|
2011: Europe-wide life-cycle assessment for ambient NCSD packaging A 2011 Europe-wide life-cycle assessment analysing disposable PET bottles, disposable glass bottles and carton packs as packaging for non-carbonated soft drinks has confirmed that across all three main relevant packaging sizes (200-250ml; 1,000ml; 1,500ml), carton packs have an environmental profile that offers significant benefits particularly with respect to CO2 emission, use of fossil resources and consumption of primary energy. The assessment includes NCSD (non-carbonated soft drinks) packaging of the categories juices, nectars and still fruit drinks. The results are relevant for the European market and not limited to a particular country. The assessment has been conducted in accordance with the ISO 14040ff standard and the results have been critically reviewed by an independent panel of experts. In the 1-litre format, the packaging size with the greatest market relevance, carton packs generate 28 per cent less CO2, use 51 per cent less fossil resources, and consume 24 per cent less primary energy compared to monolayer PET bottles. The current, independently verified study carried out by the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research (IFEU) attributes the carton pack’s positive environmental profile largely to the good environmental performance of the main raw material, including its renewability and the resource-efficient use of materials. Already today, carton packs are manufactured up to 75 per cent from wood fibre, a natural, completely renewable and bio-based resource. |
Download short info LCA NCSD Europe