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LIFE-CYCLE ANALYSIS OF FIREWORKS: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND IMPROVEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Abstract
The increasing focus on sustainability necessitates the examination of environmental impacts across all sectors, including pyrotechnics. Pollutant emissions have been extensively studied, but information on sustainability in the pyrotechnics sector is scarce. Thus, a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) to study two widely used pyrotechnic devices: bangers and shells was carried out, in order to analyze the environmental footprint and detect points where action can be taken. Using SimaPro software and the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) methodology, the analysis includes all the processes involved from the manufacture of the devices up to their use and end of life, including their distribution. Although the impact on climate change of the devices studied is minimal compared to other products in everyday use, the acquisition of raw materials and their distribution is the stage that contributes the most to the overall environmental impact (60%), while the use of hazardous raw materials, especially potassium perchlorate, and plastics as containers for pyrotechnic compositions, also present important environmental problems. Therefore, measures to reduce the effects of these fireworks should focus on the selection and reduction of raw materials and the elimination of plastic compounds in their designs.
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