PLA Recycling: Mechanical vs. Chemical vs. Compost

After PLA is 3D printed, it can be recycled and used to 3D print again, providing it has not been combined with another substance like super glue or non-water based paint. There are three methods of recycling PLA: mechanical recycling, chemical recycling, and composting. In order to quantify and compare these methods, two different systems are used to compare the three methods of PLA recycling; the restitution product system and the credit product system.

There are three routes for PLA after being used by the consumer: recycling for reuse, recycling for composting, or the landfill. This project will focus on the Product System aspect of this diagram, from the collection and transportation of post-consumer plastic (PCP) to the recycled PLA product.

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Mechanical Recycling

Chemical Recycling

Composting

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Restitution Product System

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Credit Product System

Summary

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My Two Sent.’s: I prefer the restitution product system because it instills the mentality of recycling as the default process, whereas the credit product system aligns with the throw it away mentality as the default and recycling as a bonus. We need to shift from the credit product system mentality to the restitution product mentality to create more awareness about the biodegradable and recyclable options of PLA.

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Cosate De Andrade, M. F., Souza, P. M. S., Cavalett, O., & Morales, A. R. (July, 2016). Life Cycle Assessment of Poly(Lactic Acid) (PLA): Comparison Between Chemical Recycling, Mechanical Recycling and Composting. Journal of Polymers and the Environment, 24(4), 372-384. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10924-016-0787-2

THIS POST IS A WORK IN PROGRESS