Purpose – The aim of the study is to investigate the possibilities for circular economy in acrylicplastic in the lighting industry. To answer the purpose, it was broken down into two researchquestions: [1] What characterizes the handling of acrylic plastic waste by lighting manufacturers? [2] How can lighting manufacturers achieve a more circular handling of acrylic plastic waste? Method – To be able to answer the research questions, a case study was conducted at acompany active in the lighting industry. The data collection consisted of observations,interviews, and document studies. The observations were unmasked and of a direct nature. Theinterviews that were held were both unstructured and semi-structured. The documents wereinvoices and quotations mostly collected from the case company. Furthermore, four differentsolutions were developed with help of the theoretical framework and collected data. The empiricand the theoretical chapters were compared to be able to analyse and answer the researchquestions. Findings – The study shows that a company in the lighting industry throw away plastic lensesas they believe that they have no use for them. The lenses are made of acrylic plastic and arethrown in combustible waste. The waste goes to energy recovery that provides electricity,district heating and district cooling. During the combustion process, carbon dioxide is releasedwhich affects the environment. It is better to let the waste go to energy recovery than landfilling.To achieve a more circular handling of acrylic plastic waste, it is recommended to first andforemost reduce the waste. It is the result of one of the solution proposals "Minimize worksteps" which involves a point effort to take advantage of acrylic plastic instead of throwing itaway. In situations where there is no possibility of reducing, companies should instead try toreuse the acrylic lenses, which is a result of the solution proposal "reuse". In 2024, there willopen a new chemical recycling centre in Sweden that companies should keep track of. Implications – The study has implications for companies in the lighting industry that useacrylic plastic. It is also suitable for companies outside the lighting industry that handle acrylicplastic waste, as the study contributes to increased knowledge about circular economy and howacrylic plastic waste should be handled to benefit the circular economy. The study helps tohighlight potential approaches for environmentally friendly handling of acrylic plastic. A newrecycling centre opens 2024 in Stenungsund, which is the first in Sweden that can chemicallyrecycle acrylic plastic. It is recommended to talk to them early to review costs and opportunitiesthat arise in connection with the opening of the recycling centre. Limitations – The environmental impact of the study is measured in carbon dioxideemissions. No other environmental aspects are considered as carbon dioxide includes the areasthat are relevant, based on the size of the study. Due to the time constraint, the study wasconducted on only one case company, which may lower credibility. More companies should bestudied in order to further generalize and strengthen credibility even more.

Tenerife is experiencing challenges with its drinking water resources because of climate change and overtourism. The prior lone use of groundwater as drinking water source must now be complemented by desalinated saltwater. This has resulted in an increased use of drinking water on plastic bottles, which has led to large amounts of plastic waste on the island. Even with an implemented deposit system for plastic bottles in the capital, a high consumption of plastic bottles for drinking water remains. This study thereby aims to research tourists and locals’ habits and opinions of tap water consumption on Tenerife. The study aims to answer why tourists and locals do not drink the tap water on the island today and what their opinions are towards a reduced use of plastic bottles for drinking water consumption on Tenerife. The study also answers which actions could be taken to change tourists’ and locals’ consumption of drinking water in plastic bottles towards a primary consumption of tap water. A literature study was conducted to explore water consumption and plastic waste on Tenerife. A survey study was performed on 155 respondents of tourists and locals’ habits and opinions considering drinking water and plastic bottle waste. The results showed that most of the respondents avoid tap water with fear of food poisoning or insecurity of how it will affect their long-term health. Most of the respondents are positive towards a reduced use of plastic bottles for drinking water on Tenerife. Both tourists and locals answered that they would drink the tap water if they knew that it was safe and had a good taste. Actions that can be taken for changing the habits of using plastic bottles for drinking water are; informing the locals and tourists on the safety of the tap water and developing the water systems to improve the taste of the tap water. The study indicates the need for actions to increase the assurance in the quality and safety of tap water on Tenerife. This could improve the transition towards a more sustainable consumption of drinking water, help reduce the use of plastic bottles on the island and, is a step in the right direction towards the Sustainable development goals.

