E.P.A. van Langerak
Papers
1
Total Citations
22
H-Index
1
About
Dr. E.P.A. van Langerak is a pioneering researcher in the field of sustainable materials management, with a particular focus on the end-of-life treatment of complex consumer goods. Her work has fundamentally shaped our understanding of the economic and technical challenges in recycling plastics from waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Her most influential paper, "To shred or to disassemble? Recycling of plastics in mass consumer goods" (2002), has garnered 22 citations and remains a cornerstone reference in the field. In this seminal work, Dr. van Langerak critically analyzed the trade-offs between mechanical shredding and manual disassembly for recovering high-quality plastics from products like televisions and computers. She demonstrated that while the presence of precious metals traditionally drove recycling, the recovery of high-grade engineering plastics was often hindered by contamination and the inefficiency of existing processes. This research provided a crucial framework for optimizing recycling strategies, influencing both industrial practices and European policy on WEEE. Her contributions are essential reading for anyone studying the circular economy and the practical hurdles of plastic recycling in mass-produced goods.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1To shred or to disassemble? Recycling of plastics in mass consumer goods22 citations · 2002