforts to reduce unnecessary plastic consumption have been seen in social movements, in corporate policies and most noticeably, in regulatory control in the form of bans for specific types of single-use plastic items. A paradox exists as, arguably, civilization cannot sustain its current developmental momentum without the use of plastics, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic demanding higher levels of protection and hygiene. An ideal goal for the transformation of the plastic value chain is the concept of circular economy – the complete return of post-consumer plastic waste (PCPW) for repeated re-consumption after recovery and recycling processes. Hence, corporate engagement to manage the plastic value chain in ways that commit to the creation of circular economies is crucial. While reduction and substitution are being pursued, the current scale of the plastic production is still expected to remain the same or increase for the next few years as life cycle assessments (LCA), test trials of consumer acceptance towards novel delivery mechanisms and other forms of innovation are emerging. The reduction of plastics in the private-sector is allegedly ongoing but still intangible in Asia as daily lives continue to rely heavily on single-use plastics and large amounts of plastic packaging. While recovery and collection innovations are underway for application and are picking up speed, there is still an unfathomable amount of marine litter entering waterways, which aggravates the bigger-than-ever problem of plastic pollution in Asia. Responsible production has long adopted the concept of credits. Carbon credits are the most notable one, while palm oil credits are also prominently purchased by manufacturers to offset any palm oil content that is not yet sourced from certified sustainable suppliers. The concept of credits for plastics is currently sporadically seen across the world, especially in developing regions of Asia, but remains much less explored than their counterparts for other commodities. “Plastic neutrality” or “net plastic circularity” in the form of credit purchasing by businesses could likely be the final missing piece of the puzzle picturing a circular economy, especially as an interim measure and later as a component to be integrated into existing and upcoming extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes. In theory, the credit system could serve as an offsetting mechanism to recover an equivalent or higher amount of plastics to be produced by the credit-purchasing responsible manufacturer. This paper explores how responsible plastic production, accounting, recovery and offsetting could be enabled through standardized plastic credits, similar to the existing carbon and sustainable palm oil credit systems, could be applied in Asia to achieve the goal of recovery of plastics for circularity. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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Bimetallic PtPd nanocubes supported on graphene nanosheets (PtPdNCs/GNs) were prepared by a rapid, one-pot and surfactant-free method, in which N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) was used as a bi-functional solvent for the reduction of both metal precursors and graphene oxide (GO) and for the surface confining growth of PtPdNCs. The morphology, structure and composition of the thus-prepared PtPdNCs/GNs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution TEM, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Because no surfactant or halide ions were involved in the proposed synthesis, the prepared PtPdNCs/GNs were directly modified onto a glassy carbon electrode and showed high electrocatalytic activity for methanol oxidation in cyclic voltammetry without any pretreatments. Moreover, with the synergetic effects of Pt and Pd and the enhanced electron transfer by graphene, the PtPdNCs/GNs composites exhibited higher electrocatalytic activity (j p =0.48Amg−1) and better tolerance to carbon monoxide poisoning (I f/I b =1.27) compared with PtPd nanoparticles supported on carbon black (PtPdNPs/C) (j p =0.28Amg−1; I f/I b =1.01) and PtNPs/GNs (j p =0.33Amg−1; I f/I b =0.95). This approach demonstrates that the use of DMF as a solvent with heating is really useful for reducing GO and metal precursors concurrently for preparing clean metal–graphene composites. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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The production and pollution of plastic present a significant threat to global ecosystems, where annual plastic emissions in aquatic ecosystems are projected to triple between 2020 and 2030. Currently, plastics are widely used for food packaging but depending on the polymers, properties, the recyclability ratio of the plastics varies. Polymers, such as polyethylene (PE), polyurethane (PUR), and expanded polystyrene (EPS), are widely used for packaging and transporting foods such as fresh fish, where multi-use fish tubs often consist of PE and/or PUR and single-use boxes of EPS. This study evaluated the environmental impacts of reusable tubs of different volumes and sizes made of PE/PUR vs single-use EPS boxes, transporting 1000 tons (T) of fresh fish from Iceland to Europe, per year based on life cycle assessment methodology. This is to identify the packaging solution with the lowest environmental impact. The overall results show that multi-use tubs had lower environmental impacts when transporting 1000 T of fresh fish from Iceland to Europe per year, even during first year of usage. For Global warming impacts, producing and using EPS boxes for transporting 1000 T of fresh fish was 141 T CO2-eq and ranged from 4 to 46 T CO2-eq for variating multi-use packaging solutions for one year. The weight of the raw materials (plastics) and size of the tubs were key factors affecting the environmental impacts when transporting the tubs. