LCA as a decision support tool for evaluation of best available techniques (BATs) for cleaner production of iron casting

Among the techniques evaluated, on-site recovery and external reuse of waste sand were capable of decreasing overall environmental impact of casting by 60-90%. Additionally, these techniques created revenues and savings for the manufacturers, which lead to the possibility of a step-wise implementation scheme to reduce financial burden of cleaner production programs in foundries. Overall environmental and economic evaluation suggested that planning towards cleaner production should adopt a holistic approach rather than being restricted to waste hierarchy principle.