Life Cycle Assessment of Natural Rubber Wellies

Life Cycle Assessment of inhithernt guard WelliesLCA Boundaries and Assumptions A hypothetical situation was created to symbolize a in all likelihood look cycle for a pair of Joules brand preventive boots. Therefore, Thai prop up was elect as a source of congenital galosh as wiz of the worlds largest producers. mainland chinaw argon was chosen as the Joules company website cl auricula atriily states their crops argon e actuallyplace script in chinaware. I contacted the company to see if they could give me information on the location of their manufacturing facility but they could not divulge this. Trans carriageation distances ar based on locations of busy forts, shipment through the Suez Canal, and appropriate distances from major(ip) ports to smaller retailers inside the UK. Anformer(a) assumption is that these boots are make of light speed% natural leather with chemical inputs preferably than a mix of semisynthetic and natural galosh to ex onerate the life cycle less multiplex. nursery gases are considered for impact facilities and transportation but not the footprints of the construction of these facilities and equipment. Also, it is pretended the boots are not recycled or re utilize and instead, immediately disposed of in a landfill. The hunt downing conditions of factory performanceers in the manufacturing of this awayput are not special(prenominal) to the creation of this particular project but the industry overall and facts concerning the aim of arctic in landfills pertains to all forms of good-for-nothing (dominated by tires). footprint 1 golosh orchard outgrowth and preventative-base paint paint extractionDescription of measuring stickThe sap of the no-good tree, or Hevea brasiliensis, cognize as latex is tapped by diagonally cutting across the trees bark and allowing the sap to waste pipe (Peeples, 2016).The maturity time for a rubber tree is seven days (Yujie et al., 2012).About 300 ml of latex sap buttocks b e harvested from nonpareil rubber tree for separately one day (Anjitha, 2013).Over 90% of the worlds rubber plantations are fix in southboundeast Asia (Gamaralalage, Sawai, and Nunours, 2016 Rubber Manufacturers Association, n.d.).Thailand and Inthroughsia to each one produce active one threesome of annual global rubber convergenceion (Ives, 2013).Southeast Asia is only home to 1.5% of historically valuable areas for growth of rubber trees but currently produces 97% of the worlds natural rubber resources (Ahrends et al., 2015). put in sub optimal regions does lead to crop failuresenvironmental Impacts modalityTopsoil erosion on monoculture plantations decreased soil degree Celsius separatism (Ives, 2013).Climate Change promising to lead to unpredictable weather patterns and monsoon periods change magnitude vulnerability of plantations life-sized-scale plantation failures in Southern china were colligate to drought and/or unexpectedly shivery winters in 2008, 201 0, and 2013 (Ahrends et al., 2015).Indonesia has faced periods of drought and forest fires that film prejudiciously affected the industry (Suwannakji, 2015). waterLarge amounts of fertilizers and herbicides employ on rubber plantations eutrophication of local rivers with increase in newton and phosphorus contributions (Gamaralalage, Sawai, and Nunoura, 2016).Terrestrial Ecosystems and AnimalsRubber plantations change magnitudely planted on heavy hillsides monsoon season occurs washout of jacketsoil, altered pH levels of streams, eutrophication (Kaiyoorawong and Yangdee, 2006)Asian Development coin bank reported that in the Xishuangbanna region of China each hectare of rubber plantation loses an estimated 22.5 tons of soil per year (Ives, 2013).Loss of Biodiversity numerous another(prenominal) pelting forests born-again to monoculture plantations (Liu et al., 2006 Li et al., 2007)Yunnan responsibility in China, known for great emergence of rubber industry is besides h ome worlds nigh northern tropical forests, one fifth of Chinas mammals, and one third of its birds (Ives, 2013).Loss of forest land dream up cogitate to loss of habitat for speciesIn the Yunnan Province of China, plantations are destroying habitats of the Asian elephant and white-checked gibbons (Ives, 2013).Loss of saved environmental landsFrom 2005 to 2010, more than 610 square km of protected areas were converted to plantation in Southeast Asia (Ahrends et al., 2015).Harm to aquatic environments Eutrophication in water bodies leads to large-scale algal blooms which die and consume all of the operable dissolved oxygen in aquatic environments as they decompose, leading to the fall in of ecosystems and die-off. human being wellness and Societal ImpactsWorkers on plantations have no acquaintance of the market and are controlled by the landowners that employ them. Price fluctuations can have very fast and damaging effects on tapping communities (Ahrends et al., 2015). Long wor k hours combined with a lack of autonomy lead to less life satisfaction.Chinese landowners and companies have begun buying up land on the Malayan Peninsula. This federal agency profit from sap no keen-sighteder stays indoors local communities (Ahrends et al., 2015).Plays into long-term tension in which