Comparative LCA study published in peer-reviewed journal (let’s discuss it at Interpack)

At Interpack 2025 (Düsseldorf, May 7-13) we will present the results of our LCA study published in Environmental Impact Assessment Review.
We conducted a Life Cycle Assessment (#LCA) on traditional vs mono-material flexible packaging structures for three applications: coffee (PET/AL/PE vs PP/PPHB met/PP cast), dried fruit (OPA/PE vs MDOPE/PE), cheese (PET/PE/EVOH/PE vs PPHB/PP cast).

The study, carried out by CIPACK research group (Interdepartmental Centre for Packaging) at University of Parma (Prof. Eng. Giuseppe Vignali, Eng. Roberta Stefanini) in collaboration with POPLAST R&D (Eng. @Gian Marco Ricci), applies ISO 14040/14044 methodology and EF 3.1 method with cradle-to-grave approach.

Recyclability and end-of-life scenarios Mono-material solutions achieve Recyclass Class B (recyclable, can feed closed-loop).

Traditional multilayer structures result in Class E/F (non-recyclable, destined for incineration with energy recovery) or non-assessable due to aluminum >5μm.

This yields two scenarios based on COREPLA national data: With recyclable materials: 83% to recycling, 17% to landfill, 0% to incineration. With non-recyclable materials: 0% to recycling, 83% to incineration, 17% to landfill.

Quantified results (Climate Change) CO2 emission reduction using Poplast mono-material packaging:

  • Coffee: -68.5g CO2eq per package (-44%)
  • Dried fruit: -9.6g CO2eq per package (-25%)
  • Cheese: -3.9g CO2eq per package (-11%)

Conclusions

Raw material production accounts for 40-80% of total life cycle impact. Poplast mono-material solutions reduce this impact by eliminating aluminum and complex barriers, enabling end-of-life recycling vs incineration of traditional multilayer structures.

A more conservative scenario where recyclable films might not all be actually sent to recycling but partially to incineration (41.5% recycling – 41.5% incineration – 17% landfill) has been published in the prestigious international journal Environmental Impact Assessment Review 

Click here to read the full article

Further insights and data on the LCA analysis will follow. We are available for information, discussions, and technical deep-dives.

MEET US AT INTERPACK (Düsseldorf, May 7-13, 2025)

IMG: Environmental impact comparison: traditional PET/AL/PE structure vs PP mono-material (1kg coffee packaging). Source: LCA Study CIPACK-University of Parma