The life cycle analysis is a method for assessing a product’s environmental impact over its full life cycle, from raw material extraction to material processing, production, and sales, and finally disposal or recycling.
The life cycle of a cardboard box package
The value that the knowledge of environmental pollution offers along the value chain was recognized early on in the company. We carry out life cycle analyzes with which our products have been examined since the mid-1980s. By understanding the impacts along the life cycle, we can identify ways to improve the environmental aspects of our products and promote the environmentally conscious product and process design.
In 1999, Tetra Pak commissioned the first life cycle analysis, which examined the life cycle phases of beverage cartons and the associated environmental impact in each phase. The study was carried out by an independent research facility in Norway using the standard life cycle assessment procedure.
Examples of life cycle analyze
To evaluate the environmental impact of beverage and food packaging systems, several life cycle evaluations (LCAs) were conducted. In these published examples, life cycle analyzes have been carried out by independent research institutes in accordance with the internationally recognized standard method (ISO 14040 standards). All studies were subjected to an expert opinion. SM Custom Packaging provides the best custom packaging for small business at wholesale rates with free delivery in the USA.
Calculating the carbon footprint of a cardboard box
The carbon balance of a product is the result of all the greenhouse gases emitted in the course of its life cycle. This includes the procurement of the raw materials used, production, distribution, consumption, transport as well as the disposal or recycling of the product.
We produce many different types of packaging that are filled and distributed in different places around the world. The disposal or recycling at the end of the service life also varies from case to case, depending on the local recycling conditions and the decisions of the end-user. It would be a very tedious task to accurately calculate the environmental footprint of each of these combinations.
With our CO2 calculator for cardboard packaging be determined. The results of the CO2 calculator for cardboard packaging show the carbon balance of cardboard boxes under European conditions up to the moment the packaging material leaves our factory. Effects in connection with the procurement and transport of raw materials to our plants as well as the further processing of the materials into packaging materials are areas that we control directly through our guidelines and measures. In addition, customers can use these key figures to include the global warming potential in their purchase decision.
The non-binding carbon footprint of an aseptic beverage carton
We illustrate the effects of an aseptic beverage carton over its life cycle using the carbon balance of a typical one-litre Tetra Brik Aseptic carton with a closure.
The representation includes the complete carbon balance, from raw material production to raw material transport, processing, and transport of the packaging material to filling, distribution and end of use.
The calculations are based on averages of the industries and European conditions. Average data from the Alliance for Beverage Cartons and the Environment (www.ace.be) are used for the production of cartons for liquid food. The conversion uses global average data from Tetra Pak’s 2016 greenhouse gas report. The results include the effects of transporting raw materials to the processing industry and are based on European average statistics. The average modes and distances of ACE are used as a basis for the transport of the packaging material to the filling plant.
The pack is formed and filled using usual performance data and worldwide average statistics for electricity. The values for the end of the useful life are based on the average conditions of the European waste management from 2016 (www.ace.be), which assumes a recycling rate of 47% and an energy recovery rate of 29%. Landfilling was assumed for the remaining part. The cut-off method was used to model the end of use: for cardboard boxes that are sent for recycling or energy recovery, no environmental pollution or credits are taken into account. The values for the end of the useful life are based on the average conditions of the European waste management from 2016 (www.ace.be), which assumes a recycling rate of 47% and an energy recovery rate of 29%. Landfilling was assumed for the remaining part.
The cut-off method was used to model the end of use: for cardboard boxes that are sent for recycling or energy recovery, no environmental pollution or credits are taken into account. The values for the end of the useful life are based on the average conditions of the European waste management from 2016, which assumes a recycling rate of 47% and an energy recovery rate of 29%. Landfilling was assumed for the remaining part. The cut-off method was used to model the end of use: for cardboard suitcase boxes that are sent for recycling or energy recovery, no environmental pollution or credits are taken into account.
The biogenic carbon uptake of the material is shown separately in the results. This is an estimate of the amount of carbon in the box when it leaves the Tetra Pak facility. Growing plants take carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and store the carbon. When the cellulose fibres are processed into cardboard, the carbon becomes part of the cardboard. Biogenic carbon release includes the amount of carbon released at the end of the useful life if no recycling or energy recovery takes place (in these cases the cut-off method described above was used). For the net result, which includes both fossil and biogenic carbon dioxide, the carbon balance and the biogenic uptake and release of carbon must be taken into account.
The results are not exact but indicate orders of magnitude based on several simplifications. The exact carbon balance of packaging would require precise information on the material composition, the manufacturing location and the transport route (rail or road) to Tetra Pak. Common material characteristics were used as the basis for the calculation.
The parcel identification data and weights differ depending on the country-specific requirements and requirements for the protection of products. The carbon dioxide balance data will be adapted over time to the refined methodology and data collection.
The results are not intended to be used to make comparative claims in public. A corresponding use would contradict the requirements of the ISO standard.
The results are the product of an internal tool from Tetra Pak (CO2e Product Model Version 5, 2018). The Carbon Trust has certified the carbon impact of this product.