richer China and Thailand have a tendency to exploite the poorer Laos and Myanmar for resources (Sturgeon, 2013).Deforestation and local environmental change are cerebrate to the harm of local ethnic communities, notably in China (Liu et al., 2006). attach in malaria grammatical cases on plantations plantations provide didactics habitats for mosquitoes including latex-collecting cups and water storage containers (Tangena et al., 2016).In Thailand and Indonesia, 30-40% of all malaria cases annually are linked to farmers and those associated with the agricultural industry (Bhumiratana et al., 2013).wellness issues failing eyesight for tappers who generally work through the nigh t in SEA with limited light, eye and skin irritation and respiratory issues from atomizer chemicals without protection, and inadequate rest (Kaiyoorawong and Yangdee, 2006).Step 2 Transport of sap put to processor facilityHuge tanks on pick-up trucks transport sap to impact facilities not far from plantations (Chaiear, 2010).Environmental ImpactsClimate considerations for greenhouse gases created from the burning of fogey fuels, notably carbon dioxideAir release of particulate matter, nitrous oxides, and so forth that leave to air pollutionHuman health and Societal Impacts lots the people who own the touch on facility as well own the plantations as one dominated supply chain in which workers have lilliputian decision making power. Trade unions have struggled in roughly countries because companies volition just lay off tons of workers to break them up (Kaiyoorawong and Yangdee, 2006).Vehicles used are often old and unsafe from a lack of straightlaced maintenance. A lac k of proper infrastructure and safe roadways from plantation to processing facility can increase the risk of fatal car accidents.Step 3 Processing and return of rubber sheetsDescription of tintcoagulation collected latex for trees is put into larger tanks and formic acid is added latex is allowed to coagulate (takes about 12 hours), product known as coagulum coagulum is squeezed through a series of rolls to drive out water, product is soft solid slabs (Anjitha, 2013)Smoking Pressed coagulum is draped over wooden frames and smoked in smokehouses several days to dry, result is known as ribbed smoked sheets Can similarly be done by drying coagulum outside in sun, product is air alter sheets and are better grade (Anjitha, 2013)Environmental ImpactsAirThere is a lot of particulate matter generated particularly in the smoking stage. particulate matter can affect growth of nearby plantations and cause compassionate respiratory issues (Anjitha, 2013).WaterWater pollution from coagulation process which is very acidic and contains spunky levels of nitrogen and ammonia (Edirisinghe, 2014).Issues associated with eutrophication and additional potential for groundwater contamination can be considered for this step.Terrestrial EcosystemsSmoking stage requires the burning of a lot of local wood exacerbates the threat of deforestation and loss of biodiversityHuman Health and Societal ImpactsLow hygiene in production facilities no gloves worn in chemical coagulation treatment (Gamaralalage, Sawai, and Nunoura, 2016). Facilities are possible not cleaned routinely and potential hazards are likely not percipient often.Dizziness among workers from daily exposure to ammonia (Gamaralalage, Sawai, and Nunoura, 2016).Debate about economical gain vs. environmental detrimentSome community members in Yunnan Province of China acknowledged environmental harm but said they charterful and appreciated the economic gain from the rubber industry (Ives, 2013).The average k ernel class factory worker in Indonesia makes $8.60 per day and $6.70 in Vietnam (Jiaxong and Yangon, 2015). genuinely low wages and very dangerous conditions for other careersAnother composition of the garment industry found the hourly wages for factory workers to be $0.13 per hour in Bangladesh, $0.26 per hour in Vietnam, and $0.44 per hour in China (Powell and Skarbek, 2004) These have likely risen since 2004 but the proportions still likely watch similarStep 4 Transport of sheets to Chinese manufacturer ten of the busiest ports in the world are in China with Shanghai being the busiest (Jiaxing and Yangon, 2015). choice for this exerciseEnvironmental ImpactsClimate Greenhouse gas emissions need to be considered However, maritime shipping is the worlds most carbon-efficient form of transporting goods (Helms, 2013).Air The largest 15 ships in the world fling as much nitrogen oxide and sec oxide as the worlds 760 million cars. There are few regulations for smoke plentitu de emissions on these ships (Helms, 2013).Human Health and Societal ImpactsPrice at port dominated by China who control demand for rubber as the worlds largest manufacturer and user (Kaiyoorawong and Yangdee, 2006).Often those work on shipping vessels work long hours and spend many a(prenominal) days away from home. This career would make it serious to have a healthfully functioning family.Step 5 Manufacturing, concluding product multitude, and packagingDescription of stepsCompound mixing Chemicals one-dimensional liquid mixture including fillers, vulcanization activators, and accelerators are added to rubber (Anjitha, 