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	Author	Thomassen, G.; Van Passel, S.; Alaerts, L.; Dewulf, J.
	Title	Retrospective and prospective material flow analysis of the post-consumer plastic packaging waste management system in Flanders			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2022	Publication	Waste Management	Abbreviated Journal	Waste Manage
	Volume	147	Issue		Pages	10-21
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
	Abstract	The post-consumer plastic packaging waste management in Flanders was analyzed by performing a retrospective material flow analysis, covering an extensive period from 1985 to 2019. In addition, a prospective material flow analysis of 32 improvement scenarios was performed, based on expected changes in the waste management system. Mass recovery rates were calculated based on different interpretations of the calculation rules. Moreover, various cascading levels were identified to differentiate between the quality level of the secondary applications. The mass recovery rate including only recycling evolved from a value of 0% in 1985 to 31% in 2019 and could be increased to 36-62% depending on the improvement scenario selected. However, the different interpretations of the calculation rules led to a variation of up to 20 and 41% on this mass recovery rates for the retrospective and prospective analysis, respectively. The introduction of monostream recycling for additional post-consumer plastic packaging flows, such as low-density polyethylene, did not lead to increasing mass recovery rates, if no differentiation for the cascading levels was made. The Belgian recycling target of 65% for 2023 will be challenging if the strictest calculation method needs to be followed or if the improvements in the Flemish postconsumer plastic packaging waste system do not follow the best-case collection scenarios under the given assumptions. To harmonize the calculation and monitoring of these targets, clear calculation rules need to be accompanied with a harmonized monitoring system over the entire waste management system.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000802961100002	Publication Date	2022-05-17
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	0956-053x	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor	8.1	Times cited		Open Access	OpenAccess
	Notes				Approved	Most recent IF: 8.1
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:188651			Serial	7367
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	Author	Thomassen, G.; Dewulf, J.; Van Passel, S.
	Title	Prospective material and substance flow analysis of the end-of-life phase of crystalline silicon-based PV modules			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2022	Publication	Resources Conservation And Recycling	Abbreviated Journal	Resour Conserv Recy
	Volume	176	Issue		Pages	105917
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
	Abstract	The approaching end-of life phase of early installed PV modules gave rise to a variety of potential end-of-life strategies, ranging from basic generic waste management strategies to advanced case-specific recycling options. However, no comprehensive assessment on the full range of technological possibilities is available and only limited attention was given to the material recovery rates of these different technologies in light of circular economy. In addition, current material recovery rates are indifferent towards the material value and the value of their secondary applications. Based on an extensive literature review, ten end-of-life scenarios with potential learning effects are identified and their material flows are quantified using a combined material and substance flow analysis. Subsequently, material recovery rates from a mass, economic value and embodied energy perspective are calculated, incorporating the differences in secondary applications. The differences in the mass-based recovery rates of the seven end-of-life scenarios that did not have landfill or municipal waste incineration as the main destination were minimal, as 73-79% of the mass was recovered for the best-case learning scenario. For the economic value recovery rate (9-66%) and the embodied energy recovery rate (18-45%), more profound differences were found. The collection rate was identified as most crucial parameter for all end-of-life scenarios, learning scenarios and recycling indicators. The mass-based recovery rate might favor end-of-life scenarios that lead to dissipation of valuable materials in non-functional secondary applications. Additional targets are required to avoid cascading of valuable materials and to avoid the economic cost and environmental burden of virgin materials.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000708339400003	Publication Date	2021-10-08
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	0921-3449	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor	13.2	Times cited		Open Access	OpenAccess
	Notes				Approved	Most recent IF: 13.2
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:182462			Serial	6939
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	Author	Larraín, M.; Van Passel, S.; Thomassen, G.; Van Gorp, B.; Nhu, T.T.; Huysveld, S.; Van Geem, K.M.; De Meester, S.; Billen, P.