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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The phytochemical, antioxidants and antimicrobial potential of aqueous and methanol fruit extracts of Nauclea latifolia (African peach) and its application in biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles and its cold cream formulations were investigated. The phytochemical constituents, antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of aqueous and methanolic fruit extract of N. latifolia were investigated. The extracts were used in bio-reduction of silver nitrate to nanoparticles. Formation of nanoparticles was confirmed and characterized by UV-Vis spectrophotometer. FTIR, Energy dispersive X-Ray and Scanning Electron microscopy. The nanoparticles were used in cream formulation and the antimicrobial properties of the nanoparticles and formulated creams were evaluated using agar well diffusion method. The phytochemical evaluation of Nauclea latifolia crude extracts showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, anthraquinones and steroids, tannins and glycosides. N. Latifolia methanol fruit extract exhibited antioxidant activity in a dose dependent manner. The Surface Plasmon Resonance peak was 350 nm and functional group such as hydroxyl, carboxyl, alkyl halides, phenols, amines, carbonyl and amide groups were present which was important for the bio-reduction and capping of the silver ions into nanoparticles. EDX analysis showed silver as the main element present and the nanoparticles were irregular in shape and 12 nm in size. The formulated creams were stable, cosmetically appealing with satisfactory pH, viscosity and spreadability. The Nauclea latifolia aqueous extract-silver nanoparticles and its cream formulation exhibited potent antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. This work reports a simple, eco-friendly, and economic means to synthesis of AgNPs using aqueous extract of Nauclea latifolia (African peach). | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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The climate crisis calls for a shift from petrochemicals to bio-based products to reduce environmental consequences. Polylactic acid (PLA) is one of the most widely used biopolymers, due to its mechanical properties and renewable origin, to produce bio-based compostable plastic for food packaging. The objective of this study is to determine the environmental feasibility of a second-generation PLA production based on wheat straw; and the role of a chemical recycling plant on the environmental performance of a bioproduct at an early design stage. A holistic assessment was performed through the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology considering both attributional and consequential perspectives, through a cradle-to-grave approach. The attributional LCA results show that lactic acid production was the main contributor due to the wheat straw pre-treatment and downstream separation and purification (DSP) processes. The integration of a recycling plant leads to a significant reduction of burdens, ranging from 1.38 to 0.44 kg CO2eq in the Global Warming category. Furthermore, consequential LCA results shows that the increased demand for substitute products for activities such as feeding, fertilisation and energy generation and the indirect emissions from land use change related to the conversion of land for the cultivation of raw materials are relevant factors in the environmental effects associated with the possible implementation of straw-based bioPLA production system. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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One of the key challenges for plastics in a circular economy is its degradation during use, washing and reprocessing. The reduced quality of recycled plastic waste leads to its use in inferior applications. This study presents a novel quality model which incorporates degradation, degree of mixing and contaminations. The model estimates a single quality value between 0 and 1 based on the mathematical relationship that uses: 1) a list of material properties, 2) minimum and maximum permissible values per property, 3) an ideal or desired value (or range) for the property and 4) relative importance (or weighing) factor (J) for the property. The quality model for recycled plastic (QMRP) was tested for three different real-life scenarios to evaluate the quality of recycled plastic for applications in food packaging film and toys. The results showed the superior prediction of QMRP in comparison to the existing models, in terms of application-based assessment, inclusion of all aspects of quality, credit allocation to upcycling and the use of a Go/No-go criteria. A single value quality indicator is to be applied in correlation studies, application prioritization for product development, managerial decision making and as a substitution ratio for the allocation of avoided products in life cycle assessment (LCA) studies. The QMRP indicator can be used by the recyclers to assess the quality of its material and strategically position their recycled plastic grades in the market. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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A series of Cu/CNT catalysts were applied for CO2 hydrogenation to methanol in three phase reactor. In order to probe the promotion role of copper, catalysts with 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8 wt. % of Cu were synthesized by precipitation method. Different analytical techniques like Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Nitrogen adsorption desorption technique (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller BET) were utilized to assess the nature of synthesized Cu doped CNT catalysts. Activity data revealed the promoting role of copper by manifesting magnitude of methanol synthesis rate as 32, 58 and 75 gmeth./kg cat.h for 0.2Cu/CNT, 0.4Cu/CNT and 0.8Cu/CNT catalysts, respectively. The activity data confirmed the promoting role of Cu for methanol synthesis by CO2 hydrogenation. The comparative data of CNT based Cu catalysts with traditional supported Cu catalysts demonstrated the efficient role of CNT as methanol synthesis catalysts for the title reaction. