Transport & Industrial

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.

Combining vertical and horizontal collaboration for transport optimisation

Mason et al. (2007)

The article explores how customer-driven supply chains impact freight transport management, focusing on optimising transport through collaboration. It examines whether new collaborative models, both vertical (with supply chain partners) and horizontal (with logistics service providers), are delivering better transport solutions. Using a multi-dimensional approach, including empirical evidence and expert discussions from industries like steel, grocery, and construction, the study argues that innovative solutions are emerging by harnessing the power of collaboration. Although centred on road freight transport in the UK and Europe, the findings have broader applications for other regions and transport modes. The paper emphasises the importance of combining vertical and horizontal collaboration to achieve better optimisation in transport logistics.

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.

Carbon footprint of food packaging

Stiftung Initiative Mehrweg (2018)

The study by Stiftung Initiative Mehrweg investigates the carbon footprint of reusable versus disposable packaging in Germany’s food industry. It analyses the environmental impact of different packaging materials, focusing on CO₂ emissions throughout the life cycle, from production to disposal. The research highlights how reusable packaging systems, such as crates and containers, significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to single-use packaging. The study provides data-backed insights into the benefits of reusable packaging for sustainability in supply chains, advocating for broader adoption of these systems.

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.

Environmental Impacts of Reusable Transport Items: A Case Study of Pallet Pooling in a Retailer Supply Chain

Accorsi et al. (2019)

This paper analyses the logistics and environmental impacts of pallet pooling operations in a network serving a large-scale retailer. Pallets, as reusable transport items (RTIs), require careful management to avoid shortages and reduce the need for new production. The study evaluates various pooling scenarios by combining management strategies with different retailer network configurations. Using software with Geographic Information System (GIS) and routing capabilities, the analysis quantifies the logistical and environmental effects, showing that vehicle distances and pollutant emissions can be reduced by 65% and 60%, respectively. The paper offers insights for optimising pallet management to minimise environmental impacts and improve efficiency.

Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of polypropylene and cardboard layer pads for transport

Cartonplast Holding GmbH, Sustainserve (2021)

As the leading European provider of polypropylene (PP) layer pads used as divider sheets in the food, beverage, pharma, and cosmetic industries, the Cartonplast Group offers its customers reusable layer pads on a rental basis under strict hygiene standards. In 2014, the company conducted a comparative environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) of reusable layer pads made from polypropylene (PP) versus corrugated cardboard (CB). This report discusses the results based on updated data from 2020.

A Comparative Case Study to Establish the Breakeven Point Between Specific Reuse and Single-Use Transport Packaging for Cut Flowers

The LCA Centre, Corplex (2022)

This LCA report evaluates the environmental impact of Corplex’s reusable plastic flower transport box compared to a single-use carton box, aiming to identify the “breakeven” reuse point where the plastic box’s impact becomes lower. Based on theoretical data, four scenarios were modelled, assessing the effects of transport and tertiary packaging. The results suggest that reuse impact is heavily influenced by system variables, including pool size, replenishment rate, and box losses. The study includes a tool to calculate breakeven points, underscoring the need for optimising these factors for effective environmental benefits.

Reusable plastic crates vs. single-use cardboard boxes – Two packaging systems in competition

Albrecht et al. (2022)

The report compares two packaging systems: reusable plastic crates and single-use cardboard boxes. Commissioned by the Stiftung-Initiative-Mehrweg (SIM), it responds to studies by the European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers (FEFCO) that claim corrugated cardboard packaging is superior. The report challenges this view, arguing that high reutilisation rates, which favour reusable systems, are critical for a circular economy. It highlights the environmental benefits of reusable packaging, particularly its role in reducing dependence on imports and promoting technological sovereignty. The report also calls for maintaining the waste hierarchy and using life cycle analyses to justify deviations from it.

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