Rambol research report shows that disposable paper packaging is more environmentally friendly than reusable tableware! This study shows that people generally believe that reusable tableware has little impact on the environment, but it is not!
The study, published by the European Paper Packaging Association (EPPA), shows that disposable paper food and beverage packaging used in European fast food restaurants is more environmentally friendly than reusable tableware.
The LCA was conducted by Ramboll, an independent consultant to the European Commission of Denmark, and has been certified by TUV in Germany.
The study used the latest raw data from the paper, packaging and food services industries to compare the environmental performance of one-time, reusable food and beverage containers used by fast food restaurants for major consumption.
Ramboll life cycle assessment (LCA) shows that the energy consumption involved in reusable plastic and traditional pottery use in the washing and drying process exceeds the environmental impact of disposable paper tableware. The main reports show that compared with disposable paper tableware, the CO2 emission of reusable tableware increased by 177%, freshwater consumption increased by 267%, the production of fine particles increased by 132%, fossil fuel consumption increased by 238%, and land acidification increased by 72%.
“The main problem with reusable items is that they consume a lot of energy and water during washing and drying to ensure their health and safety requirements and facilitate reuse by customers. This can also be confirmed by using the most effective dishwashing technology. This means that disposable paper tableware is better for the climate and will not aggravate water waste and other problems, and in many European countries, the problem of water shortage is becoming increasingly serious. ” Mr. Antonio D’Amato, director of the EPPA, said.
“Rambol’s research shows that preference for reusable tableware in fast food restaurants will have a significant adverse effect on climate change, freshwater consumption, fossil fuel consumption, fine particle formation and land acidification in Europe, compared to one-time tableware solutions,” said Hans van Schaik, managing director of EPPA
EPPA members produce and use existing disposable paper tableware in Europe, 100% of which are from sustainably managed forests. Paper and board are the highest recycling packaging materials in Europe, accounting for about 86% (Eurostat, 2017 data).
The EU Commission’s high priority green trading policy aims to achieve carbon neutralization by 2050 and insists on the adoption of product life cycle assessments to demonstrate its environmental performance before deciding the preferred direction. At present, key legislation on packaging and packaging waste and primary use of products are under development.
The LCA is ISO compliant and has been independently evaluated by German t? V. LCA studies have been carried out on a variety of uses of products over time, but Rambol’s LCA relies on major data from public institutions and the private sector rather than ancillary data from outdated databases, and Rambol’s LCA scope is unique.
TUV issued a valid certificate for strict review and noted that “all important parameters are available and representative and have been systematically derived and properly evaluated. All types of approvals have been checked. The assessment and the basic data collection and calculation procedures are transparent and traceable.
“Our research is based on the latest key data,” said Eric Le lay, vice president of EPPA. Although there is a common misunderstanding due to the lack of scientific evidence and systematic methods, it shows that reusable products can bring about a large environmental cost that is often forgotten, and that disposable food packaging can be very helpful for the environment, public health and the carbon emission standards set by the EU “.
“The study provides a scientific basis for how disposable board products can reduce carbon dioxide emissions and reduce the use of increasingly depleted water resources, and it is also worth noting that disposable tableware is generally healthier than reusable tableware from a consumer’s health and safety perspective,” said Risto auero, director of sales and EPPA.
Post time: Mar-12-2021