This study investigates the impact of packaging types (disposable vs. reusable) on the spoilage and damage of fresh fruits and vegetables during transport. It analyses damage rates across two distribution levels, showing significantly lower damage for reusable packaging. Additionally, it evaluates the freshness and bacterial contamination of produce stored in different packaging. The findings indicate that reusable packaging is more effective in reducing product spoilage, packaging damage, and food wastage compared to disposable alternatives. The study also explores the potential effects of temperature and humidity on product freshness.
Waste prevention in liquid detergent distribution: A comparison based on life cycle assessment
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.
Reuse of honey jars for healthier bees: Developing a sustainable honey jars supply chain through the use of LCA
This study aims at improving the environmental sustainability of an existing honey production supply chain, pursuing the Sustainable Supply Chain Management philosophy and the Life Cycle Assessment principles. Focusing the attention on the packaging stage and, in particular, on the most commonly used honey packaging solution, the glass jar, this study assesses the environmental burdens associated with its manufacturing, distribution and final disposal. It models various reuse scenarios involving collaboration between producers and a beekeeping consortium. The study compares these scenarios to the current packaging system in an Italian province, measuring five key environmental factors. Results show that a packaging reuse policy could reduce environmental burdens by 16% to 70%, depending on the reuse rate, over five years.
Greenhouse gas emissions and mitigation options for German wine production
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%.
Circular Business Models for the Fast Moving Consumer Goods Industry: Desirability, Feasibility, and Visibility, Sustainable Production and Consumption
The paper investigates reusable packaging business models for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs) to address global environmental challenges caused by their disposable nature. It focuses on identifying success factors, drivers, and barriers in a circular business model pursued by a company operating in both in-store and e-commerce contexts. Through interviews and a consumer survey in Berlin, the study highlights five success factors, including partnerships, operations efficiency, and consumer participation. Environmental concerns motivate consumers, while logistics and costs are major barriers. Recommendations for scaling these models are provided based on the findings.
Mehrweg-Gläser für Lebensmittel – ökolo- gisch sinnvoll oder nicht?
The fact sheet from IFEU focuses on the environmental benefits of using reusable glass jars for food packaging. It compares the life cycle impacts of reusable glass containers with single-use packaging, particularly in terms of resource consumption, energy use, and carbon emissions. The document highlights that reusable glass jars have a lower environmental impact after several reuse cycles, reducing waste and conserving resources. It advocates for expanding the use of reusable glass containers to minimise environmental harm in the food industry.
Single-use Supermarket Food Packaging and its Alternatives: Recommendations from Life Cycle Assessments
The report analyses the environmental impact of single-use plastic food packaging compared to alternative packaging solutions. The report highlights the widespread use of plastic in supermarkets, noting that plastic dominates all packaging materials, especially in North America. Single-use plastics contribute significantly to plastic pollution, with food packaging playing a major role. The report draws from 33 Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies, focusing on three key food categories: refrigerated products, fresh produce, and pantry goods. It identifies four main themes: the relationship between packaging and food waste, the potential of bio-based and biodegradable plastics, the viability of reusable packaging systems, and the limited consideration of plastic litter’s effects on ecosystems and human health. These findings provide recommendations for policymakers to consider alternatives to single-use plastic packaging in supermarkets.
Decarbonisation of Single Use Beverage Packaging
This study builds upon Eunomia’s previous investigation into materials decarbonisation pathways. Focussing on the four materials with the greatest emissions globally, the study found that each will have great difficulty in reducing GHG emissions in line with a 1.5°C future by 2050, particularly if mass consumption continues and increases. Whilst studying the global material picture provides valuable insights; policymakers may find it more useful to have the same approach applied at the product level. Therefore, this study delves into the Net Zero pathways of aluminium, PET, and glass when utilised in beverage packaging within the EU, evaluating their potential performance within a cumulative GHG emissions budget that aligns with the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
Le Fourgon Returnable glass bottle system – Comparative LCA with single-use alternatives
This document is the background report of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) and Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) study for Le Fourgon returnable glass bottle system. The scope of the product under study covers the production, use, and end-of-life of returnable glass bottles returned and reused with the deposit system from Le Fourgon, for water, milk, and beer.
Refill Again. How just a 10-percentage point increase in reusable beverage packaging can help save the oceans by eliminating over 1 trillion single-use plastic bottles and cups
This report highlights the significant impact of increasing reusable beverage packaging by 10 percentage points by 2030. This shift could eliminate over 1 trillion single-use plastic bottles and cups, preventing up to 153 billion of these containers from polluting oceans and waterways. The report emphasises the environmental benefits of reusable packaging, including lower carbon emissions and reduced marine plastic pollution. It also discusses the commitments of major beverage companies like Coca-Cola and Pepsi to increase their use of reusable packaging and calls for stronger regulatory measures to support this transition.