Cette thèse, qui s’inscrit dans le cadre du projet ANR Eco-Tech TRIPTIC, a eu comme objectif de contribuer au tri industriel en cadence de polymères contenant des traceurs détectables grâce à leurs propriétés en fluorescence X ou UV. Dans un premier temps, étant donné que le coût des traceurs choisis pour l’étude TRIPTIC est assez élevé, nous avons réalisé une étude préliminaire, avec des particules modèles de silice, visant à optimiser la dispersion de charges dans une matrice polypropylène/éthylène propylène rubber (PP/EPR). Nous avons montré que l’extrusion à taux de cisaillement élevé est une technologie efficace permettant une dispersion homogène de charges de tailles micro ou nanométriques. Dans un deuxième temps, après optimisation des conditions de dispersion, nous avons extrapolé nos résultats à la dispersion de particules de traceurs UV dans différentes matrices thermoplastiques. Nous avons montré que la dispersion de 1000 ppm de particules de traceurs, de tailles micrométriques, dans des matrices polypropylènes, en extrusion à haute vitesse (N= 800 rpm), n’a pas d’impact sur les propriétés mécaniques et physico-chimiques des mélanges tracés, ainsi que sur la photo-dégradation sous rayonnement UV. Cette fine dispersion a non seulement permis la conservation des propriétés des polymères tracés mais aussi une bonne détection dynamique, tant en fluorescence X qu’UV, sur un prototype conçu par des partenaires du projet (Pellenc Selective Technologies, CEA-LITT et ENSAM- LCPI). Enfin, nous avons validé l’extrusion à haute vitesse pour compatibiliser des mélanges de polymères ternaires (PP/EPR)/PE (polyéthylène) pouvant correspondre à la valorisation de polymères post-consommation, par exemple dans l’hypothèse où on souhaite recycler (PP/EPR) et PE ensembles. Les propriétés prometteuses des mélanges obtenus doivent leur permettre de trouver des applications dans l’industrie automobile, par exemple. Cette voie est d’un grand intérêt pour les applications industrielles, car elle permet d’envisager des propriétés mécaniques élevées pour les polymères recyclés. Elle ouvre aussi de nouvelles perspectives pour l’élaboration de matériaux allégés, obtenus à partir de matières vierges ou recyclées. / This thesis, which is part of the ANR Eco-Tech TRIPTIC project, had the objective of contributing to industrial sorting rate of polymers containing tracers detectable by their fluorescence X or UV properties. At first, given that the cost of tracers selected for TRIPTIC study is quite high, a preliminary study is conducted with models of silica particles to optimize the dispersion of fillers in polypropylene / ethylene-propylene rubber (PP / EPR) matrix. It was found that processing under high shear rate is an effective technology for accomplishing a homogeneous dispersion of micro or nanoscale fillers. In a second step, after optimization of dispersion conditions, our results are extrapolated to the dispersion of UV tracer in different thermoplastic matrices. It was shown that the dispersion of 1000 ppm of micrometer tracer particles, in polypropylene matrices, extruded at high shear rates (N = 800 rpm), has no impact on the mechanical and physico-chemical properties as well as in the photo-degradation of the polymer after UV irradiation exposure. This fine dispersion was beneficial not only for the conservation of the properties of traced polymers but also for achieving a good dynamic detection of UV or X tracers using a prototype developed by the project partners ( Pellenc Selective Technologies , CEA- LITT and ENSAM - RPI ). Finally, high shear processing has successfully used to the compatibilization of ternary blends ( PP / EPR ) / PE (polyethylene) which may correspond to the post-consumer polymers. This technique has proved to be an effective method to produce polymer blends with unique mechanical properties. This novel strategy of compatibilization is of a particular interest, especially for industrial application prospects. It also opens new perspectives for materials lightening as well as “high shear recycling” of immiscible polymers.

