Sustainability in Plastic Packaging: Life Cycle Assessment

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) quantifies environmental impact of plastic packaging from raw material to end-of-life. This article examines LCA methodology and carbon footprint reduction strategies.

LCA Methodology (ISO 14040/14044)

Goal & Scope: Cradle-to-grave analysis
Functional Unit: 1000 bottles (500ml capacity)
System Boundaries: Raw material, production, transport, use, disposal
Impact Categories: GWP, water use, energy, eutrophication

Carbon Footprint Data

Virgin PET: 2.8-3.2 kg CO₂e/kg resin
rPET (50%): 1.6-2.0 kg CO₂e/kg
rPET (100%): 0.8-1.2 kg CO₂e/kg
HDPE: 1.8-2.2 kg CO₂e/kg

Carbon Reduction Strategies

Lightweighting: 35-40% reduction
rPET content: 50-75% reduction vs. virgin
Renewable energy: 60-80% reduction in production emissions
Local sourcing: 10-15% transport reduction

Circular Economy Metrics

✓ Recyclability: PET is 100% recyclable
✓ Recycled content: Up to 100% rPET achievable
✓ Design for recycling: Avoid PVC labels, use water-soluble adhesives
✓ Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compliance

Sustainability Certifications

✓ APR Design for Recyclability
✓ RecyClass certification (EU)
✓ How2Recycle labeling
✓ Carbon Trust certification

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Sustainability in Plastic Packaging: Life Cycle Assessment and Carbon Footprint Reduction