Single-use versus reuse: Orbis launches packaging LCA tool for footprint detection and reduction

17 Oct 2023 --- German plastic supplier Orbis Europe is launching a packaging life-cycle assessment (PLCAs) tool that uses data-based analysis to compare different single-use and reusable packaging solutions. The tool aims to support companies in evaluating the environmental impact of reusable packaging, according to the company. 

PLCA tools calculate the impact of packaging in individual phases of its life cycle — from resource extraction to end-of-life, to reduce supply chain footprints. 

Thomas Estock, director of sustainability at Orbis, tells Packaging Insights that the PLCA tool provides a conduit for education and awareness, and begins a dialogue for stakeholder collaboration. 

“By adopting and implementing a balanced approach between sound business management and sound sustainability management, significant cost savings and avoidance coupled with no adverse impacts to operations, quality and the environment can be realized.”

“Orbis works with our supply chain to provide our customer commitments, market trends and our sustainability management programs and expectations through a Supplier Code of Conduct, Sustainability Surveys and Key Performance Indicator metrics,” says Estock.

The tool enables informed decision-making based on product offerings and materials. “Green” supply chains
Estock asserts that the collaboration allows all stakeholders to participate, develop and implement creative solutions and products that deliver holistic value. 

The Orbis tool can help detect and reduce environmental impacts such as GHG emissions, water consumption, energy consumption and waste. Relevant primary data on trip distance, product weight, the current packaging and more provided by the customer is entered into the calculator.

The tool uses the International Organization for Standardization’s LCA methodology and life-cycle data provided by a third-party LCA research firm. When implemented by companies in appropriate scenarios, reusable plastic packaging can help reduce the environmental impact of supply chains, finds Orbis.

“The PLCA tool provides information and data to customers to understand, document and improve upon their sustainability initiatives while leading to opportunities to minimize their impact and to make informed decisions while comparing different product offerings and materials (e.g., virgin resin vs. recycled content resin vs. wood) based on their specific business strategy and goals,” explains Estock.

“PCLA measures the impact of packaging through every phase of its life, from natural resource extraction to end-of-life. By comparing reusable and single-use transport packaging, Orbis applies data-driven analysis to help customers reduce their overall environmental impact in terms of GHG emissions, water usage, solid waste and energy usage in addition to total energy consumption, acidification, eutrophication, smog and ozone depletion.”

Understanding environmental effects
Due to its durable and easy-to-repair design, the tool can be used repeatedly. At the end of its life, plastic packaging is recycled, which flows back into new packaging production to conserve natural resources. 

“Companies must understand the environmental impacts of their decisions if they are to shrink their environmental footprint,” asserts the sustainability director.

The circular economy is more than just recycling. “It’s about keeping products and materials at their highest utility and value for as long as possible,” highlights Estock. 

“At Orbis, we help and support the circular economy and companies as they move their goods throughout the supply chain with our creative and innovative reusable and sustainable packaging solutions and services, like containers, distribution pallets, racks, picking totes and reusable packaging management,” he concludes. 

By Natalie Schwertheim