Life Cycle Assessment

Greenhouse gas emissions and mitigation options for German wine production

Ponstein (2019)

The paper assesses greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from wine production in Germany, analysing data from five wineries, one wine cellar, and nine grape producers. The study finds that emissions range from 0.753 to 1.069 kg CO2e per bottle of wine, with the main contributors being bottle weight (31%), electricity usage (18%), and heat (11%). Most emissions occur during the winery phase, primarily due to packaging materials (57%). The paper identifies that reusing glass bottles offers the greatest potential for reducing emissions, surpassing the impact of reducing bottle weight. Combining bottle reuse with renewable energy and bottle weight reduction could cut GHG emissions per bottle by 47%.

Untersuchung der ökologischen Bedeutung von Einweggetränkebechern im Außer-Haus-Verzehr und mögliche Maßnahmen zur Verringerung des Verbrauchs

Umweltbundesamt (2019)

The document examines the environmental impact of single-use beverage cups, particularly those used for hot drinks in out-of-home consumption. In Germany, around 2.8 billion disposable cups are used annually, generating significant waste. The report highlights the challenges of waste management and littering, and evaluates voluntary and legal measures to reduce the use of disposable cups. Recommendations include promoting reusable cup systems, introducing deposit schemes, and implementing regulatory measures such as levies and better waste management strategies to reduce environmental harm.

Life Cycle Assessment of Reusable Plastic Crates

Tua et al. (2019)

This paper evaluates the environmental impact of reusable plastic crates (RPCs) used in Italy for distributing fruit and vegetables. By conducting a life cycle assessment across 12 impact categories, including energy and water consumption, the study finds that the environmental benefits of RPC increase with their number of uses. It finds that initially, the impact is highest during the manufacturing stage, but with more deliveries, the reconditioning process becomes a significant factor. RPCs need to be used at least three times to outperform single-use crates in terms of environmental impact. The study’s approach can also be applied to other reusable packaging systems across Europe.

When plastic packaging should be preferred: Life cycle analysis of packages for fruit and vegetable distribution in the Spanish peninsular market

Abejon et al. (2020)

This paper evaluates the environmental impact of distributing fruit and vegetables in Spain using reusable plastic crates versus single-use cardboard boxes. The study considers five impact categories, including global warming potential and energy consumption, and provides a detailed methodology to guide future assessments. Results show that reusable plastic crates consistently perform better than cardboard boxes across all impact categories and energy consumption indicators. Even in alternative scenarios, plastic crates are environmentally preferable. The analysis suggests that banning plastic packaging may not always be the best option, as it can be more sustainable in specific applications.

A Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Electronic Retail of Household Products

Matuštik, J. and Koči, V. (2020)

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.

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.

Many Happy Returns: Combining insights from the environmental and behavioural sciences to understand what is required to make reusable packaging mainstream

Greenwood et al. (2021)

The introduction of reusable packaging systems (both refill and return) has the potential to significantly reduce waste from single-use plastic packaging. However, for these schemes to be successful, both the environmental impact and the willingness of consumers to engage with such systems need to be carefully considered. This paper combines and discusses two complementary studies: (i) a life cycle assessment comparing the environmental impacts of single-use, refillable, and returnable containers for a takeaway meal, and (ii) a large online survey of UK adults exploring what types of product and packaging consumers are willing to reuse, how, and why.

Potential Climate Benefit of Reusable Packaging in Food Delivery Services. A Chinese Case Study

Camps-Posino et al. (2021)

This study assesses the climate impact of food delivery packaging waste in China, focusing on single-use plastics. It evaluates the current system, highlighting the environmental damage caused by the growing use of plastic in food delivery services. The study also explores potential improvements through increased recycling, higher recycled content, and the introduction of reusable packaging. Using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, it examines the effectiveness of these strategies in reducing the climate change impact of food packaging waste in China.

Re-zip LCA Report: reusable box and bag compared to single-use packaging

Re-Zip, Deloitte (2021)

The aim of the LCA study is to perform a benchmarking of RE-ZIP packaging against standard single use packaging in Denmark. With this regard, this study is a comparative case study. RE-ZIP is a Danish SME that works on RE-ZIP’s circular packaging can be used up to 30 times. One of the aims of this study is to show the savings on GHG, water footprint and use of wood. Overall, the results of this LCA are intended to communicate Re-Zip’s sustainability performance with its customers.

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.

New European Reuse Alliance
info@newreusealliance.eu
Avenue Louise 209, boîte 7, 1050 Ixelles, Belgium

Our work contributes to Agenda 2030:

New Reuse Alliance

This website was designed and devoloped by CREATIVA. Contact Info.