Chemical recycling can improve the plastic recycling rates and reduce the level of CO2 from fossil plasticsproduction. Thus, it is seen as an attractive technology in the action towards meeting the emission, circulareconomy and recycling targets. In the Swedish context, it could help reach the carbon neutrality goal by2045. This thesis aims to investigate the potential of chemical recycling in the Swedish plastic recyclingsystem with Brista waste-to-energy plant in Stockholm as a case study. The thesis describes different stagesof current Swedish plastic recycling system and quantifies material losses at every stage. The recycling rateof plastic packaging in the household waste stream in Stockholm was found to be lower than 7%.Remaining 93% is sent for energy recovery through incineration. The feasibility of implementing differentchemical recycling technologies is analysed together with the Technology Readiness Level (TRL). Theresults showed that there are three technologies with the highest TRL of 9: thermal cracking (pyrolysis),catalytic cracking and conventional gasification. The important parameters when implementing chemicalrecycling in an existing facility are discussed and used for the feasibility analysis of implementing thesethree technologies in Brista facility. It is not obvious which technology is the best one for this application.Gasification is proven for the production of intermediates (oil or syngas) which can be used for newplastic production, however, the scale of Brista facility is not large enough for a gasification plant to befeasible. Pyrolysis and catalytic cracking could be used at a smaller scale, but they have not contributed tothe production of new plastics so far, thus, both technologies would require further research and tests ona pilot scale before moving to commercial operation. The findings from this study have to be followed byan in-depth analysis of real data, from pilot or commercial projects, which is currently unavailable.The major challenges to implement chemical recycling of waste plastics in Sweden are of economic andpolitical nature. The key point in successful deployment of chemical recycling is the development ofa business model which would ensure that all actors along the plastic recycling chain benefit economicallyfrom the solution. For the Brista 2 plant case, the challenges include Stockholm Exergi’s insufficientexpertise to perform chemical recycling independently, uncertain feedstock purity requirements andchallenging market situation. / Kemisk återvinning har potentialen att öka återvinningsgraden av plastförpackningar och minska därmedminska klimatpåverkan från fossila plastprodukter. Således ses den som en möjlig teknik för att mötautsläpps- och återvinningsmål samt införandet av en cirkulär ekonomi. I ett svenskt sammanhang kan detbidra till att nå målet om netto noll utsläpp 2045. Denna uppsats syftar till att undersöka potentialen förkemisk återvinning i det svenska återvinningssystemet för plast, med det avfallseldade Bristaverket somfallstudie. Avhandlingen beskriver ingående led i den nuvarande svenska plaståtervinningssystem ochkvantifierar materialförluster i alla steg. Återvinningsgraden för plastförpackningar i hushållsavfalleti Stockholm visar sig vara lägre än 7%. Återstående 93% skickas för energiåtervinning genom förbränning.Analysen av olika teknologier för kemisk återvinnings genomförs med hjälp av Technology ReadinessLevel (TRL). Resultatet visar att det fanns tre teknologier med högsta TRL på 9: termisk krackning(pyrolys), katalytisk krackning och konventionell förgasning. Viktiga parametrar för kemisk återvinningkopplat till en befintlig anläggning diskuteras och används för genomförbarhetsanalys av de tre valdateknologierna genom en fallstudie vid Bristaanläggningen. Det är inte uppenbart vilken teknik som är denbästa för denna applikation. Förgasning är bevisat framgångsrik för produktion av intermediära produkter(olja eller syngas) som kan användas för ny plastproduktion, men Bristaanläggningens storlek är för litenför att en förgasningsanläggning ska varamotiverad. Pyrolys och katalytisk krackning kan användasi mindre applikationer, men de har hittills inte lyckats bidra till framställning av ny plast. Därför skullebåda teknikerna kräva ytterligare forskning och test på pilotskala innan de skalas upp till kommersiell drift.Resultaten från denna studie måste följas av en djupgående analys av verklig data, från pilotprojekt ellerkommersiella projekt, som för närvarande inte är tillgänglig.De stora utmaningarna för att genomföra kemisk återvinning av plastavfall i Sverige är av ekonomisk ochpolitisk karaktär. Nyckeln till framgångsrik spridning av kemisk återvinning är utvecklingen av enaffärsmodell som säkerställer att alla aktörer längs plaståtervinningskedjan kan dra ekonomiskt fördel avlösningen. För en anläggning i Brista finns utmaningar i form av Stockholm Exergis otillräckliga expertisinom området kemisk återvinning, osäkra råvarukrav och en utmanande marknadssituation.