2013).There are typically between five and twenty additives in most rubbers one example is carbon black which is used as a reinforcing filler (Forrest, 2015).Shaping consists of 4 main processesExtrusion, Calendaring, Coating, MoldingConsists of very large machines used to clean rubber, chop it into pellets, pressurize it, and form it into new sheets under h igh pressure resulting forms of rubber are limited to industry needs and product dimensions (Anjitha, 2013)Vulcanization Process that allows additives to react with rubber to give it its stiffer, stronger, heat and cold tolerant characteristics subject to very high temperatures (Anjitha, 2013)Liners for boots are spun from polyester yarn A machine spins the form (Guney, 2013)Liner and inner rubber form are formed satellite rubber pieces are applied (Nicholson, 2011) several steps and product checks hereCompany labels applied (Guney, 2013)Packaging with cardboard outer box and paper interior packaging (Guney, 2013)Handmade likely means exterior rubber and sole placement is done by hand but machines still provide greater efficiency at each step (Nicholson, 2013)Environmental ImpactsAirThere is a terrible flavor associated with rubber processing associated with ammonia and other, potentially toxic, compounds (Ives, 2013).Over 30 varied potentially harmful chemicals have been found in rubber processing fumes include extremely volatile hydrocarbons, amines, aldehydes, aerosols, etc. (Forrest, 2015).Although the Joules company claims to be handstitched, it is almost guaranteed that many steps of the production process are partially mechanized. This means all of the machines are powered by fossil fuels that emit greenhouse gases when burned (Also linked to climate)ClimateLarge amount of VOCs created in aforementioned manufacturing processes (Anjitha, 2013).Ozone depleting substances have been found in coatings and adhesives used in rough factories (Anjitha, 2013).Other gases produced from the rubber industry include carbon dioxide, nitrous oxides, and carbon monoxide (Akrill et al., 2002).WaterIndustry produces effluents that are not properly treated in many situations and released directly into surrounding environments groundwater pollution (Hamid et al., 2016) potential impacts to aquatic environments and cut off of communities similar to those men tioned aboveEx Sri Lanka small operations on the island contribute a majority of rubber do not have rise to power to adequate water treatment facilities disgusting odor of water linked to effluent discharge, decreased water quality (Gamaralalage, Sawai, and Nunoura, 2016).Lead has also been found in dangerous amounts in effluent discharge (Akrill et al., 2002).Human Health and Societal ImpactsThe machines and knives used in extrusion pose occupational hazards for workers whose work force can get trapped when machines get clogged (Hamid et al., 2016).Very clarion machines throughout the final processing stages can cause ear pound damage for workers who are not given proper means for ear protection (Akrill et al., 2016).Many negative health effects found (Anjitha, 2013 Akrill et al., 2002 Ke and Shunzhang, 2002 Chaiear, 2010)Deaths from bladder, stomach, lung, and other cancer in rubber industry- companies claim it is difficult to link to specific chemicals or worker roles, but black carbon, for example, known to be carcinogenicBenzene exposure linked specifically to leukemia in electronics manufacturers benzene also used in rubber manufacturing (Blanding and White, 2015)Skin rashes and other irritation unbecoming respiratory effects including chest tightness, shortness of breath, chronic cough, etcBirth defects were also experienced in women pregnant during their work in the rubber industry.The negative health effects of the rubber industry were first studied underpin in the 1950s (Uchida et al., 1993).The issues are still not being efficaciously dealt with. The Chinese government often underreports workplace-related accidents and illnesses. Companies attempt to use whatever loopholes getable to avoid nonrecreational workers compensation and one-time settlements are commonly pushed. The Chinese healthcare system is also inefficient and workers are caught in a complex web (Blanding and White, 2015).Work place accidents are common due to the mishandl ing of highly volatile and flammable components freqent explosions and associated health impacts and fatalities (Hamid et al., 2016 Chaiear, 2010).Total vision loss for some workers was reported in a massive rubber production zone. The most likely cause was black carbon exposure (Hamid et al., 2016).Increasing suicide rates in Chinas manufacturing industry linked to long work hours and repetitive nature of work (Smyth et al., 2013).One study for hours worked for migrant workers in China showed 40% worked 40-60 hours per week, 25% working 70 hours per week and 7% working more than 70 hours. The mean was 55.5 hours per week (Feng et al., 2002).Many migrant workers are also not part of the workers compensation system in China allowing companies to exploit them and not be held responsible at health for paying medical bills, lost wages, etc. (Blanding and White, 2015).Rationale for products not being handwoven in the UK Chinas