Comparing Reuse and Recycle

Bilan environnemental de la bouteille en verre consigné « 75 cl Alsace » commercialisée dans l’Est de la France par comparaison avec une bouteille en verre à usage unique

Deroche Consultant (2009)

The paper examines the environmental impact of parcel delivery in the context of online shopping for household and hygiene products. Using real-world data from a major retailer in the Czech Republic, it evaluates the life cycle environmental effects of two types of parcel packaging. The study found that using plastic cushions to protect goods is more environmentally friendly than using paper. However, the main source of environmental burden is electricity consumption in logistics centres, highlighting the need for energy efficiency and better space utilisation. The research also explored the potential benefits of using reusable plastic crates instead of cardboard boxes, showing that this could reduce environmental impact. The paper underscores the significance of logistics and product distribution in the growing field of online retail, particularly for household goods.

Reuse and Recycling Systems for Selected Beverage Packaging from a Sustainability Perspective

PwC (2011)

This study investigates the economic, environmental, and social impacts of implementing a Deposit Return System (DRS) for beverage containers in Spain. The DRS model involves consumers paying a small deposit on beverage containers, which is refunded when the container is returned for recycling. The study assesses how a DRS could reduce littering, increase recycling rates, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. It also examines the potential economic benefits, including job creation and reduced waste management costs for municipalities. Additionally, the study highlights the positive effects on public awareness and engagement with recycling practices. The findings suggest that a well-implemented DRS could significantly contribute to Spain’s circular economy and sustainability goals.

Economic and environmental assessment of reusable plastic containers: A food catering supply chain case study

Accorsi et al. (2013)

A Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Electronic Retail of Household Products

Matuštik & Koči (2020)

Reusable vs Single use Packaging. A review of environmental impacts

Zero Waste Europe & Reloop (2020)

With the understanding that packaging alone represents 36% of municipal solid waste in Europe, this report focuses on how and when the reuse of packaging is a better alternative than single-use. This is done by analysing the results of life cycle assessments that compare the environmental impacts of single-use to reusable packaging alternatives. The results demonstrate that the great majority of studies point to reusable packaging as the most environmentally friendly option. The report identifies the packaging types assessed by the various studies and what key aspects, such as the number of cycles or distances and break-even points, favour the environmental success of reusable packaging. It also discusses, in more detail, how specific packaging formats, such as bottles and crates, differ in impacts.

Sustainability of reusable packaging – Current situation and trends

Coelho et al. (2020)

Packaging plays an important role in safely distributing products throughout today’s society and supply chains. With a consumption of about 40% of plastics and 50% of paper in Europe, the packaging sector is a large user of materials. Packaging has a lot of environmental impacts, while it also represents a significant cost in the current supply system. Reusable packaging has been suggested as an option to significantly reduce environmental impacts. In this paper, we review the trends in reusable packaging and the literature on reusable packaging to generate insights into the current state-of-the-art knowledge and identify directions for research and development. This can help to better understand the key factors underlying the design and impacts of more sustainable packaging systems.

Reusing glass bottles in Italy: A life cycle assessment evaluation

Tua et al. (2020)

This study assesses the environmental impact of reusing glass bottles for mineral water in Italy, contributing to sustainable resource management. Using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), the study examines the effects of increasing reuse cycles, or “rotations,” on environmental outcomes. Part of a larger project on packaging reuse in Italy, it compares the environmental performance of reusable versus single-use glass bottles, incorporating bottle production, washing, end-of-life, and logistics in the analysis. Data was gathered through detailed inventory questionnaires from Italian mineral water companies using reusable glass bottles, complemented by field visits to two reconditioning plants, to identify the specific impact of reconditioning in the bottle lifecycle.

Environmental payback periods of reusable alternatives to single‐use plastic kitchenware products

Fetner & Miller (2021)

Many consumers are moving from single-use plastics to reusable alternatives, often assuming these have lower environmental impacts; however, reusable items frequently involve more resource-intensive materials and have notable use-phase impacts. This study used LCA to examine the GWP, water consumption, and primary nonrenewable energy use of reusable alternatives for single-use plastic kitchenware, calculating environmental payback periods. Findings indicate that reusable options can offset their initial environmental impacts, depending on usage frequency, consumer habits, and—specifically for GWP—the carbon intensity of the energy grid. A key takeaway is that consumer behaviour and usage patterns significantly influence the environmental impact of reusable kitchenware.

Reuse Wins: The Environmental, Economic, and Business Case for Transitioning from Single-Use to Reuse in Food Services

Upstream (2021)

The “Reuse Wins” report by Upstream Solutions highlights the environmental, economic, and social benefits of reusable packaging systems compared to single-use packaging. It presents data and case studies demonstrating how reuse can reduce waste, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and decrease pollution while promoting sustainable economic growth. The report argues that shifting to reusable systems in sectors like food service, retail, and shipping can save businesses money, create jobs, and protect natural resources. It calls for policy changes and business practices that support the transition to a circular economy where reuse is prioritised over disposability.

Parametric life cycle assessment modeling of reusable and single-use restaurant food container systems

Hitt et al. (2022)

This paper examines the potential for reusable container systems to reduce waste in restaurant takeout, addressing environmental and economic impacts compared to single-use packaging. Using a parametric life cycle assessment (LCA) and cost model, it analyses greenhouse gas emissions, energy, water use, and costs in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and assesses the role of customer behaviour. Findings show that reusable containers generally perform better environmentally, but their benefits diminish if customers make separate trips to return containers or excessively wash them at home. The study highlights how customer actions significantly influence the environmental outcomes of reusable systems.

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