Page 147 - Towards A Sustainable Future , Phase 3 2025, E-Book_Neat

Nevertheless, some companies have developed epoxy resins in some detailed designs. After it dries up, there are minimal
with lower carbon footprints. For example, SPOLCHEMIE to no visible cracks, which indicates an optimal balance
produces epoxy resins with up to 64% lower carbon footprint of moisture content and binding strength. The surface is
compared to conventional ones1. If the project uses such smooth with no indications of roughness, ensuring a refined
eco-friendly epoxy resins, further improvement of the overall finish. As shown in Figure 2, the clay does not develop any
emission reduction can be achieved. mould, even after several months of storage, because of the
addition of antimicrobial agents such as sodium benzoate and
In the event, if the pre-preparation processes such as washing appropriate airtight storage. This makes it durable and long-
the collected shell waste with salt water and heat treating it lasting for various applications.
together with 5 % acetic acid solution, followed by drying it in
an oven and grinding it into powder, which does contribute to
the addition of carbon footprint. However, there are minimal
energy emission data available for these pre-treatment
steps, and thus, a rough assumption of various processes is
presented as follows:

• Heat treatment and drying: Approximately 0.2 kg CO2e
• Grinding: Approximately 0.05 kg CO2e Figure 2: Formulated clay using shellfish powder
• Acetic acid production and use: Approximately 0.1 kg CO2e
The total processing emissions contributed by these steps are Eco-Solution 1B – Candle "Wax" Derived from
0.35 kg CO2e. Used Cooking Oil
At ParkRoyal Collection, used cooking oil is a significant
Adjusted Total Emission Reduction: component of food waste, with an estimated annual volume
2.465 kg CO2e (initial reduction including epoxy resin) – 0.35 of 12,350 kg, as shown in Figure 1. Disposing of this waste
kg CO2e (processing emissions) incurs substantial costs, amounting to approximately $10,000
= 2.115 kg CO2e annually. To address this issue, our team aims to upcycle

The total emission reduction of 2.115 kg CO2e per 0.0377kg the used cooking oil into high-quality candle wax featuring
shell powder or 56.10 kg CO2e per kg shell powder in the appealing colour, aroma, and consistency.
upcycling of the shell waste to a candle stand still represents
a net positive impact on carbon emission reduction. Though The process begins with effective filtration and chemical
these processing steps might add to the carbon footprint, they treatment, including bleaching and adsorption using activated
may increase the quality and usability of the final product. carbon. These steps ensure the removal of impurities and any
This could potentially extend its lifespan or improve its toxic substances that may be generated during treatment. By
performance, which might offset the additional emissions in streamlining the workflow and minimising process complexity,
the long run. we achieve a clean and aesthetically pleasing final product
cost-effectively.
Observation of the Final Clay Stand/ Holder The treated oil serves as the base fuel for candles, designed
The clay that has been formulated has outstanding structural to exhibit optimal burn properties. This initiative not only
integrity, which does not allow it to deform during the highlights the potential of sustainable waste management
moulding process or while it undergoes drying. It is "flexible", but also demonstrates creative reuse of materials to produce
making it easy to mould into complex shapes that can be used environmentally friendly products.

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