factories are far cheaper than in other rich nations. M any workers get paid right at the minimum wage which is about one quarter of that in the US. Many companies are moving further inland in China for even cheaper wages in antecedently poor rural areas (Jiaxing and Yangon, 2015).Also, studies have found multinational companies offer high wages and a better standard of living than domestic subcontractors would offer. Therefore, many view the system as important for a better modus vivendi (Powell and Skarbek, 2004).Step 6 Transport of final product to portEnvironmental Impacts similar to Step 2 but the distances traveled are likely longer putting more stress on people are work many long hours away from homeStep 7 Shipment of product to the UKEnvironmental Impacts similar to step 4, assuming lode is coming through the Port of Felixstowe, the UKs largest port (World Shipping council, 2017)Step 8 Transport to UK seller facilityEnvironmental Impacts similar to step 2 and 6Step 9 Product useEnvironmental Impacts not very relevant when i n the use of the consumer other than considering that people necessary to drive to the store or have products delivered from online by truck the preliminary greenhouse gas emissions and air polluters are also included here(I chose not to include treatments and additional waterproofing coatings sometimes added, but they can contain chemicals potentially leading to air and water pollution.)Human Health and Societal ImpactsCompany market makes one think that the product is handmade by a UK company, but upon further examination it is obvious the product was made in China. After contacting the company, I know it is very difficult to know the origins of any of the natural resources or where the product is actually manufactured. Also, the marketing of Joules attempts to market to rural communities in terms or durability and go out show farms in adds, but also market to more stylish urban consumers with bright colors, patterns, and bows in designs.Joules has fewer products marketed on their site than many other brands and so want to appear as a unfailing brand. However, they still advertise new lines and products differ by year. This is still breeding a consumption culture of needing the new and different design rather than keeping the boots for an extended lifetime.Step 10 DisposalDescription of stepAlthough rubber boots could be reused and can have a potentially long lifetime with one consumer, we are skipping directly to disposal in a landfill.There are over 200 million waste tires in the US alone taken to landfills each year. Rubber only makes up less than 8% of total US landfill composition (Clark, 2013).There is also waste from all of the other production processes that is also likely transported to landfills or not disposed of the most environmentally conscious way. For example, the cardboard and paper packaging could be recycled, but for this case, I will assume the consumer fails to do so. Undesirable rubber sheets due to insect accumulation or product s made incorrectly likely go to landfills as well, piling up as workplace hazards in factories before disposal. However, this is the consumer usually does not consider.Environmental ImpactsWaterNatural rubber would be biodegradable before treating but additives and layers fool make this unlikely in landfills. Chemical additives can leach out of improperly sealed landfills water pollution (Clark, 2013)ClimateNatural rubber in landfills, if able to biodegrade will still contribute to methane creation within landfills.Human Health and Societal ImpactsCountries like the UK with very limited land area need to make tough decisions as a guild about how to ethically and efficiently deal with issues of waste. Therefore, in this way each consumer is affected.ReferencesAhrends, A., Hollingsworth, P. M., Ziegler, A. D., Fox, J. M., Chen, H., Su, Y., and Xu, J. (2015) Current trends of rubber plantation expansion may threaten biodiversity and livelihoods. spherical Environmental Change, 34, 48-58. inside10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2015.06.002.Akrill, P., Cocker, J. and Dixon, S. (2002) Occupational exposure in the rubber manufacturing industry. IARC, 134 265-269.Anjitha, G. (2013) Rubber and environment. Sri Lanka Insitute of Information, Technology. 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A. , Thammavong, P., Wilson, A. L., Brey, P. T., and Lindsay, S. W. (2016) Risk and control of mosquito-borne diseases in southeast Asian rubber plantations. Trends in Parasitology, 32(5), 402-415. doi10.1016/j.pt.2016.01.009.Uchida, Y., Nakatsuka, H., Ukai, H., Watanabe, T., Liu, Y. T., Huang, M. Y., and Ikeda, M. (1993) Symptoms and signs in workers exposed predominantly to xylenes. International biography of Occupational and Environmental Health, 64(8), 597-605.World Shipping Council. (2017) About the industry top 50 world container ports. World Shipping Council. http//www.worldshipping.org/about-the-industry/global-trade/top-50-world-container-ports 28.2.17.Yujie, Z., Jusheng, J., Zongbo, P., Qunhui, W., and Daiqun, X. (2012) Ecosystem management in the natural rubber industry. Journal of Resources and Ecology, 3(3), 230-235. doi10.5814/j.issn.1674-764x.2012.03.005.