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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The environmental impact of packaging has already been studied since the early development of the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology, and today an extensive amount of studies exists. LCAs inform policy makers and guide companies in developing more environmentally sustainable packaging. From both a policy and a business perspective it is also relevant to understand what citizens and consumers recognize as being an environmentally sustainable packaging. Does perceived environmental sustainability align with the results of LCAs? And if not, where do consumers go wrong? In this study, we investigate how well-educated young consumers living in Denmark understand the environmental sustainability of five different kinds of packaging for liquid food (milk, beer, soft drink, olive oil and skinned tomatoes) based on an on-line survey and qualitative interviews. The results are compared with a streamlined LCA we performed for packaging of beer and soft drinks, and they are validated by means of comparative LCAs of these five product categories published in scientific literature. The results of the consumer research show that consumers assess the environmental sustainability of the tested types of packaging primarily based on the material type and on what they can personally do at the disposal stage. The consumers covered in this study do, in general, not consider the impacts of production and of transport. Amongst the investigated packaging types, bio-based types and glass are perceived as the most environmentally sustainable ones, and plastic in general is perceived least favourable. Laminated cartons receive a mixed perception. LCA results show that plastic – and especially laminated cartons – can be environmentally preferable solutions, even though they may be difficult to recycle. Our streamlined LCA on beer and soft drink shows that there is a significant difference in environmental performance between one-way glass and refillable glass, but consumers seem not to be aware of this difference. Our findings show i) that there is a gap between Danish consumers' perception of environmental sustainability of packaging and LCA results, and ii) that consumers have limited knowledge of sustainability-related eco-labels. In order to close these gaps, actions are needed both from producers, retailers and policy makers. The final aim of such improvement efforts should be to give to the consumers the possibility to make choices based on better information. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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Plastic pollution is a pressing global concern due to its severe environmental impacts. Thus, the adoption of sustainable practices in product design and end-of-life management has become paramount towards a plastic's circular economy. This study delves into the transformative potential of design for recycling by examining the replacement of a multi-material skillet lid with a mono-material plastic injected solution featuring opaque and translucent zones. Through a life cycle cost and life cycle assessment, this research evaluates and compares the environmental and economic implications of both solutions. The analysis encompasses crucial life cycle phases, including raw material extraction and transformation, manufacturing, and end-of-life. The results highlight the considerable benefits of the mono-material design approach, particularly enhanced recyclability and a reduction of 31.39% and 10.97% of the total environmental and economic impact, respectively. Additionally, the environmental impact further reduces when considering a potential waste management scenario for 2035 defined based on European directives. This research not only contributes to the field of life cycle engineering by emphasizing the economic and environmental advantages of the mono-material design for recycling in a particular application but also fosters informed sustainable decision-making within the plastics industry. Furthermore, this study underscores the utmost importance of adopting design for recycling to foster a plastics circular economy. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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The distribution of liquid detergents through self-dispensing systems has been adopted in some Italian retail stores over the last few years. By enabling the consumer to refill several times the same container, it is proposed as a less waste-generating and more environmentally friendly alternative to the traditional distribution with single-use plastic containers. For this reason, its implementation is encouraged by the national waste prevention programme recently adopted in Italy. In order to assess such claims, a life cycle assessment was carried out to evaluate whether detergent distribution through self-dispensing systems actually allows to achieve the expected reduction in waste generation and environmental impacts. The focus was on the distribution within the large-scale retail trade and on the categories of laundry detergents, fabric softeners and hand dishwashing detergents. For each of them, a set of baseline single-use scenarios were compared with two alternative waste prevention scenarios, where the detergent is distributed through self-dispensing systems. Beyond waste generation, also the Cumulative Energy Demand and thirteen midpoint-level potential impact indicators were calculated for the comparison. Results showed that a reduction in waste generation up to 98% can be achieved, depending on the category of detergent, on the baseline scenario of comparison and on the number of times the refillable container is used. A progressive reduction in the energy demand and in most of the potential impacts was also observed, starting from a minimum number of uses of the refillable container. