The Life Cycle Performance Assessment (LCPA) Methodology

Abstract

The FENIX project has started to develop future business models for the efficient recovery of secondary resources. It would not be enough just to improve business models based on traditional linear approaches. Rather, new approaches must be developed with a particular focus on environmental and climate changes. Electronic scrap is no longer scrap, but must be seen as valuable material. Using the mobile phone as an example, FENIX has developed technologies to get recyclable materials out of scrapped mobile phones and to process them into new materials and final products. The developed technological approaches are not limited to mobile phones, but can be used for all types of electronic waste. FENIX has only focused on the logistic chain from the dismantling of the cell phones to the manufacturing of new materials and products (recycling chain). This, of course, involves a lot of effort in dismantling the e-waste, as the recycling process was not yet considered when developing the products currently on the market. Such eco-design approaches would certainly reduce the disassembly effort in the future. FENIX business models should not only be based on economic success but also consider ecological effects at the same time. Therefore, an accompanying Life Cycle Performance Assessment (LCPA) has been carried out to prove the advantages of the developed business models. From the interim assessment, recommendations for further technical development directions were repeatedly given to achieve the best possible economic and ecological solutions.