Virtualization of production processes for the eco-design of plastic products and related organizational systems

In the context of the global emphasis on environmental sustainability, especially prominent in Europe, this research explores the dynamic landscape of Industry 4.0 and its potential impact. It aims to highlight the importance of systematic environmental analysis and the development of eco-conscious products. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and eco-design offer comprehensive perspectives, considering the entire life cycle of a product and its potential environmental impacts. This research seeks to bridge the gap between conventional LCA practices and the emerging paradigm of Industry 4.0. Leveraging the data-rich environment of Industry 4.0, the primary objective is to seamlessly integrate LCA methodology and eco-design into industrial practices. The research methodology begins with an in-depth review of scientific literature to identify potential synergies between Industry 4.0 technologies and LCA. It explores how these technologies enhance data collection for the construction of the Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) and facilitate LCA. Additionally, it addresses the practical implementation challenges that industries face when adopting LCA, with the goal of broader integration. Through the development of a guiding framework and the application of a case study, this research acts as a bridge between the advancements of Industry 4.0 and practical applications, promoting the adoption of LCA. Furthermore, it demonstrates the potential of virtualizing production processes through the Digital Twin paradigm, promoting LCA and generating parameters for the eco-design process. This research serves as the foundation for further developments, research areas, and applications, even beyond the context of Industry 4.0.