	Title	Techno-economic assessment of mechanical recycling of challenging post-consumer plastic packaging waste			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2021	Publication	Resources Conservation And Recycling	Abbreviated Journal	Resour Conserv Recy
	Volume	170	Issue		Pages	105607
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM); Intelligence in PRocesses, Advanced Catalysts and Solvents (iPRACS)
	Abstract	Increasing plastic recycling rates is crucial to tackle plastic pollution and reduce consumption of fossil resources. Recycling routes for post-consumer plastic fractions that are technologically and economically feasible remain a challenge. Profitable value chains for recycling mixed film and tray-like plastics have hardly been implemented today, in sharp contrast to recycling of relatively pure fractions such as polyethylene terephthalate and high-density polyethylene bottles. This study examines the economic feasibility of implementing mechanical recycling for plastic waste such as polypropylene, polystyrene, polyethylene films and mixed polyolefins. In most European countries these plastic fractions are usually incinerated or landfilled whilst in fact technologies exist to mechanically recycle them into regranulates or regrinds. Results show that the economic incentives for the recycling of plastic packaging depend predominantly on the product price and product yield. At current price levels, the most profitable plastic fraction to be recycled is PS rigids, with an internal rate of return of 14%, whereas the least profitable feed is a mixed polyolefin fraction with a negative internal rate of return in a scenario with steadily rising oil prices. Moreover, these values would be substantially reduced if oil prices, and therefore plastic product prices decrease. Considering a discount rate of 15% for a 15-year period, mechanical recycling is not profitable if no policy changes would be imposed by governments. Clearly low oil prices may jeopardize the mechanical recycling industry, inducing the need for policies that would increase the demand of recycled products such as imposing minimal recycled content targets.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000667309200042	Publication Date	2021-04-20
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	0921-3449	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor	3.313	Times cited		Open Access	OpenAccess
	Notes				Approved	Most recent IF: 3.313
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:177325			Serial	6946
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	Author	Van Schoubroeck, S.; Thomassen, G.; Van Passel, S.; Malina, R.; Springael, J.; Lizin, S.; Venditti, R.A.; Yao, Y.; Van Dael, M.
	Title	An integrated techno-sustainability assessment (TSA) framework for emerging technologies			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2021	Publication	Green Chemistry	Abbreviated Journal	Green Chem
	Volume	23	Issue	4	Pages	1700-1715
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
	Abstract	A better understanding of the drivers of the economic, environmental, and social sustainability of emerging (biobased) technologies and products in early development phases can help decision-makers to identify sustainability hurdles and opportunities. Furthermore, it guides additional research and development efforts and investment decisions, that will, ultimately, lead to more sustainable products and technologies entering a market. To this end, this study developed a novel techno-sustainability assessment (TSA) framework with a demonstration on a biobased chemical application. The integrated TSA compares the potential sustainability performance of different (technology) scenarios and helps to make better-informed decisions by evaluating and trading-off sustainability impacts in one holistic framework. The TSA combines methods for comprehensive indicator selection and integration of technological and country-specific data with environmental, economic, and social data. Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) is used to address data uncertainty and to enable scenario comparison if indicators are expressed in different units. A hierarchical, stochastic outranking approach is followed that compares different weighting schemes and preference structures to check for the robustness of the results. The integrated TSA framework is demonstrated on an application for which the sustainability of a production and harvesting plant of microalgae-based food colorants is assessed. For a set of scenarios that vary with regard to the algae feedstock, production technology, and location, the sustainability performance is quantified and compared, and the underlying reasons for this performance are explored.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000629630600018	Publication Date	2021-02-10
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	1463-9262; 1463-9270	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor	9.125	Times cited		Open Access	OpenAccess
	Notes				Approved	Most recent IF: 9.125
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:175716			Serial	6931
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	Author	Thomassen, G.; Huysveld, S.; Boone, L.; Vilain, C.; Geysen, D.; Huysman, K.; Cools, B.; Dewulf, J.
