Packaging

01/09/09 Life-Cycle Analysis (LCA)

LCA attempts to predict the environmental burden of a specific product, system or service from its creation to final disposal. Many LCA studies comparing the environmental impact of different packaging systems have been completed, often with conflicting results. EUROPEN believes that the root of these differences is ideological, not factual.

LCA is not the same as life-cycle thinking: LCA is a tool usually resulting in a report or study; life-cycle thinking is a concept or approach--this is explained in more detail in a paper for downloading below.  EUROPEN has developed guidance for companies who wish to undertake an LCA as well as a review of LCA studies on packaging.

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Downloads

Understanding the Differences Between Life Cycle Thinking and Life Cycle Assessment

27/10/06

A one-page document explaining the differences between Life Cycle Thinking which is a concept, and Life Cycle Analysis which is an analytical tool.

A Review of LCA Studies

01/05/04

Review done by URS for EUROPEN of studies comparing the environmental effects of single-use and reusable packaging systems. According to the study, LCAs do not provide a single answer to the question of which system is environmentally preferable.

Life-Cycle Assessment: Guidance for Packaging Chain Companies

01/09/01

Practical guidelines that may be helpful when considering entering an LCA project.

Use of LCA As a Policy Tool in the Field of Sustainable Packaging Waste Management

01/09/99

Discussion Paper

Life-Cycle Analysis (LCA) at a glance

01/12/98

A one-page document stating what is meant by "LCA", and summarising its benefits, limitations, current application, role in policy-making and possible future use.

Policy Developments in Denmark and Germany seriously threaten packaging chain goal of continuous envirnomental improvement

01/01/01

Position paper in which EUROPEN wishes to alert policy makers, business leaders and opinion formers to the dangers of using LCA to distinguish between "good" and "bad" packaging systems and/or materials.