Single use plastic products (SUPs) are a primary cause of plastic pollution causing significant environmental harm. These products have little to no value after use and are challenging to recycle cost efficiently. In a bid to combat this issue and foster circular economy, the European Union has declared a series of directives to gradually phase out SUPs as a strategy to eliminate these disposables from the market. This approach allows the market time to discover alternative solutions to replace SUPs, promoting the adoption of reusable products. To make a sustainable system of reusable products feasible and profitable, the key lies in devising a business model designed for a circular strategy of repeated use of goods. One effective approach involves establishing a closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) which entails the entire life cycle of a product, from sourcing raw materials, through manufacturing, utilisation, collection, reverse logistics and recycling. The purpose of this study was to develop a CLSC system for reusable plastic products between a plastic producing small or medium sized enterprise (SME) and an incumbent firm customer to attain a smooth transition from linear to circular economy. Employing an inductive approach, this case study considered the EU-directives as observational data, the change of business model as the result, and a general recommendation as the rule. The research method encompassed conducted interviews, mathematical prototyping, product design, and life cycle analysis, using various tools and methods in the process. Two case companies were involved: one large incumbent firm and one plastic producing SME. The aim was to design a circular business model (CBM) to capture the value of the collaboration between these two companies. After an analysation of the current situation, the main obstacles to a successful transition were identified. A comprehensive solution was developed, including a network of partners for the CLSC, a reusable product design, and the necessary implementation calculations. The finalised business model was anchored in the principles of the CLSC, the product design specifications and the calculations that determined the system’s viability. Implementation of the CBM would yield economic advantages for both stakeholders, as well as an improved green image factor and advancement in circular economy. Furthermore, this transition would cultivate valuable and lasting business relationships for both companies. These case findings harmonise with established theories which emphasise the significance of business models that are dependent on collaboration and long-term strategic planning. Lastly, they also underscore that value is created in product utilisation and not ownership.

No / Methods of recycling unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC) window frame waste were investigated. The quality of untreated granular waste was compared to that of waste treated by a range of contaminant removal processes including melt filtration and dissolution. Processability of each recyclate was evaluated by using a highly instrumented single screw extruder that enabled melt viscosity and process variation to be monitored in real time. Product quality measurements such as mechanical properties and surface defects were made on extruded strip, and the nature of the stabilizers present was determined. The mechanical properties of recyclates were found to be comparable to or better than those of virgin material in all cases and conformed to industry standards for window profile. Contaminant removal stages significantly reduced the amount of large surface defects detected in extrudate. Processability was comparable to that of virgin compounds, but melt viscosity varied among different batches of recyclate, depending on the source and composition of the original PVC formulation.

