Uncertainty quantification within Life Cycle Assessment of a novel PET depolymerization technology

Uncertainty assessment plays a prominent role in the correct evaluation of potential environmental impacts associated to production activities. Within this context, in the present work a stochastic model was applied to the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. The model was applied to LCA of a novel PET depolymerization technology, namely gr3n, which is able to provide high quality recycled PET, differently from the existing mechanical recycling technologies. An LCA study was set up in order to estimate the environmental impacts linked to the introduction of this technology in the related market. Then the Stochastic Technology Choice Model (STCM) was adopted, in order to model the technology mixes typical of markets based on costs and production capacities, while managing the uncertainty of future market conditions with a stochastic analysis.