	Title	The environmental impact of household's water use: A case study in Flanders assessing various water sources, production methods and consumption patterns			Type	A1 Journal Article
	Year	2021	Publication	Science Of The Total Environment	Abbreviated Journal	Sci Total Environ
	Volume	770	Issue		Pages	145398
	Keywords	A1 Journal Article; Engineering Management (ENM) ;
	Abstract	Responsible water use and sustainable consumption and production are high on the agenda of multiple stakeholders. Different water supply sources are available, including tap water, bottled water, domestically harvested rainwater and domestically abstracted groundwater. The extent to which each of these water supply sources is used, differs over consumption patterns in various housing types, being detached houses, semi-detached houses, terraced houses and apartments. To identify the environmental impact of a household's water use and potential environmental impact reduction strategies, a holistic assessment is required. In this paper, the environmental impact of a household's water use in Flanders (Belgium) was assessed including four different water supply sources and four different consumption patterns by means of a life cycle assessment. The outcomes of this study reveal a large difference between the environmental impact of bottled water use, having a global warming impact of 259 kg CO2-eq.·m−3, compared to the other three supply sources. Tap water supply had the lowest global warming impact (0.17 kg CO2-eq.·m−3) and resource footprint (6.51 MJex·m−3) of all water supply sources. The most efficient strategy to reduce the environmental impact of household's water use is to shift the water consumption from bottled to tap water consumption. This would induce a reduction in global warming impact of the water use of an inhabitant in Flanders by on average 80%, saving 0.1 kg CO2-eq.·day−1 in case of groundwater-based tap water. These results provide insights into sustainable water use for multiple consumption patterns and can be used to better frame the environmental benefits of tap water use.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos		Publication Date	2021-01-27
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	0048-9697	ISBN		Additional Links
	Impact Factor	4.9	Times cited		Open Access	Not_Open_Access
	Notes	This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.			Approved	Most recent IF: 4.9
	Call Number	ENM @ enm @			Serial	6681
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	Author	Buchmayr, A.; Verhofstadt, E.; Van Ootegem, L.; Sanjuan Delmás, D.; Thomassen, G.; Dewulf, J.
	Title	The path to sustainable energy supply systems: Proposal of an integrative sustainability assessment framework			Type	A1 Journal Article
	Year	2021	Publication	Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews	Abbreviated Journal	Renew Sust Energ Rev
	Volume	138	Issue		Pages	110666
	Keywords	A1 Journal Article; Engineering Management (ENM) ;
	Abstract	Energy supply is essential for the functioning and well-being of a society. Decision-makers are faced with the challenge to balance burdens and benefits of energy supply practices with the aim to achieve environmental, economic, and social sustainability. Literature exhibits a broad variety of sustainability assessment frameworks for energy supply technologies. However, there is no consensus on which aspects need to be covered for a comprehensive assessment of sustainability. While some aspects, such as environmental emission damage, receive predominant attention, there is a lack of coverage and adequate quantification for others. This led in the past to an unbalanced basis for decision-making. Based on an analysis of literature, 12 impact categories were identified for the assessment of energy technologies. The analysis included the judgement of quantification approaches regarding their significance for describing the impact categories and their maturity resulting in the proposal of 12 concrete indicators. A framework is proposed to manage and integrate the assessment of single impact categories. The framework produces normalized and weighted output indicators to use in the form of a dashboard or alternatively a single sustainability index for informed decision-making. Finally, the proposed sustainability assessment framework relies on life cycle, local impact, and supply chain risks assessment. It consists of both well-established assessment methods as well as suggestions for new indicators in order to allow a full assessment of all impact categories. It thereby goes beyond the isolated assessment of impacts and offers the basis for comparison of complete energy supply mixes.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos		Publication Date	2020-12-24
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	1364-0321	ISBN		Additional Links
	Impact Factor	8.05	Times cited		Open Access	Not_Open_Access
	Notes	The authors acknowledge the financial support received from the Special Research Fund (Bijzonder Onderzoeksfonds – BOF) of Ghent University under grant agreement number BOF.24Y.2018.003.			Approved	Most recent IF: 8.05
	Call Number	ENM @ enm @			Serial	6680
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	Author	Kleinhans, K.; Hallemans, M.; Huysveld, S.; Thomassen, G.; Ragaert, K.; Van Geem, K.M.; Roosen, M.; Mys, N.; Dewulf, J.; De Meester, S.
