박상우 Sang-woo Park

DOI:10.9786/kswm.2024.41.3.225

Abstract

This study examines trends in production policies in the European Union (EU), specifically, in policies designed to integrate sustainability throughout the product lifecycle. Since 2020, the EU has been developing industrial strategies and circular economy policies, improving sustainability to boost industrial competitiveness and economic growth. The progression from integrated product policies in 2003 to sustainable product policies in 2022 reflects a commitment to the principles of coherence, scalability, sustainability, and comprehensiveness. This evolution resulted from integrating industrial and environmental policies, leading to the establishment of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR). ESPR mandates that all products must meet eco-design requirements (performance and information). This is crucial for the EU’s transition to carbon neutrality and a circular economy. A transition to an environment-centric economy is needed to resolve many current global issues. Therefore, it is essential to develop domestic policies that align with the principles of sustainable development.

Key Words

Carbon Neutrality, Circular Economy, Product policies, Sustainable Production

박상우 Sang-woo Park

DOI:10.9786/kswm.2024.41.3.241

Abstract

The European Union (EU) is enhancing legislation to integrate sustainability into all stages of product lifecycles. This legislative initiative differentiates between products and production processes, recognizing the significant resource consumption and environmental impacts associated with products throughout their lifecycles. The proposed Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) seeks to establish mandatory requirements that not only prioritize energy efficiency but also promote circularity and sustainability for all products. These requirements are divided into two main categories: performance and information. Performance requirements encompass rules aimed at improving durability, reusability, upgradeability, repairability, energy efficiency, and resource efficiency. Meanwhile, information requirements introduce digital product passports, enabling consumers to better understand a product’s impact and performance. In terms of production processes, the establishment of industrial and emissions innovation centers will expedite the on-site implementation of innovative technologies, facilitated by amendments to industrial emissions regulations. In addition, businesses are required to develop facility-specific transition plans as part of their environmental management systems (EMS). These plans play a crucial role in steering the EU toward achieving its 2050 goals of zero pollution, a circular economy, and carbon neutrality.

Key Words

Carbon Neutrality, Circular Economy, Eco-design, Sustainability

박상우 Sang-woo Park

DOI:10.9786/kswm.2024.41.3.257

Abstract

The European Union (EU) has twice established consumer agendas as part of its growth strategies. These consumer agendas aim to strengthen consumer rights, promote trust, and contribute to green and digital transitions. The agendas are driven by legislative measures, which have been implemented largely from the perspectives of producers and consumers. For producers, the EU has provided the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, which targets product sustainability, and the Green Claims Directive, which provides verifiable and credible information. For consumers, the Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition Directive has been proposed for the green transition, which requires information on the durability and repairability of products at the time of sale. Additionally, the Sale Goods Directive specifies the seller's responsibilities (fitness defects within two years). Furthermore, the Repair Goods Directive promotes the repair rights for products beyond two years of use. The above legislative measures reflect the intention of the EU to promote sustainability, resource efficiency, and a circular economy. They also demonstrate the EU’s intention to integrate the consumer perspective into the circular economy. Considering the EU policies and legislative trends, Korea must also develop policies to transition to a circular economy.

Key Words

Carbon Neutrality, Circular Economy, Consumption Policy, Sustainability, Lifecycle

서동주 Dongju Seo , 이우진 Woojin Lee , 서희정 Heejeong Seo , 박지영 Jiyoung Park , 박주현 Juhyun Park , 정연재 Yeonjae Jeong , 전홍대 Hongdae Jeon , 서광엽 Gwangyeob Seo , 정재운 Jaewoon Jung , 김난희 Nanhee Kim

DOI:10.9786/kswm.2024.41.3.275

Abstract

In this study, the content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contained in the sewage sludge generated in Gwangju was investigated. Additionally, the possibility of using the sewage sludge as a resource rather than a waste was confirmed through hazard assessment. The total PAH concentration ranged from 0.66 to 3.73 mg/kg dry weight (d.w.), with a mean concentration of 1.63 mg/ kg d.w. Total PAH concentrations varied significantly with seasonal rainfall and water usage, and the proportion of high molecular weight (HMW)-PAHs was relatively high when affected by wastewater discharged from industrial areas. The source of PAHs was estimated according to the proportion of individual isomers, and it was found that most PAHs were caused by burning fossil fuels or biomass. The PAH concentration in sewage sludge in Gwangju was less than 6 mg/kg, which is the threshold for use on farmland in developed countries, such as countries in Europe. Therefore, the sewage sludge can be used as a resource.

