The browser you are using is not supported by this website. All versions of Internet Explorer are no longer supported, either by us or Microsoft (read more here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/windows/end-of-ie-support).

Please use a modern browser to fully experience our website, such as the newest versions of Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari etc.

Jagdeep Singh. Foto.

Jagdeep Singh

Researcher

Jagdeep Singh. Foto.

Identifying ways of closing the metal flow loop in the global mobile phone product system : A system dynamics modeling approach

Author

  • Rajib Sinha
  • Rafael Laurenti
  • Jagdeep Singh
  • Maria E. Malmström
  • Björn Frostell

Summary, in English

In the past few decades, e-waste has emerged as one of the fastest growing and increasingly complex waste flows world-wide. Within e-waste, the life cycle of the mobile phone product system is particularly important because of: (1) the increasing quantities of mobile phones in this waste flow; and (2) the sustainability challenges associated with the emerging economies of reuse, refurbishment, and export of used mobile phones. This study examined the possibilities of closing the material flow loop in the global mobile phone product system (GMPPS) while addressing the broad sustainability challenges linked to recovery of materials. This was done using an adapted system dynamics modeling approach to investigate the dominant paths and drivers for closing the metal flow loop through the concept of eco-cycle. Two indicators were chosen to define the closed loop system: loop leakage and loop efficiency. Sensitivity analysis of selected parameters was used to identify potential drivers for closing the metal flow loop. The modeling work indicated leverage for management strategies aimed at closing the loop in: (i) collection systems for used phones, (ii) mobile phone use time, and (ii) informal recycling in developing countries. By analyzing the dominant parameters, an eco-cycle scenario that could promote a closed loop system by decreasing pressures on virgin materials was formulated. Improved policy support and product service systems could synchronize growth between upstream producers and end-of-life organizations and help achieve circular production and consumption in the GMPPS.

Publishing year

2016-10-01

Language

English

Pages

65-76

Publication/Series

Resources, Conservation and Recycling

Volume

113

Document type

Journal article

Publisher

Elsevier

Topic

  • Environmental Management

Keywords

  • Closed loop
  • E-waste
  • Eco-cycle
  • End-of-life
  • Mobile phones
  • Substance flow analysis
  • System dynamics

Status

Published

ISBN/ISSN/Other

  • ISSN: 0921-3449