	Title	Development and application of a predictive modelling approach for household packaging waste flows in sorting facilities			Type	A1 Journal Article
	Year	2021	Publication	Waste Management	Abbreviated Journal	Waste Management
	Volume	120	Issue		Pages	290-302
	Keywords	A1 Journal Article; Engineering Management (ENM) ;
	Abstract	Household packaging waste sorting facilities consist of complex networks of processes to separate diverse waste streams. These facilities are a key first step to re-enter materials into the recycling chain. However, so far there are no general methods to predict the performance of such sorting facilities, i.e. how efficiently the heterogeneous packaging waste is sorted into fractions with value for further recycling. In this paper, a model of the material flow in a sorting facility is presented, which allows changing the incoming waste composition, split factors on the sorting units as well as the setup of the sorting facility. The performance of the sorting facility is judged based on the purity of the output material (grade) and the recovery of the input material. A validation of the model was performed via a case study on Belgian post-consumer packaging waste with a selection of typical waste items that can be found in this stream. Moreover, the model was used to predict the possible sorting qualities of future Belgian postconsumer packaging waste after an extension of the allowed waste packaging items in the waste stream. Finally, a sensitivity analysis was performed on the split factors, which are a key data source in the model. Overall, the developed model is flexible and able to predict the performance of packaging waste sorting facilities as well as support waste management and design for recycling decisions, including future design of packaging, to ensure proper sorting and separation.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos		Publication Date	2020-12-16
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	0956053X	ISBN		Additional Links
	Impact Factor		Times cited		Open Access	Not_Open_Access
	Notes	We would like to thank Indaver (https://www.indaver.com/been/home/), especially Erik Huybrechts, Eric Goddaert, Eline Meyvis and Erik Moerman, for their great support on this research. Furthermore, we would like to acknowledge the help of Colruyt (https://www.colruyt.be/) and CEFLEX (https://ceflex.eu/) for the pre-studies for this research. Moreover, we would like to show our appreciation for the financial support by the Catalisti-ICON project (HBC.2018.0262) MATTER (Mechanical and Thermochemical Recycling of mixed plastic waste) funded by Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship (VLAIO). We also thank the Interreg 2 Seas program PlastiCity that is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund under subsidy contract No. 2S05-021 and the province of East-Flanders for funding this research.			Approved	Most recent IF: NA
	Call Number	ENM @ enm @			Serial	6667
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	Author	Thomassen, G.; Van Passel, S.; Dewulf, J.
	Title	A review on learning effects in prospective technology assessment			Type	A1 journal article
	Year	2020	Publication	Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews	Abbreviated Journal	Renew Sust Energ Rev
	Volume	130	Issue		Pages	109937
	Keywords	A1 journal article; Learning effects; Life cycle assessment; Techno-economic assessment; Prospective technology assessment; Learning-by-doing; Learning curve; Progress rate; Experience curve; Engineering Management (ENM) ;
	Abstract	Global environmental problems have urged the need for developing sustainable technologies. However, new technologies that enter the market have often higher economic costs and potentially higher environmental impacts than conventional technologies. This can be explained by learning effects: a production process that is performed for the first time runs less smooth than a production process that has been in operation for years. To obtain a fair estimation of the potential of a new technology, learning effects need to be included. A review on the current literature on learning effects was conducted in order to provide guidelines on how to include learning effects in prospective technology assessment. Based on the results of this review, five recommendations have been formulated and an integration of learning effects in the structure of prospective technology assessment has been proposed. These five recommendations include the combined use of learning effects on the component level and on the end product level; the combined use of learning effects on the technical, economic and environmental level; the combined use of extrapolated values and expert estimates; the combined use of learning-by-doing and learning-by-searching effects and; a tier-based method, including quality criteria, to calculate the learning effect. These five complementary strategies could lead to a clearer perspective on the environmental impact and cost structure of the new technology and a fairer comparison base with conventional technologies, potentially resulting in a faster adoption and a shorter time-to-market for sustainable technologies.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000548790900008	Publication Date	2020-06-10
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	1364-0321	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor	15.9	Times cited		Open Access
	Notes	The authors acknowledge the full financial support received from the Flemish administration via the Steunpunt Circulaire Economie (Policy Research Centre Circular Economy). We would also like to thank the SDEWES conference for the best paper award which was granted to the current paper. The authors declare no competing financial interests. This publication contains the opinions of the authors, not that of the Flemish administration. The Flemish administration will not carry any liability with respect to the use that can be made of the produced data or conclusions.			Approved	Most recent IF: 15.9; 2020 IF: 8.05
	Call Number	ENM @ enm @c:irua:170076			Serial	6389
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	Author	Larrain, M.; Van Passel, S.; Thomassen, G.; Kresovic, U.; Alderweireldt, N.; Moerman, E.; Billen, P.
