Upcycling of Post-Consumer Mixed Polyolefin Feedstock: An Economic and Technical Evaluation

Johnson, Tyler N.; DesVeaux, Jason; Bhatt, Arpit; Sharma, Rishi; Muzata, Tanyaradzwa; Rabnawaz, Muhammad

doi:10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.125069

Upcycling of Post-Consumer Mixed Polyolefin Feedstock: An Economic and Technical Evaluation

Journal Article · Thu Mar 27 04:00:00 EDT 2025 · Journal of Environmental Management

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2025.125069· OSTI ID:2558953

Johnson, Tyler N.; ; Bhatt, Arpit; Sharma, Rishi; Muzata, Tanyaradzwa; Rabnawaz, Muhammad

This study reports techno-economic and life cycle analyses to evaluate the economic and environmental impacts of mechanically recycled PE/PP blends in the presence of rheology modifiers. Additionally, fiber-reinforced composites derived from the compatibilized blends were prepared and evaluated for their performance compared with virgin plastics. Results suggest that compatibilized PE/PP blends exhibit a 70 % lower selling price compared to virgin PE. Furthermore, these blends achieved a 74 % reduction in greenhouse gas emissions or climate change impact compared to the virgin counterpart. Fiber-reinforced composites from compatibilized PE/PP blends demonstrated improved or comparable mechanical properties relative to composites made from virgin PE/PP blends. Based on their favorable cost and environmental impact, along with performance comparable to virgin composites, compatibilized PP/PE composites made from post-consumer plastics can find applications in large-scale composite manufacturing.

Research Organization:: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Energy Efficiency Office. Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Technologies Office (AMMTO)

DOE Contract Number:: AC36-08GO28308

OSTI ID:: 2558953

Report Number(s):: NREL/JA-6A20-91514; MainId:93292; UUID:3e787257-c163-4550-9eef-5694fb17c1fc; MainAdminId:76610

Journal Information:: Journal of Environmental Management, Journal Name: Journal of Environmental Management Vol. 380

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY,INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
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Upcycling of Post-Consumer Mixed Polyolefin Feedstock: An Economic and Technical Evaluation

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