Analysis of the Environmental Impact Reduction Effect of Mycelium-based Disposable Packaging

초록

In 2021, the total consumption of expanded polystyrene (EPS) in South Korea reached 62,222.9 tons, marking a notable increase of 2,983.4 tons compared to 2019. Incineration of EPS waste is a significant source of harmful emissions, including carbon monoxide (CO) and formaldehyde. Additionally, the decomposition of EPS results in microplastics containing hazardous components with adverse implications for human health. Microplastics generated from EPS waste exert a direct and lasting influence on the marine food chain, posing substantial risks to human well-being. Therefore, there is an urgent need to expedite the introduction of environmentally friendly alternatives to EPS in the commercial market. This study conducted a comprehensive comparative analysis of the environmental impact of 1 m3 of EPS and mushroom-based disposable packaging (MP) using the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. The assessment revealed a remarkable reduction in several environmental indicators: the abiotic depletion potential (ADP) decreased by 9.02E-01 kg Sb-eq (▼62.60%), the photochemical ozone creation potentials (POCP) decreased by 1.95E-01 kg C2H4-eq (▼53.40%), the global warming potential (GWP) decreased by 4.28E+01 kg CO2-eq (▼29.35%), and the ozone depletion potential (ODP) decreased by 1.00E-06kg CFC-11-eq (▼17.92%). However, the acidification potential (AP) and eutrophication potential (EP) increased by 3.07E-01 kg SO2-eq (▲109.49%) and 3.68E-02 kg PO43--eq (▲98.83%), respectively. This study acknowledges its limitations, including the use of estimates derived from company disclosure, literature data, and national statistics. Nevertheless, the findings underscore the need for improved management of EPS waste, accounting for the actual recycling rates and refining the life cycle inventory (LCI) database for lignocellulosics as raw materials. The results provide valuable support for industry management and policymaking, offering a visual quantification of the environmental impact of MP as a substitute for EPS, which has recently gained prominence due to its environmental hazards. This study emphasizes the need for further research in this area. © 2024, Korea Society of Waste Management. All rights reserved.

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