Life cycle assessment and carbon footprint calculus for a pet bottles recycling process at medellin (ant)

Abstract

Introduction: A Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), allows to establish the inputs and outputs of matter, and energy of a process, product, service, person and/or organization, throughout its useful life or depending on the delimitation of the object of study This analysis, together with the Carbon Footprint (HC), makes it possible to standardize the information, to perform analyzes, comparisons and determine the environmental impact of the object of study in the same unit (KgCO2eq), regardless of the context. Objective: To present LCA and the determination of the HC, for a PET plastic bottle recycling company, located in the city of Medellín. Materials and methods: This study was carried out following the methodology established in the international standards ISO 14040-14044 and ISO 14064, since the PET is collected in the company's facilities until this material is processed and considered suitable, for delivery. In addition, the inventory of GHG emissions associated with the metabolism of the company's personnel is included, during the development of its activities within it. Results: From the PET recycling process analyzed, an HC of 1.4026 KgCO2eq / ton was obtained, where the consumption of electric energy is the one that contributes most to this indicator; with 63.32%. Conclusions: The EKORED HC can be established as a management and sustainability indicator, and as the baseline, to undertake strategies and actions that are aimed at building a carbon neutral industry.