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

Over the last decades, stringent regulations forced the manufacturing industry to take concrete steps towards greener production. Despite reduction in total emissions through implementation of best available techniques (BATs), industrial waste generators still need guidance to minimize environmental impacts of manufacturing processes. The metal industry remains one of the most important waste generating sector and therefore, this study focused on one specific process, iron casting and used a life-cycle approach (LCA) to evaluate the performance and cross-media effects of the BATs applicable for this industry.