	Title	Economic performance of pyrolysis of mixed plastic waste: Open-loop versus closed-loop recycling			Type	A1 Journal Article
	Year	2020	Publication	Journal Of Cleaner Production	Abbreviated Journal	J Clean Prod
	Volume		Issue		Pages	122442
	Keywords	A1 Journal Article; Engineering Management (ENM) ;
	Abstract	In recent decades new recycling technologies for mixed plastic waste have emerged. In pyrolysis, the polymer chains are thermally broken (pyrolyzed) to obtain hydrocarbon materials of different molecular weights such as naphtha, oil or waxes, whose yields can be controlled by varying the reaction parameters. Naphtha represents a closed-loop recycling process as it is a feedstock for (poly)olefins; while the co-production of waxes, having several applications in e.g. the construction industry, exemplifies an open-loop recycling process. This paper compares the economic performance of the pyrolysis of mixed polyolefin waste in a closed-loop and open-loop scheme, including a probabilistic approach to the most important variables. From an economic perspective, open-loop pyrolysis as presented outperforms closed-loop recycling, due to the high prices of wax. However, the results present a high dispersion caused by the volatility of the prices of crude oil and its derivates. Considering the current oil price projections, our case study analysis showed that for open-loop recycling there is a future probability of almost a 98 % of observing positive results and around 57 % of probability in the case of closed-loop recycling, under the assumptions made. Yet, in a future scenario where decarbonized electricity would decrease oil prices, the probability of a positive outcome reduces to 57 % for the open-loop case and to less than 8 % in the case of closed-loop recycling. To make these pathways attractive to investors, the nameplate capacity should be at least 70 kt/year for open-loop recycling and 115 kt/year for closed-loop recycling. A 120 kt/year plant should operate minimally at 80 % of its capacity for open-loop recycling, while closed-loop recycling would demand running close to maximum capacity. Security of feedstock supply therefore is required.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000579071300078	Publication Date	2020-05-28
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	0959-6526	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor	11.1	Times cited		Open Access
	Notes	This work was supported by the VLAIO Catalisti-ICON project MATTER (Mechanical and Thermochemical Recycling of mixed plastic waste; project HBC.2018.0262).			Approved	Most recent IF: 11.1; 2020 IF: 5.715
	Call Number	ENM @ enm @c:irua:170005			Serial	6385
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	Author	Larrain, M.; Van Passel, S.; Thomassen, G.; Kresovic, U.; Alderweireldt, N.; Moerman, E.; Billen, P.
