Sustainable production of diapers and their potential outputs for the Pakistani market in the circular economy perspective.

ABSTRACT

One of the challenging issues of any country's agenda today is the management of solid waste in the circular economy and eco-efficiency perspective. In this context, there has been much debate about the disposal of diapers, but the current research lacks data for developing countries. Furthermore, the research lacks quantification of data, in terms of output products generated through sustainable waste management practices particularly for diapers. Thus, this research aims to develop a quantitative study based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing Analysis (LCCA) which help to evaluate the overall eco-efficiency of various disposal methods by taking into account their net input and resultant monetary value, in the context of Pakistan. To cover limitations of LCA approach, results have been compared along with the expert's opinion using the well-known multi-criteria method Fuzzy logic and Technique for Order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) technique. Human health and environment have been used as end-point indicators. The main research result points out that incorporating small scale incineration plants along with recycling using Thermal Pyrolysis Hydrolysis (TPH) plants can help to sustainably dispose-off diapers. The results also indicate the importance for policy makers and industrial sector to find solutions to facilitate implementation of circular economy principles for diapers. In fact, the recycling of diapers using waste-to-energy technologies is a significantly eco-efficient alternative for the Pakistani market, which can be pivotal for Sustainable development and initiation of a circular economy model.