In an effort to facilitate a shift towards greater sustainability in the Nordics, this study provides an in-depth analysis of the environmental impacts associated with different types of packaging. Emphasis is placed on reusable packaging, investigating its lifecycle impacts from production to disposal and contrasting it with conventional, single-use packaging. The packaging solutions under investigation cover takeaway containers and ecommerce packaging. In the takeaway sector, these are one reusable and one single-use. In the e-commerce sector, these are one reusable and returnable packaging, as well as two single-use variants made from LDPE film and paper, respectively.
Life Cycle Assessment: CLUBZERØ Food and Beverage Containers
This report, carried out by Giraffe Innovation Ltd, presents the results of an environmental assessment of CLUBZERØ 12oz cup and CLUBZERØ 800ml container using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. The analysis shows the output modelling of the environmental impacts of the cup and lid materials and the food container and lid materials, manufacturing, supply chain, washing energy and detergent use and end of life disposal. The results are compared to indicative paper, polystyrene (EPS) and ceramic cups for the cup report and compared to disposable polypropylene, aluminium, bagasse and EPS containers and reuse of ceramic plates for the food container report.
Sustainability of reusable packaging – Current situation and trends
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.
Comptabilisation du réemploi des emballages en France
This report by ADEME assesses methodologies for measuring packaging reuse rates in France, targeting compliance with national reuse goals under AGEC and Climate Resilience Acts. It involved interviews with stakeholders to establish data requirements, identify reusable packaging types, and develop calculation methods for producers responsible for packaging or importing. The report covers reuse arrangements, from pre-packaged products to refills, and includes recommendations for systematic data collection and monitoring. An accompanying document provides guidelines for implementing reuse data collection processes.
Kunststoffbasierte Mehrwegsysteme In Der Circular Economy – Eine Systemanalyse
The report investigates how to promote and optimise reusable packaging systems in Germany, with a focus on reducing packaging waste and improving environmental sustainability. It reviews the current use of reusable packaging, identifies challenges to its wider adoption, and explores strategies for enhancing its effectiveness, particularly in the beverage sector. The research offers recommendations for improving existing systems and unlocking the potential for new reusable packaging solutions across the supply chain and retail industries.
Förderung von Mehrwegverpackungssystemen zur Verringerung des Verpackungsverbrauchs
Reusable packaging is essential for reducing packaging waste and can significantly contribute to environmental protection and resource conservation compared to single-use packaging. Data from Germany show that more efforts are needed to strengthen reuse systems and combat excessive packaging consumption. This research project examines how to promote and optimise existing reusable packaging systems and explores the potential for new systems along the supply chain and in retail. This report covers findings on current applications of reusable packaging and potential measures for strengthening and expanding its use in the beverage sector.
Benchmark Européen des Dispositifs de Consigne pour Réemploi et/ou recyclage des emballages
The document is a comprehensive European benchmark study on deposit return systems (DRS) for the reuse and recycling of packaging, conducted by ADEME and EY in June 2023. It analyses ten case studies from various countries, including Germany, Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, the Netherlands, Southern European countries, Quebec, and Sweden. The study examines the implementation, performance, and challenges of these systems, focusing on materials like plastic, metal, and glass. It also explores governance structures, financial mechanisms, and the environmental impacts of DRS, providing insights and recommendations for improving packaging reuse and recycling across Europe.
Packaging and reuse: Challenges, opportunities and prospects
The report explores the potential for increasing reusable packaging systems in Europe. It discusses the economic, environmental, and social benefits of reuse, highlights current challenges such as costs and infrastructure, and identifies key enablers like regulation and consumer behaviour to scale up reuse. The report provides recommendations for businesses, policymakers, and stakeholders to support a shift towards more sustainable packaging solutions. Its aim is to shed light on this topical issue of packaging reuse in all its aspects, both at the B2B and B2C levels.
Environmental Impact Analysis – TEXOSPACK Project
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
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.
