Parametric life cycle assessment modeling of reusable and single-use restaurant food container systems

Hitt et al. (2022)

This paper examines the potential for reusable container systems to reduce waste in restaurant takeout, addressing environmental and economic impacts compared to single-use packaging. Using a parametric life cycle assessment (LCA) and cost model, it analyses greenhouse gas emissions, energy, water use, and costs in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and assesses the role of customer behaviour. Findings show that reusable containers generally perform better environmentally, but their benefits diminish if customers make separate trips to return containers or excessively wash them at home. The study highlights how customer actions significantly influence the environmental outcomes of reusable systems.

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