	Title	Economic performance of pyrolysis of mixed plastic waste: Open-loop versus closed-loop recycling			Type	A1 Journal Article
	Year	2020	Publication	Journal Of Cleaner Production	Abbreviated Journal	J Clean Prod
	Volume		Issue		Pages	122442
	Keywords	A1 Journal Article; Engineering Management (ENM) ;
	Abstract	In recent decades new recycling technologies for mixed plastic waste have emerged. In pyrolysis, the polymer chains are thermally broken (pyrolyzed) to obtain hydrocarbon materials of different molecular weights such as naphtha, oil or waxes, whose yields can be controlled by varying the reaction parameters. Naphtha represents a closed-loop recycling process as it is a feedstock for (poly)olefins; while the co-production of waxes, having several applications in e.g. the construction industry, exemplifies an open-loop recycling process. This paper compares the economic performance of the pyrolysis of mixed polyolefin waste in a closed-loop and open-loop scheme, including a probabilistic approach to the most important variables. From an economic perspective, open-loop pyrolysis as presented outperforms closed-loop recycling, due to the high prices of wax. However, the results present a high dispersion caused by the volatility of the prices of crude oil and its derivates. Considering the current oil price projections, our case study analysis showed that for open-loop recycling there is a future probability of almost a 98 % of observing positive results and around 57 % of probability in the case of closed-loop recycling, under the assumptions made. Yet, in a future scenario where decarbonized electricity would decrease oil prices, the probability of a positive outcome reduces to 57 % for the open-loop case and to less than 8 % in the case of closed-loop recycling. To make these pathways attractive to investors, the nameplate capacity should be at least 70 kt/year for open-loop recycling and 115 kt/year for closed-loop recycling. A 120 kt/year plant should operate minimally at 80 % of its capacity for open-loop recycling, while closed-loop recycling would demand running close to maximum capacity. Security of feedstock supply therefore is required.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000579071300078	Publication Date	2020-05-28
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	0959-6526	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor	11.1	Times cited		Open Access
	Notes	This work was supported by the VLAIO Catalisti-ICON project MATTER (Mechanical and Thermochemical Recycling of mixed plastic waste; project HBC.2018.0262).			Approved	Most recent IF: 11.1; 2020 IF: 5.715
	Call Number	ENM @ enm @c:irua:170005			Serial	6386
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	Author	Rafiaani, P.; Kuppens, T.; Thomassen, G.; Van Dael, M.; Azadi, H.; Lebailly, P.; Van Passel, S.
	Title	A critical view on social performance assessment at company level : social life cycle analysis of an algae case			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2020	Publication	International Journal Of Life Cycle Assessment	Abbreviated Journal	Int J Life Cycle Ass
	Volume		Issue		Pages
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering Management (ENM)
	Abstract	Purpose Social indicators are not easy to be quantitatively analyzed, although at the local scale, the social impacts might be relevant and important. Using the existing approaches for both quantitative and semi-qualitative measurements, this study aims to assess the social impacts of a company working on algae production systems in Belgium through social life cycle analysis (SLCA). By highlighting the opportunities and challenges on the way of applying the existing SLCA approaches at company level, the objective of this study is to contribute to the development of a suitable and clear SLCA approach when a company is considered as the unit of analysis. Methods Based on the list of potential social impact categories suggested by the United Nations Environment Program/Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (UNEP/SETAC) guidelines (2009) for SLCA, three stakeholder groups (workers, consumers, and local community) and three subcategories associated with each stakeholder group were identified as the most relevant for carbon capture and utilization technologies. Company and sector level data were collected using existing documents and reports, and the data were analyzed and scored using a combined quantitative and semi-quantitative approach to develop a social assessment model for the case study. Results and discussion The company appears to perform well for all the evaluated social indicators except the one related to the subcategory “equal opportunity/discrimination for workers” for which the share of women employed is lower compared with the sector-level data. The results of our assessment were further discussed regarding the challenges and limitations of performing SLCA at the company level. Based on our experience, the validity of the outcomes is significantly influenced by the data availability, the generality of the indicators introduced within the UNEP/SETAC guidelines, and the subjectivity in data collection for the semi-quantitative assessment among others. Conclusions By highlighting the difficulties and challenges of applying the SLCA at the company level, our study provides a starting point for improving the quantitative assessment and monitoring social implications at the company level within a regional foreground in Europe.
	Address
	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000492643600001	Publication Date	2019-10-26
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	0948-3349; 1614-7502	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor	4.8	Times cited	1	Open Access
	Notes	; ;			Approved	Most recent IF: 4.8; 2020 IF: 3.173
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:164676			Serial	6141
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	Author	Thomassen, G.; Van Dael, M.; You, F.; Van Passel, S.
