Life cycle inventory of PVC: disposal options for a PVC monitor housing

Abstract

IBM is evaluating the environmental burdens associated with the use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in major structural parts for information technology equipment. The evaluation involves developing life cycle inventories of the following four stages: (I) production of PVC from raw materials, (II) PVC compounding, (III) molding, finishing (for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and decorative appearance) and (IV) the end-of-life disposal options This paper presents a study of the life cycle inventories of the end-of-life disposal options of Stage IV. The work compares landfilling, incineration with heat recovery, and an experimental closed loop PVC recycling process implemented by IBM in conjunction with its cathode ray tube (CRT) recycling process. Sensitivity and scenario analyses were used to test the influence of key parameters in each disposal system. This study demonstrates the utility of life cycle assessment for decision-making on waste management alternatives and defines criteria that constitute an environmentally positive profile for a closed-loop recycling process for business machine applications.