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Development and application of a predictive modelling approach for household packaging waste flows in sorting
Kerstin Kleinhans1, Michelle Hallemans2, Sophie Huysveld2
1Laboratory for Circular Process Engineering (LCPE), Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Graaf Karel de Goedelaan 5, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium; Sustainable Systems Engineering (STEN), Department of Green Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Center for Polymer and Material Technologies (CPMT), Department of Materials, Textiles and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Ghent University, Technologiepark 130, 9052 Zwijnaarde, Belgium.
A new model predicts household packaging waste sorting facility performance, assessing material purity and recovery. This tool aids waste management and packaging design for improved recycling efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Waste Management Engineering
- Material Flow Analysis
Background:
- Household packaging waste sorting facilities are crucial for recycling but lack predictive performance models.
- Current methods cannot accurately forecast the efficiency of separating heterogeneous waste streams.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a flexible model for predicting the performance of packaging waste sorting facilities.
- To support waste management decisions and inform packaging design for better recyclability.
Main Methods:
- A material flow model was created to simulate sorting facility operations.
- The model incorporates variable waste composition, sorting unit efficiencies (split factors), and facility configurations.
- Model validation was conducted using a case study of Belgian post-consumer packaging waste.
Main Results:
- The model accurately predicts sorting facility performance based on material purity (grade) and recovery rates.
- Simulations explored future sorting scenarios, including changes in waste stream composition.
- Sensitivity analysis identified key parameters, such as split factors, influencing sorting outcomes.
Conclusions:
- The developed model offers a flexible and predictive tool for assessing packaging waste sorting facilities.
- It can guide decisions in waste management, facility design, and future packaging development to enhance recycling processes.
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