Life Cycle Assessment

Environmental Impact Analysis – TEXOSPACK Project

CAPSA PACKAGING, Leitat

This document presents the TEXOSPACK project, which promotes sustainable packaging in the advanced textile materials sector. CAPSA PACKAGING contributed to the project with its CAPSA 2IN1® cardboard box, a sustainable packaging solution designed for the textile industry but applicable to other sectors as well. The document outlines key findings from an environmental analysis of the CAPSA 2IN1® box, highlighting its advantages over conventional cardboard packaging.

Vergleichende Ökobilanz verschiedener Bechersysteme beim Getränkeausschank an Veranstaltungen

Öko-Institut e.V. (2008)

The report evaluates the environmental impacts of various cup systems used at events, such as concerts or festivals. The study compares disposable cups made of different materials (plastic, paper, etc.) with reusable cups in terms of their life cycle impacts, including resource use, energy consumption, waste generation, and greenhouse gas emissions. The assessment considers various factors, such as the number of uses, transportation, cleaning processes, and end-of-life disposal or recycling options. The report aims to identify which cup systems are the most environmentally friendly, under which conditions they perform best, and offers recommendations for organisers on selecting the most sustainable options for beverage service at events, concluding that reusable cups generally have lower environmental impacts than single-use options.

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)

This document from Brasserie Meteor focuses on their sustainable development strategy, highlighting the brewery’s efforts to reduce its environmental impact while maintaining quality in beer production. It outlines key initiatives the brewery has undertaken, such as reducing water and energy consumption, minimising waste, and using eco-friendly packaging materials. The report also discusses the brewery’s commitment to sourcing ingredients locally, supporting biodiversity, and enhancing social responsibility by fostering a positive work environment and engaging with the local community. Overall, it showcases Brasserie Meteor’s dedication to sustainability through concrete actions that align with environmental, social, and economic objectives.

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.

A Life Cycle Analysis of Packaging Systems for Fruit and Vegetable Transport in Europe

Albrecht et al. (2013)

This study compares the environmental, economic, and social impacts of three common European fruit and vegetable transport packaging systems: single-use wooden and cardboard boxes, and multi-use reusable plastic crates. Using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Life Cycle Costing (LCC), and Life Cycle Working Environment (LCWE) methodologies, the paper finds that plastic crates generally have lower impacts in several categories compared to cardboard boxes, though wooden boxes and plastic crates perform similarly in others. Plastic crates are the most cost-effective overall and show a lower accident rate compared to wooden and cardboard boxes. The study highlights optimisation opportunities for all systems and stresses the importance of integrating economic and social dimensions into sustainability assessments.

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

Accorsi et al. (2013)

This paper addresses the sustainability of packaging in the fresh food supply chain by introducing a framework for designing integrated food packaging and distribution networks. Focusing on fresh produce, it compares traditional single-use packaging with reusable plastic containers (RPC) to assess economic and environmental impacts. Using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), it evaluates the carbon footprint of packaging across the supply chain, with sensitivity analyses on factors like RPC lifespan, washing rate, waste treatment, and network geography. The findings offer insights into reducing environmental impact and suggest directions for future research.

Waste prevention in liquid detergent distribution: A comparison based on life cycle assessment

Nessi et al. (2014)

The paper assesses the environmental benefits of using self-dispensing systems for liquid detergents in Italian retail stores, where consumers refill containers instead of using single-use plastic bottles. A life cycle assessment (LCA) compared these systems to traditional packaging for various detergents, focusing on waste reduction, energy demand, and environmental impacts. Results show that self-dispensing systems can reduce waste by up to 98% and decrease energy use and environmental impacts, with greater benefits seen as containers are reused more frequently.

Environmental impacts of takeaway food containers

Gallego-Schmid et al. (2018)

The paper examines the environmental impacts of different types of takeaway food containers – aluminium, polypropylene, and extruded polystyrene – by conducting a life cycle assessment to identify the most sustainable options. The study finds that single-use polypropylene containers have the highest impact on the environment, including global warming potential, while aluminium containers are second worst, particularly concerning ozone depletion and human toxicity. Extruded polystyrene containers have the lowest environmental impact due to lower material and energy requirements but are currently not recycled. The paper suggests that recycling policies in line with the European Union’s 2025 waste packaging goals could significantly reduce these impacts, cutting CO2 emissions equivalent to those of 55,000 vehicles annually. The findings are relevant for packaging manufacturers, food outlets, policymakers, and consumers.

Reusable Coffee Cups Life Cycle Assessment and Benchmark

Almeida et al. (2018)

The report assesses the environmental impact of KeepCup’s reusable cups compared to single-use cups (paperboard, compostable) and other reusable options (bamboo, polypropylene). Using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), the study evaluates factors like carbon emissions, water use, and energy consumption. It finds that KeepCups generally have a lower environmental impact over time, particularly when used frequently. Recommendations include promoting energy-efficient washing practices, using alternative materials, and improving recycling options. The goal is to support sustainable alternatives to disposable cups.

The environmental impact of packaging in food supply chains – does life cycle assessment of food provide the full picture?

Molina-Besch et al. (2019)

The paper evaluates how food life cycle assessments (LCAs) address both direct and indirect environmental impacts of packaging. It finds that while there’s increasing awareness of indirect impacts (like effects on food waste and logistics), food LCAs predominantly focus on direct impacts, such as material production and disposal. The study, which reviewed 32 recent food LCAs, suggests a need for more comprehensive consideration of indirect impacts and calls for further research to better understand how packaging characteristics affect environmental outcomes.

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