EFFICIENT & SUSTAINABLE RECYCLING PROCESSES : Support for decision-making towards improved efficiency and sustainability performance

Abstract: Background With large amounts of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in the waste streams, recycling of PVC and more sustainable processes have become increasingly important. The sustainable development of processes has received a lot of attention in the last decades because of the increasing environmental threat. It is also important to be efficient in order to stay competitive in the market. Traditional methods for improving efficiency like lean disregards the sustainable aspect. Green methods focus on environmental impact and omit efficiency. The concept of lean and green enables and ensures the integration of efficiency and sustainability. Firms need to improve their efficiency without sacrificing sustainability and environmental impact as a consequence of becoming more competitive. Therefore, there is a great need of support for decision-making regarding efficiency and sustainability. Objectives The objective of this thesis is to provide support for decision-making in recycling environments where the focus is to improve efficiency and sustainability performances simultaneously. This thesis aims to increase the knowledge regarding integration of efficiency and sustainability as support for decision-making. Methodology A model based on the concept of lean and green was developed with commonly used indicators to evaluate efficiency and sustainability. To examine the applicability of the model, a case study was conducted at a company on a PVC recycling process. Data was collected at the company to create different scenarios based on lean and green practices, which were analyzed using discrete event simulation. These scenarios were then evaluated through the model in order to improve efficiency and sustainability. Results The result showed a reduction in lead time of 55.99%. An increase in throughput and carbon dioxide savings of 30 970.85% respectively were depict due to the upscaling. An increase of 2 252.92% in total cost is needed for investment. An increase in water consumption of 7 584.89% and energy consumption of 1 733.71% was denoted as a consequence of the upscaling. Trade-offs between and within efficiency and sustainability were reviled. Conclusions The study presented a model which can be used as support for decision-making for recycling processes which integrates efficiency and sustainability. Efficiency and sustainability are integrated through the application of the concept lean and green. The model supports decision-making by clearly visualize and compare effects, trade-offs and consequences through several key performance indicators evaluating efficiency and sustainability on a PVC recycling process based on lean and green implementations. By comparing the different key performance indicators, the business can improve their performance.