Exergy-Based Assessment of Polymers Production and Recycling: An Application to the Automotive Sector

In the last century, economic growth has been accompanied by a worldwide diffusion of polymers for multiple applications. However, there is growing attention to environmental pollution and energy consumption linked unconditional use plastic. present work, exergy used as measure resource during life cycle polymers. Nine commercially diffused are chosen, their production chains identified according “grave cradle” approach. The global Embodied Exergy (EE) calculated sum contribution each step chain, including process Replacement Cost (ERC) fossil fuel. Then, recycling routes associated analysed. Thermodynamic indexes developed depending on final product, namely crude polymeric material oil derivatives or structural molecules. main results show that some commonly have considerable impact in terms EE (e.g., PET). Recycling encourage processes, which always energetically convenient (from 10% 60% savings) compared with from virgin raw material. Results calculation thermodynamic assessment plastic content vehicle components, obtain useful information practices development.