EPPA urges EU Green Deal rethink after LCA finds single-use packaging trumps reusables

28 Jun 2022 --- The European Paper Packaging Alliance (EPPA) is urging the European Commission to revise the stipulations in its Green Deal after a new meta-analysis found single-use paper-based packaging is more environmentally sustainable than reusable formats.

The findings are the conclusion of a new Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)  by renowned engineering consultancy Ramboll. The analysis, which examined 26 scientific studies, shows that reuse systems impose exclusive additional burdens on the environment compared to single-use, related to additional washing, take-back transportation and breakage and unit loss associated with takeaway. 

The results show that climate change is the most affected impact category when implementing reuse in takeaway services and that reusable tableware can also significantly impact water use.

Roxana Moldovan, a spokesperson for the EPPA, tells PackagingInsights the results “came as no surprise.” 

“Taking into consideration the initial results of the LCA on in-store dining in quick-service restaurants, which revealed that paper-based packaging delivers a ‘very significant benefit’ for most of the environmental categories assessed.”  

“The reusable system generates 2.8 times more CO2-equivalent emissions and consumes 3.4 times more freshwater.” Forcing food outlets to implement reuse systems for paper-based packaging could harm the environment, finds Ramboll.

Changing regulations
The EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive is set to be revised this year with an emphasis on refillable and reusable formats. The EPPA is using the results of this new meta-study to pressure the European Commission (EC) to withdraw its commitments given the data.

Antonio D’Amato, vice president of the EPPA, stresses, “Once again, rigorous scientific data analysis shows how the current emphasis on making reusable packaging mandatory merely hinders Europe’s ability to achieve vital environmental goals.” 

“Water saving is an important part of the Ramboll study data, and reusable packaging significantly increases freshwater consumption. Water stress is a critical global priority, as evidenced in Europe again by drought.” 

Moldovan also says that the EPPA “fully supports the revision of the EU packaging rules as it is necessary to achieve the EU’s 2050 climate goals. However, such a revision must be based on scientific evidence. Tackling climate change shouldn’t rest upon opinions, but facts and science.” 

“The study Ramboll has carried out shows that reusable packaging is more burdensome on the environment than single-use paper packaging, in terms of water and energy consumption – this must be taken into account.”Recycling systems require less water and transportation than reuse, finds the study.

“Recyclability is crucial for freshwater preservation as the higher the recycling rate, the lower the rate of freshwater consumption over the full product life cycle. At a time of dramatic water scarcity, this is food for thought.” 

“We hope that the EC will take the study into account and promote reusable packaging only when and if it achieves the best environmental outcome. If it is not the case, single-use paper packaging should always be preferred.” 

LCA reliability 
Despite the results of this meta-analysis, many people question the viability of LCAs as such studies can produce varying results. Paul Foulkes-Arellano, a circularity educator for UK-based consultancy firm Circuthon, tells PackagingInsights that “LCA results always favor the companies or people that commission them.” 

However, Moldovan disputes this, saying: “Ramboll is an independent and prominent engineering consultancy which frequently carries out studies for the EC. It has been applauded by the Commission itself for its independent research and the quality of its reports.” 

“We have commissioned Ramboll to carry out the LCA study, it is true, but we have not impeded its research process, suggested any answer or pressured the researchers in any kind or form.”

“We would have been just as happy to see the Commission sponsor such a study.”

By Louis Gore-Langton