This bachelor thesis investigates strategies for enhancing sustainability in material usage within Xervon Sweden AB, a leading provider of scaffolding and weather protection solutions. The research integrates life cycle analysis (LCA) with the exploration of alternative materials and recycling methods to identify environmentally friendly approaches to managing plastic waste in facade work. The study employs a comprehensive LCA to assess the environmental impact of current scaffolding materials, including High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE). It explores new materials such as Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), evaluates their feasibility through data collection and analysis, and investigates innovative recycling and reuse methods in collaboration with industry partners. The results from this bachelor thesis revealed from the LCA that material extrusion contributes significantly to CO2 emissions and energy consumption. PHA emerged as a promising alternative due to its renewable sourcing and biodegradability, despite its higher cost. The study also identified a circular system for recycling scaffolding sheets into granules for manufacturing new sheets as the most efficient strategy for CO2 reduction. Additionally, opportunities for external reuse of plastic materials with painting companies and agricultural associations were explored. The conclusions drawn in this bachelor thesis is that Xervon is currently using the most sustainable material within its price range. While PHA shows potential for future adoption, creating a circular system for scaffolding sheets offers immediate benefits. Collaborations with external partners can further extend the lifespan of materials, contributing to overall sustainability efforts. Future research should include broader sustainability indicators and in-house laboratory tests to validate findings. By focusing on these strategies, Xervon can significantly reduce its environmental footprint while maintaining operational efficiency and economic viability. / Denna kandidatuppsats undersöker strategier för att förbättra hållbarheten i materialanvändningen inom Xervon Sweden AB, en ledande leverantör av ställnings- och väderskyddslösningar. Forskningen integrerar livscykelanalys (LCA) med utforskning av alternativa material och återvinningsmetoder för att identifiera miljövänliga metoder för hantering av plastavfall i fasadarbeten. Studien använder en omfattande LCA för att bedöma den miljöpåverkan som de nuvarandeställningsmaterialen, inklusive högdensitetspolyeten (HDPE) och lågdensitetspolyeten (LDPE), har. Den utforskar nya material såsom polyhydroxialkanoater (PHA), utvärderar deras genomförbarhet genom datainsamling och analys, och undersöker innovativa återvinnings- och återanvändningsmetoder i samarbete med industripartners. Resultaten från denna kandidatuppsats avslöjade från LCA att materialextrudering bidrar avsevärt till koldioxidutsläpp och energiförbrukning. PHA visade sig vara ett lovande alternativ på grund av dessförnybara källor och biologiska nedbrytbarhet, trots dess högre kostnad. Studien identifierade också ett cirkulärt system för återvinning av ställningsdukar till granulat för tillverkning av nya dukar som den mest effektiva strategin för att minska koldioxidutsläpp. Dessutom undersöktes möjligheter för extern återanvändning av plastmaterial med måleriföretag och jordbruksorganisationer. Slutsatserna som dragits i denna kandidatuppsats är att Xervon för närvarande använder det mest hållbara materialet inom sin prisklass. Även om PHA visar potential för framtida användning, erbjuder skapandet av ett cirkulärt system för ställningsdukar omedelbara fördelar. Samarbeten med externa partners kan ytterligare förlänga materialens livslängd och bidra till övergripande hållbarhetsinsatser. Framtida forskning bör inkludera bredare hållbarhetsindikatorer och laboratorietester internt för att valideraresultaten. Genom att fokusera på dessa strategier kan Xervon avsevärt minska sitt miljöavtryck samtidigt som de bibehåller operativ effektivitet och ekonomisk lönsamhet

Användningen av ren ny ull i mattor medför både önskvärda mekaniska egenskaper och miljömässiga utmaningar. Ullproduktionen påverkar lokala ekosystem och det globala klimatet på grund av faktorer som överanvändning av kemikalier och otillräcklig djurvård. Dessutom står ullindustrin inför utmaningar relaterade till energi, vatten och kemikalieanvändning under framställningen av ren ny ull. Mattsektorn inom hemtextil är idag den största användaren av ren ny ull, och står för cirka 45 procent av den globala produktionen. FN:s globala mål nr 12.5 är en del av Agenda 2030 och syftar till att främja hållbar konsumtion och produktion. Specifikt handlar målet om att öka återvinningen och minska avfallet inom olika industrier, inklusive textilindustrin. Med FN:s mål samt miljöpåverkan från ren ny ull i åtanke, står mattindustrin inför ökad uppmärksamhet och efterfrågan på återvunna materiella alternativ. Även den omfattande produktionen och konsumtionen av ny plast utgör, likt ren ny ull, betydande