Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of IPL Plastics
Establishing the environmental impact of recycling HDPE and PP waste into pellets.
University of Sheffield and IPL Plastics, a prominent North American manufacturer specializing in injection-molded plastic products, recently concluded a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study of recycled plastics at their recycling facility in Castleford, West Yorkshire that recycles approximately 40,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually.
The LCA study aimed to assess the environmental impact of recycling plastic waste into pellets, specifically recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and recycled polypropylene (PP). Following
internationally accepted standards outlined in the ISO 14040 standard, the study adopted a "gate-to-gate" system boundary, examining the entire life cycle from postconsumer recyclable material to sorting, washing, and pellet production.
Comparing emission factors with DEFRA indicators revealed that IPL's emission factors for both PP and HDPE pellets are significantly lower than DEFRA's published figures for closed-loop plastics. This underscores the potential for the recycling industry to reduce emissions and improve environmental performance.
IPL Plastics continues to lead the way in sustainable plastic manufacturing, demonstrated by their LCA study and leadership. The company's dedication to innovation and environmental responsibility positions them as a key player in the global push for sustainable practices in the plastics industry.
