Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of ceramic sanitaryware: focus on the production process and analysis of scenario

Abstract

The reduction of environmental impact is today the main challenge of the ceramic industry that is always more focusing on materials in line with the principles of economic and environmental sustainability. In this context, this study addresses the implementation of a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) on the production of ceramic sanitaryware, based on a cradle-to-grave analysis. Specifically, the process was considered from raw materials until the product is manufactured, excluding the disposal phase except for process waste. The analysis of the impact assessment considers three different scenarios: (i) The first examines the current state; (ii) the second considers the recovery of fired waste and water as well as the replacement of firing and annealing ovens with new generation ovens; (iii) the third, in addition to the technologies used in the second, proposes the use of a photovoltaic system to produce green energy and, additionally, a "plant" energy recovery system. The results show how production processes have a considerable impact on the environment, in terms of energy consumption and materials. Moreover, the use of a photovoltaic system together with the recovery of water allows a significant reduction of environmental impacts. In contrast, the crushing processes for the recovery of fired waste worsen the environmental performance of the plant, because of the high consumption of electricity. Therefore, by improving the waste recovery system and adopting the solutions of the third scenario in terms of energy savings, it would be possible to reduce the environmental burden of the production system considerably. At the same time, the use of additional equipment and production processes increases the costs of the manufacturing and has a significant impact on maintenance.

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“…However, these enhancements may incur increased costs and maintenance complexities. 68 Despite being constructed from relatively inexpensive materials, CWFs exhibit excellent performance in removing contaminants from water, making them suitable for household water supplies. While they may have limitations in eliminating…”

“…Additionally, the study offers a strategic plan for mitigating the water footprint, focusing on elements such as the virtual water footprint (VWF) of rice husk and the number of CeO 2 –CFP units produced daily . Another study on ceramic sanitaryware production explores three scenarios using LCA . The first scenario reveals significant environmental impacts from current production processes, particularly in terms of energy and material usage.…”

“…The third scenario, incorporating a photovoltaic system and energy recovery, predicts further reductions in environmental impacts across most categories, highlighting the potential for substantial environmental benefits through these improvements. However, these enhancements may incur increased costs and maintenance complexities …”

“… 67 Another study on ceramic sanitaryware production explores three scenarios using LCA. 68 The first scenario reveals significant environmental impacts from current production processes, particularly in terms of energy and material usage. The second scenario, involving wastewater recovery and new-generation ovens, shows a reduction in environmental impacts, particularly in abiotic depletion and ecotoxicity, but notes increased electricity consumption and emissions in waste recovery processes.…”