	Title	A multi-objective optimization-extended techno-economic assessment : exploring the optimal microalgal-based value chain			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2019	Publication	Green Chemistry	Abbreviated Journal	Green Chem
	Volume	21	Issue	21	Pages	5945-5959
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
	Abstract	The use of fossil-based products induces a large environmental burden. To lighten this burden, green technologies are required that can replace their fossil-based counterparts. To enable the development of economically viable green technologies, an optimization towards both economic and environmental objectives is required. To perform this multi-objective optimization (MOO), the environmental techno-economic assessment (ETEA) methodology is extended towards a MOO-extended ETEA. The development of this MOO-extended ETEA is the main objective of this manuscript. As an example of a green technology, the concept of microalgae biorefineries is used as a case study to illustrate the MOO-extended ETEA. According to the results, all optimal value chains include open pond cultivation, a membrane for medium recycling and spray drying. The optimal economic value chain uses Nannochloropsis sp. in a one-stage cultivation to produce fish larvae feed, while the optimal environmental design uses Dunaliella salina or Haematococcus pluvialis to produce carotenoids and fertilizer or energy products, by means of anaerobic digestion or gasification. The crucial parameters for both environmental and economic feasibility are the content, price and reference impact of the main end product, the growth parameters and the biomass and carotenoid recovery efficiency alongside the different process steps. By identifying the economic and environmentally optimal algal-based value chain and the crucial drivers, the MOO-extended ETEA provides insights on how algae-based value chains can be developed in the most economic and environmentally-friendly way. For example, the inclusion of a medium recycling step to lower the water and salt consumption is required in all Pareto-optimal scenarios. Another major insight is the requirement of high-value products such as carotenoids or specialty food to obtain and economically and environmentally feasible algal-based value chain. Due to the modular nature of the MOO-extended ETEA, multiple processes can be included or excluded from the superstructure. Although this case study is limited to current microalgae biorefinery technologies, the MOO-extended ETEA can also be used to assess the economic and environmental effect of more innovative technologies. This way, the MOO-extended ETEA provides a methodology to assess the economic and environmental potential of innovative green technologies and shorten their time-to-market.
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	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000493077100016	Publication Date	2019-10-01
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	1463-9262; 1463-9270	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor	9.125	Times cited	1	Open Access
	Notes	; ;			Approved	Most recent IF: 9.125
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:164296			Serial	6230
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	Author	Thomassen, G.; Van Dael, M.; Van Passel, S.; You, F.
	Title	How to assess the potential of emerging green technologies? Towards a prospective environmental and techno-economic assessment framework			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2019	Publication	Green Chemistry	Abbreviated Journal	Green Chem
	Volume	21	Issue	18	Pages	4868-4886
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
	Abstract	For sustainable production and consumption, emerging green technologies need to be optimized towards a minimal environmental impact and a maximal economic impact. In an early stage of technology development, more flexibility is available to adapt the technology. Therefore, a prospective environmental and techno-economic assessment is required. The prospective assessment differs at the different stages of technology development, as also the data availability and accuracy evolves. This paper reviews the different prospective technological, economic and environmental assessment methods which have been used to assess the potential of new green chemical technologies. Based on the current best practices, an overarching framework is introduced to assess the technological, economic and environmental potential of an emerging green chemical technology at the different stages of technology development.
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	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000486309300002	Publication Date	2019-08-13
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	1463-9262; 1463-9270	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor	9.125	Times cited	5	Open Access
	Notes	; ;			Approved	Most recent IF: 9.125
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:163782			Serial	6211
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	Author	Thomassen, G.; Van Dael, M.; Van Passel, S.
	Title	The potential of microalgae biorefineries in Belgium and India : an environmental techno-economic assessment			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2018	Publication	Bioresource Technology	Abbreviated Journal	Bioresource Technol
	Volume	267	Issue	267	Pages	271-280
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
	Abstract	This study performs an environmental techno-economic assessment (ETEA) for multiple microalgae biorefinery concepts at different locations, those being Belgium and India. The ETEA methodology, which integrates aspects of the TEA and LCA methodologies and provides a clear framework for an integrated assessment model, has been proposed and discussed. The scenario in India has a higher profitability with a NPV of (sic)40 million over a period of 10 years, while the environmental impact in Belgium is lower. The inclusion of a medium recycling step provides the best scenario from both perspectives. The crucial parameters for feasibility are the beta-caroteneprice and content, the upstream environmental impact of electricity and the maximum biomass concentration during cultivation. The identification of these parameters by the ETEA guides future technology developments and shortens the time-to-market for microalgal-based biorefineries.
