“Compelling climate case”: Reusable packaging can significantly reduce GHG emissions, finds study

05 Sep 2023 --- A study conducted by Eunomia Research & Consulting has shed light on the GHG emissions linked to takeaway packaging and the potential environmental benefits of adopting reusable containers. The study suggests that reusable containers could make a strong case for reducing climate impact when proper return and washing systems are implemented and optimized.

Titled “Assessing Climate Impact: Reusable Systems vs. Single-Use Takeaway Packaging,” the research was a collaborative effort between Zero Waste Europe, Reloop and Tomra. It delved into everyday takeaway packaging items, including cups, burger boxes, bowls, pizza boxes and sushi containers. It compared their environmental impact when used as single-use items versus integrated into a well-designed reusable system.

The study revealed each container’s breakeven point – the point at which reuse matches the carbon footprint of single-use – within a robust return system. It was determined that returning a bowl 13 times or a coffee cup six times was sufficient to break even. Beyond these thresholds, reusing these items would result in a net reduction in carbon emissions.

However, the researchers identified an exception for pizza boxes, which would require further design innovations to unlock reuse’s benefits. Even a modest 20% reduction in the weight of a reusable pizza box, equivalent to 85 grams, could tip the scales in favor of reuse, making it a more environmentally friendly option, the study authors found.

Joan Marc Simon, director and founder of ZWE, tells Packaging Insights: “From our previous work with Eunomia, we were able to ascertain that many materials face challenges in terms of decarbonization to fit within the 1.5 degree Celsius Paris Agreement targets. High GHG emissions are still related to the production phase of many materials like glass, aluminum and PET.”

The researchers found that innovation is needed for takeaway pizza boxes GHG emission reduction.“Our previous research already shows a clear climate benefit for reuse of single-use packaging. This new study brings a more granular and detailed look at the breakeven points for different reusable packaging formats. The good news is that most of them require fewer rotations than is often expected to achieve a GHG breakeven point compared to single-use packaging.”

Toward whose benefit?
In the previous LCA report, findings showed that LCAs can be easily manipulated to produce favorable outcomes for the parties commissioning them – regardless of the “independence” of the analysts. 

Building upon the recent evaluation of LCAs conducted by the organizations, with the study published today, they urge policymakers to mandate reuse targets as discussions commence shortly on the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations (PPWR).

“This piece adds to a growing body of research supporting the claim that reuse is key for the environmental, climate and circular economy European agendas. Therefore, the upcoming PPWR should include ambitious reuse targets to provide the legal security and political direction necessary to allow reuse to exploit its full potential,” shares Simon. 

Geir Sæther, senior vice president of Circular Economy and head of Tomra Reuse, emphasizes the company’s commitment to advancing sustainable solutions for reusable takeaway packaging. 

He states: “Based on our vision of Leading the Resource Revolution, Tomra feels obligated to contribute with attractive and efficient solutions for reusable takeaway packaging. Mainly based on the solutions’ potential to reduce GHG emissions, but also due to proven effects on litter reduction and contribution to a circular economy. These are all positive results of pushing the targeted packaging application up the waste hierarchy.”

Sæther reiterates that Tomra’s approach prioritizes well-designed systems to prevent potential negative environmental impacts. He says that winning the tender from Aarhus municipality recently to implement the world’s first-of-its-kind reuse system represents an opportunity for the company to further its circularity efforts.

Reusable relay
In July, members of the European Parliament met to vote on the PPWR, with the topic of reusables taking center stage. The European Environmental Bureau (EEB) disapproved of the voting results, which suggest politicians “aim to favor the throwaway packaging industry and undermine measures to curtail record levels of waste.” Reusable packaging adoption continues to divide the industry in terms of climate impact.

The EEB reported that the updated voting eliminated all reuse targets previously set for the hotel, restaurant and cafe sectors and all 2040 reuse targets across sectors. Other provisions removed in the PPWD revision were mandatory deposit return systems for beverages and “most of the measures to tackle unnecessary packaging,” says the EEB.

Packaging Insights also previously reported about leading suppliers being unconvinced by PPWR’s increased focus on reusables. “Refill and reuse could be the way to go,” Rachel Sheldon, sustainability and innovation manager at Greiner Packaging UK and Ireland, said, “but if you look at the carbon footprint and water usage for these systems, there’s a need for some single-use products.”

Annika Sundell, executive vice president for innovation and business development at Walki, echoed this concern: “We have seen in different LCAs that reusable packaging is not always the best option if you take a holistic view on sustainability.”

Meanwhile, global market researcher Innova Market Insights identified “Reusable revival” as a top packaging trend for 2023, finding that reusability is an important packaging-related purchasing consideration for nearly half (43%) global consumers.

“Unlocking the potential of smart reuse lies in crafting systems that harness our collective design experience, optimizing processes from design to deposit return, embracing reverse logistics and perfecting the art of washing. As we pave the way for the business of the future, let's ensure policies are in place to nurture and champion this transformative journey toward sustainability and innovation,” stresses Clarissa Morawski of Reloop.

By Radhika Sikaria