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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The performance of ZSM-5, γ-Al2O3 and WO3/SiO2 catalysts for the dehydration of methanol was studied in a fixed bed reactor over a temperature range of 150 to 450 °C and at atmospheric pressure. A parallel reaction scheme for dehydration of methanol to dimethyl ether and methane was proposed for the WO3/SiO2 catalyst, and kinetic parameters for the two reactions were identified. The WO3/SiO2 catalyst was less active than both ZSM-5 and γ-Al2O3 for dehydration. At temperatures above 400 °C, experimental data indicated that WO3/SiO2 could be producing heavier hydrocarbons than the other catalysts. The gas product for γ-Al2O3 and WO3/SiO2 also contained ethylene and methane whereas the gas product for ZSM-5 contained propane and propylene. At higher temperatures ZSM-5 produced gasoline range hydrocarbons but a similar product was absent from all experiments conducted using the WO3/SiO2 and γ-Al2O3 catalysts. It has been shown that WO3/SiO2 can function as a methanol dehydration catalyst for the synthesis of dimethyl ether. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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Although the high efficiency of the homogeneous processes, using rhodium or iridium complexes, was clearly demonstrated industrially, heterogeneous catalysts offer the advantages of facile product separation and vapor phase operation, which often limit catalyst losses. Both noble and non-noble metal homogeneous and heterogeneous catalyzed carbonylation of methanol have been studied for many years. In this short chapter, we intend to analyze the recent evolutions of the most promising catalytic systems for this important reaction of catalysis. A presentation by metals was chosen, always referring to the origins of the first catalytic systems. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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Using the synthesis method, we produced a series of 2‑hydroxy-4-benzyloxybenzylidene N- or S-alkyl chains substituted thiosemicarbazones and their dioxomolybdenum(VI) complexes containing long alkyl chains (pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, and octyl). A series of dioxomolybdenum(VI) complexes with 2‑hydroxy-4-benzyloxybenzylidene thiosemicarbazones substituted by long alkyl chains, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, and octyl, on the N- or S atoms were synthesized. Analytical and spectroscopic techniques were used to characterize the compounds. As a representative molecule, the molecular structure of complex I named cis-dioxo-(N1–2‑hydroxy-4-benzyloxybenzylidene-N4-pentylthiosemicarbazonato)-methanol-molybdenum(VI) was identified by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Using the method of cupric reducing antioxidant capacity, the ONN donor thiosemicarbazones (LV -LVIII ) were found to have higher trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity values than those with ONS (LI -LIV ). Furthermore, the inhibitory activities of xanthine oxidase and the scavenging effects of the compounds on the hydroxyl radical were examined. Complex VII was the most effective XO inhibitor with an IC50 value of 33.41 μM in similar to allopurinol as a potential XO inhibitor (IC50: 33.14 μM), and it can be used as XO inhibitor in treatment of XO-based disorders. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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Au@Pt core–shell nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by successive reduction of HAuCl4 and H2PtCl6 and were then assembled on Vulcan XC-72 carbon surface (noted as Au@Pt/C). The morphology and distribution of Au@Pt nanoparticles were characterized by UV–vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and the corresponding result is that core–shell like structure is observed. The Au@Pt/C catalysts with different Au/Pt atomic ratios were characterized by TEM, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The electrocatalytic activities of Au@Pt/C catalysts were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) in 1.0M H2SO4 +1.0M methanol aqueous solution. The effects of Au/Pt atomic ratio, CV scan rate and methanol concentration on the peak current of methanol oxidation and the long-term cycle stability were also discussed. The results revealed that compared with Au@Pt/C (1:4, 1:1, 2:1) catalysts, Au/C catalyst, and Pt/C catalyst, Au@Pt/C (1:2) catalyst exhibits higher electrocatalytic activity toward methanol oxidation in acidic media, and the peak current density of Au@Pt/C (1:2) catalyst is about 2.5 times as large as that of Pt/C catalyst without Au core. Further more, Au@Pt/C (1:2) catalyst shows good long-term cycle stability and 91.1% value of peak current of methanol oxidation remains after 200 cycles. | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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SAPO-34 molecular sieves synthesized using calcined kaolin as partial raw material under three-stage of high-low-high temperature hydrothermal condition are explored systematically. Especially, the effect of kaolin calcination temperature on the crystallization mechanism of SAPO-34 and the methanol to olefin performance are investigated thoroughly. It is found that the sample (SP-500) synthesized by using kaolin calcined at 500 °C (MK-500) demonstrates clean cubic structure, large specific surface area and mild acidity, providing the initially activated Si and Al source for the synthesis of SAPO-34 molecular sieve due to the well scattered structure of MK-500. From the crystallization mechanism consideration, it can be proposed that the SAPO-34 molecular sieves will be controlled by the low degree of Si aggregation in metakaolin and quantity of Si (3Al,1Si) species. As a result, SP-500 displays excellent catalytic lifetime during methanol to olefin reaction for its special Si coordination environment, showing the highest stable light olefin yield of 80.6 % and a methanol conversion above 90 % for more than 720 min. In contrast, SP-800 sample with the most strong acid sites is only 390 min, even if showcasing the highest selectivity of light olefins (84.5%). | Categorize the text article into one of the two categories:
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