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	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000441876100034	Publication Date	2018-07-10
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	0960-8524	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor	5.651	Times cited	8	Open Access
	Notes	; ;			Approved	Most recent IF: 5.651
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:153599			Serial	6270
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	Author	Thomassen, G.; Van Dael, M.; Lemmens, B.; Van Passel, S.
	Title	A review of the sustainability of algal-based biorefineries : towards an integrated assessment framework			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2017	Publication	Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews	Abbreviated Journal	Renew Sust Energ Rev
	Volume	68	Issue	2	Pages	876-887
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
	Abstract	Algal-based bioenergy products have faced multiple economic and environmental problems. To counter these problems, algal-based biorefineries have been proposed as a promising solution. Multiple environmental and economic assessments have analyzed this concept. However, a wide variation in results was reported. This study performs a review to evaluate the methodological reasons behind this variation. Based on this review, four main challenges for a sustainability assessment were identified: 1) the use of a clear framework; 2) the adaptation of the methodology to all stages of technological maturity; 3) the use of harmonized assumptions; 4) the integration of the technological process. A generic methodology, based on the integration of a techno-economic assessment methodology and a streamlined life cycle assessment was proposed. This environmental techno-economic assessment can be performed following an iterative approach during each stage of technology development. In this way, crucial technological parameters can be directly identified and evaluated during the maturation of the technology. The use of this assessment methodology can therefore act as guidance to decrease the time-to-market for innovative and sustainable technologies.
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	Corporate Author				Thesis
	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000391899400005	Publication Date	2016-03-16
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	1364-0321; 1879-0690	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor	8.05	Times cited	23	Open Access
	Notes	; ;			Approved	Most recent IF: 8.05
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:139038			Serial	6245
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	Author	Thomassen, G.; Egiguren Vila, U.; Van Dael, M.; Lemmens, B.; Van Passel, S.
	Title	A techno-economic assessment of an algal-based biorefinery			Type	A1 Journal article
	Year	2016	Publication	Clean Technologies And Environmental Policy	Abbreviated Journal	Clean Technol Envir
	Volume	18	Issue	6	Pages	1849-1862
	Keywords	A1 Journal article; Economics; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM)
	Abstract	Economic and technological assessments have identified difficulties with the commercialization of bulk products from microalgae, like biofuels. To overcome these problems, a multi-product algal-based biorefinery has been proposed. This paper performs a techno-economic assessment of such a biorefinery. Four production pathways, ranging from a base case with commercial technologies to an improved case with innovative technologies, are analyzed. All region-specific parameters were adapted to Belgian conditions. Three scenarios result in techno-economically viable production plants. The most profitable scenario is the scenario which uses a specialized membrane for medium recycling and an open pond algae cultivation. Although the inclusion of a photobioreactor decreases the culture medium costs, the higher investment costs result in lower economic profits. The carotenoid content and price are identified as critical parameters. Furthermore, the economies of scale assumption for the photobioreactor is critical for the feasibility of this cultivation technology. The techno-economic assessment is an important methodology to guide and evaluate further improvements in research and shorten the time-to-market for innovative technologies in this field.
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	Publisher		Place of Publication		Editor
	Language		Wos	000384470700017	Publication Date	2016-03-26
	Series Editor		Series Title		Abbreviated Series Title
	Series Volume		Series Issue		Edition
	ISSN	1618-954x	ISBN		Additional Links	UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
	Impact Factor	3.331	Times cited	24	Open Access
	Notes	; We would like to thank Herman Beckers, Metin Bulut, Frans Snijkers, Joris van der Have, Jan Vanderheyden, Leen Bastiaens, and Lies Eykens for the provision of technological and economic data and the useful discussions on the assumptions in the model. We would also like to thank Eva Cordery for proofreading the article and the anonymous reviewers for their valuable feedback and suggestions. Furthermore, we gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Fundacion Novia Salcedo. ;			Approved	Most recent IF: 3.331
	Call Number	UA @ admin @ c:irua:139027			Serial	6262
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