Material substitution can increase the potential environmental impact of packaging systems
New research suggests that replacing polyethylene (PE) packaging with paper, glass, aluminum or steel often does not reduce environmental impacts across a product's life cycle.
A recent study published in Environmental Impact Assessment Review suggests that replacing polyethylene (PE) packaging with alternative materials like paper, glass, aluminum, or steel may not necessarily reduce environmental impacts across a product's life cycle. Researchers from Michigan State University, Trayak, and ExxonMobil found that factors such as material quantity, transportation, packaging, recycling, reuse, and the package's ability to protect the product play a significant role in determining environmental performance.
The study evaluated five common packaging applications and found that switching to alternative materials could lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions, higher acidification impacts, and even greater freshwater eutrophication impacts. Additionally, the environmental footprint of the packaging itself should be considered, as it often accounts for more than half of the combined product-and-packaging environmental impact.
The authors emphasize that packaging plays a critical function in protecting the product, and any changes that increase product damage or waste could negate potential environmental benefits.
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