Resource efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions << Back to Main News Page Added: Monday, 19 June 2006 A study to quantify the lifecycle greenhouse gas CO2 equivalent emissions for the use of materials, has further supported the justification for recycling plastics, rubber as well as metals and glass. It shows a saving equivalent to over 1.6 tonnes of CO2 for each tonne of plastics recycled. The study entitled 'Resource efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions ' commissioned by Recycling Action Yorkshire and undertaken by consultants Enviros shows a significant emissions savings when a recycled material is used in comparison to a virgin source. For each material category, emission factors are shown for each end use product. Both recycled and virgin source materials for each end product were tested for emissions and a net saving calculated. The net saving shows the difference in emissions between using a recycled material and a virgin source. The greatest CO2e savings per tonne of material used at the manufacturing or construction process are presented in the table below. Summary of CO2 equivalent emission savings per tonne of material used: Aluminium 15,420 Steel 2,095 Non-ferrous metals 1,831 Plastics 1,661 Rubber 651 Glass 330 The emissions analysis does not include emissions arising during the use of the product, but is focussed on manufacture, recycling and disposal stages. Using materials with a high-recycled content, such as plastics, substantial CO2e savings and reductions in total process energy requirements can be realised. The results are consistent with other analysis reported in previous monthly bulletins which suggests savings equivalent to between 1.5t - 2t of CO2 per tonne of plastics recycled on a 'like for like' basis. To download a copy of the report go to: www.recyclingaction-yorkshire.org.uk/Resources/Resource_Efficiency_GHG_Emissions_Enviros_2004.doc