The study provides a figure-based comparison of four products (PVC and linoleum, both in two different qualities). Economic and ecological effects along the life cycle of each product were investigated, applying cost-benefit analysis as a measuring tool. Special attention was paid to the use phase, where the cleaning properties of the products were identified as the crucial parameter The study proved that products can only be assessed comprehensively by considering all effects along the (...)

The study gives various data on municipal incineration (MSW) and describes the methodology to calculate the total incineration costs and allocate costs to specific products. In particular the study shows that in the average European situation, the PVC total incineration cost is similar to other high calorific waste products and represents around 2.3% of the total MSW cost. This cost share is not significant compared to usual variations of incineration processing costs throughout Europe, (...)

The potential and limits of recycling plastic wastes in Austria were assessed using ecological, micro- and macroeconomic criteria in a study by the Federal Environment Agency of Austria. The study proved positive effects within the system investigated for all ecological parameters selected : CO2, energy, organic compound emissions, quantities disposed of in landfills. Costing proved positive only for production and non-packaging waste. The combination of ecological and economic effects led (...)