miljömässiga hot, med miljontals ton plastavfall som genereras årligen. Hanteringen av plastavfall är en global oro och ett stort utvecklingsområde kopplat till FN:s globala mål. En typ av plastfiber som, även i återvunnet tillstånd, har goda förutsättningar inom hemtextilindustrin tack vare dess mekaniska egenskaper är återvunnen polyetentereftalat, rPET. Denna studie utforskar möjligheten att ersätta ren ny ull med rPET som huvudmaterial i vävda mattor för inomhusbruk, baserat på en balans mellan mekaniska egenskaper och miljöpåverkan. Genom att analysera både de mekaniska egenskaperna och miljöpåverkan av de två materialen, syftar studien till att ge insikt i vilket materialval som kan leda till minsta negativa miljökonsekvenser utan att kompromissa med produktkvalitet. Med hjälp av en kvantitativ ansats undersöker denna studie mekaniska egenskaper och miljöpåverkan av mattor tillverkade med huvudmaterial ren ny ull respektive rPET. Mekaniska tester, inklusive nötningshärdighet och färghärdighet vid nötning, genomförs enligt standardiserade metoder. Bedömningen av miljöpåverkan utförs med enligt Higg Index, ett verktyg med syftet att utvärdera miljöprestanda inom textilindustrin. Resultaten visar att mattor med rPET som huvudmaterial uppvisar överlägsen nötningshärdighet jämfört med de av ren ny ull. Samtidigt visar mattor med ren ny ull något högre färghärdighet vid nötning. Miljöanalysen visar att mattor med huvudmaterial rPET har en lägre total miljöpåverkan jämfört med mattor med huvudmaterial ren ny ull, under förutsättning att övriga parametrar kopplade till produktion och produkt förblir identiska. Slutligen understryker studien vikten av ett informerat materialval vid tillverkning av mattor. Även om rPET erbjuder förbättrade mekaniska egenskaper och minskad miljöpåverkan, beror valet mellan ull och rPET på specifika applikationskrav och hållbarhetsmål. Att modifiera övriga parametrar i mattans näringskedja kan minska miljöpåverkan i samma utsträckning utan att nödvändigtvis ändra det primära materialet. / The use of virgin wool in carpets presents both desirable mechanical properties and at the same time environmental challenges. Wool production affects local ecosystems and the global climate due to factors such as chemical overuse and inadequate animal care. Additionally, the wool industry faces challenges related to energy, water, and chemical usage during manufacture of virgin wool. UN Sustainable Development Goal 12.5, part of Agenda 2030, aims to promote sustainable consumption and production, specifically targeting increased recycling and waste reduction across industries, including textiles. With consideration for these goals and the environmental impact of virgin wool, the carpet industry faces growing attention and demand for recycled material alternatives. Similarly, the extensive production and consumption of new plastics pose significant environmental threats, with millions of tons of plastic waste generated annually. Plastic waste management is a global concern and a major development area linked to UN Sustainable Development Goals. One type of plastic fiber that maintains favorable mechanical properties even in recycled form, suitable for the home textile industry, is recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET). This study explores the possibility of replacing virgin wool with rPET as the primary material in woven indoor carpets, based on a balance between mechanical properties and environmental impact. By analyzing the mechanical properties and environmental impact of both materials, the study aims to provide insight into material choices that minimize negative environmental consequences without compromising product quality. Using a quantitative approach, this study examines the mechanical properties and environmental impact of carpets made with virgin wool and rPET as the main materials. Mechanical tests, including abrasion resistance and color fastness to abrasion, are conducted using standardized methods. Environmental impact assessment utilizes the Higg Index, a tool for evaluating environmental performance in the textile industry. The results indicate that carpets with rPET as the main material exhibit superior abrasion resistance compared to those with virgin wool. However, carpets with virgin wool demonstrate slightly higher color fastness to abrasion. The environmental analysis reveals that carpets with rPET as the main material have a lower overall environmental impact compared to those with virgin wool, assuming all other production and product parameters remain constant. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the importance of informed material selection in carpet manufacturing. While rPET offers improved mechanical properties and reduced environmental impact, the choice between wool and rPET depends on specific application requirements and sustainability goals. Modifying other parameters in the carpet's lifecycle can also reduce environmental impact to the same extent without necessarily changing the primary material.

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