Key Words

Sewage sludge, PAHs, Resource, Hazard assessment

홍성민 Seong Min Hong , 이종효 Jong Hyo Lee , 김두환 Doo Hwan Kim , 황용우 Yong Woo Hwang

DOI:10.9786/kswm.2024.41.3.288

Abstract

As the urgency of achieving carbon neutrality becomes more pronounced, the expansion of eco-friendly sewage treatment processes is essential. Notably, the use of high-speed flash mixers in sludge dewatering, which helps reduce sludge water content and water contamination levels in sewage treatment, is gaining traction as an effective technology. Although several pilot projects have demonstrated the effectiveness of such an approach, the broader environmental impacts of such a process have not been thoroughly investigated. This study addresses this gap by performing a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) to compare the environmental impacts of the current sewage sludge dewatering process (current process) with a process enhanced by high-speed flash mixers (improved process). The results show substantial reductions in several environmental indicators: ozone depletion potential (ODP) and photochemical ozone creation potentials (POCP) decreased by 8.81E-07 kg CFC-11-eq. (▼22.0%) and 3.97E-03 kg C₂H₄-eq. (▼13.4%), respectively. Additionally, the eutrophication potential (EP), abiotic depletion potential (ADP), acidification potential (AP), and global warming potential (GWP) decreased by 2.64E-02 kg PO₄^3―eq. (▼4.1%), 5.13E-01 kg Sb-eq. (▼4.0%), 1.37E-01 kg SO₂-eq. (▼4.0%), and 8.05E+01 kg CO₂-eq. (▼4.0%), respectively. However, this study did not account for the environmental impact of treating dried sludge after dewatering because of data limitations. Nonetheless, the study also highlights the significant environmental impact of using polymer coagulants during dewatering and suggests that improving the reaction rate between the sludge and polymer coagulants can enhance environmental performance. This includes reducing polymer use and developing eco-friendly alternatives that improve the environmental sustainability of sludge dewatering processes. The findings emphasize the importance of policy support and management within related industries and advocate for ongoing research and development to promote eco-friendly practices in sewage treatment to support carbon neutrality objectives.

Key Words

High-speed flash mixer, Sewage sludge dewatering process, Life cycle assessment (LCA), Six environmental impacts, Process improvement

장용철 Yong-chul Jang , 박리나 Rina Park , 조해인 Haein Cho , 강현아 Hyeona Kang , 정지현 Ji-hyun Jeong , 송하균 Hakyun Song , 이청희 Chonghee Lee , 이호원 Howon Lee

DOI:10.9786/kswm.2024.41.3.297

Abstract

This study conducted a comparative analysis of policy efforts related to the textile circular economy in the EU, France, the Netherlands, and Korea. The circularity of textiles in these countries was evaluated by material flow analysis. It was discovered that France and the Netherlands have recently implemented robust circular strategies for textiles, including eco-design, extended producer responsibility (EPR), eco-labeling, and the use of recycled content in new products. In contrast, Korea has enacted very few policy measures on the textile circular economy. In 2020, both the consumption and waste generation rates of textiles per capita in Korea were higher than those in the other countries, partly due to the prevalence of fast fashion and significant growth in online shopping. This study also found that the recycling rates of textile waste in Korea are substantially lower than those in the other countries, partly because of limited circular business activities and policy support. Consequently, much of the collected textile waste in Korea is disposed of through incineration and landfilling. Reuse and recycling of textile waste, which are the primary methods for increasing resource efficiency, could result in significant savings in the use of primary raw materials used in textile manufacturing and production. Minimizing and preventing textile waste will pose challenges because of the common practices of fast fashion among consumers in the future. Therefore, it is crucial to develop stronger measures and strategies for advancing the textile circular economy in Korea. A more detailed methodology and assessment of textile circularity, using official and reliable data, is essential to address uncertainties in the material flows of textiles throughout their lifecycle.

Key Words

Textile waste, Circular economy, Material flow analysis, Extended producer responsibility