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Mapping the Materials Base for REMADE

Join REMADE for an exciting project webinar looking at U.S. and global material cycles for metals, fibers, plastics, and printed circuit boards and how this key information helps calculate recycling rates and more.

The cycles serve as material baseline for the material or energy efficiency calculations the REMADE Institute makes when measuring the impact of existing or proposed research projects. The cycles were created using the tool of material flow analysis and follow a harmonized framework that ensures a consistent approach across REMADE materials when calculating process efficiencies (namely recycling rates). They are based on detailed system descriptions across a material’s entire life cycle and up-to-date material flow data at national and global levels.

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Barbara Reck, Yale University

Dr. Reck is a Senior Research Scientist at the Yale School of the Environment working in the field of industrial ecology. Her research focuses on the sustainability of material use in society, informing environmental and resource policy as well as circular economy assessments. Beyond her extensive work on metals (namely nickel and stainless steel) her research includes studies on plastics and fibers (pulp & paper, textiles, mass timber). She has conducted in-depth analyses on metal recycling and its energy implications, and has developed metal recycling indicators, metal criticality assessments, and scenarios on the future supply and demand of major metals. Dr. Reck served as the inaugural node lead Systems Analysis and Integration at the REMADE Institute and regularly serves on advisory boards of international research projects.

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Shahana Althaf, Yale University

Shahana Althaf is a Postdoctoral Associate in industrial ecology at the Yale School of the Environment. She is also a Fellow of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council (GFC) on Net Zero Transition. Her expertise is in the field of industrial ecology and sustainability where she analyses material systems to inform strategies to reduce their environmental, social, and economic impacts. She has a PhD in Sustainability and Master’s in Telecommunications Engineering Technology from Rochester Institute of Technology. Her research on the sustainability implications of consumer electronics adoption in the United States has resulted in award winning journal articles (RCR Journal Best Paper Award 2019) and peer reviewed industry reports, which have received many media mentions (Yale Environment360, Recycling Today, Waste Today Magazine, Eco Watch, Resource Recycling.com, Fast Company, GreenBiz).

*This webinar replay is available for a limited time to non-members of the Institute. If you are interested in learning more about member benefits or becoming part of our consortium, please visit the membership page.

When

January 27
2021
12:30
pm
- 1:30
pm
EST
EST

Type

Virtual
Members Only

To register for this event you must be a REMADE member. If you are already a member, 

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Project Search

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Aluminum

Aluminum is one of the most important materials for the energy transition. It is used throughout multiple industries including aerospace and automotive. It is especially important for electric vehicles. 

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Steel

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Copper

Copper is officially listed as one of the nations most critical minerals. We are working everyday to reduce the U.S.’s reliance on foreign countries for this vital resource.

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Cast Iron

Cast iron is import to multiple industries, including the heavy duty construction and agricultural industries.

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Platinum Group Metals (PGMs)

Platinum

Platinum is critical to the nation’s energy transition and is especially important to the highly-competitive electronics industry. 

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Palladium

Palladium is critical to the nation’s energy transition and is especially important to the highly-competitive electronics industry. 

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Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a type of thermoplastic polymer that is widely used in the production of plastic bottles, packaging materials, and fibers. It is known for its lightweight, transparent, and durable properties, making it a popular choice for various applications. PET is recyclable and commonly identified by the recycling symbol with the number 1 inside, indicating its suitability for recycling and reprocessing.

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Rubber

The materials of modern pneumatic tires are synthetic rubber, natural rubber, fabric, and wire, along with carbon black and other chemical compounds.
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Polyamides

This complex polymer includes materials such as nylon and Kevlar.

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Polyolefins

Polyethylene (PE)

Polyethylene (PE) is a versatile and widely used thermoplastic polymer that is known for its strength, flexibility, and chemical resistance. It is a key component in various everyday products, including plastic bags, films, bottles, pipes, and containers. PE is categorized into different types based on its density, such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). Its properties, affordability, and ease of processing have contributed to its extensive use across numerous industries, from packaging and construction to automotive and medical applications.

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Polypropylene (PP)

Polypropylene (PP) is a highly versatile thermoplastic polymer known for its durability, chemical resistance, and high melting point. It is widely used in a diverse range of applications, including packaging materials, textiles, automotive components, and medical devices. PP offers excellent strength-to-weight ratio, good impact resistance, and flexibility, making it suitable for various demanding environments. It is also known for its resistance to moisture, chemicals, and UV radiation, enhancing its suitability for outdoor and long-term applications. PP is recyclable and widely used in both consumer and industrial products due to its cost-effectiveness and favorable performance characteristics.

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Polystyrene (PS)

Polystyrene (PS) is a synthetic aromatic polymer that is widely used in the production of disposable foam products, such as food containers, packaging materials, and insulation. It is a lightweight material with excellent thermal insulation properties. PS can exist in two forms: expanded polystyrene (EPS), commonly known as foam or styrofoam, and solid polystyrene. EPS is lightweight, rigid, and offers good cushioning and insulation, while solid polystyrene is transparent, brittle, and commonly used in products like CD cases and disposable cutlery. PS is cost-effective, versatile, and has a wide range of applications due to its ability to be easily molded and its overall durability.

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