Life Cycle Assessment study shows yet another decrease in the carbon footprint of metal packaging in Europe
30 September 2016
Life Cycle Assessment study shows yet another decrease in the carbon footprint of metal packaging in Europe
Empac, European Metal Packaging, the association bringing together European producers of rigid metal packaging and their supply chain partners, today published the results of its latest Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study. It identifies the average environmental impact(s) of the life cycle of metal packaging products manufactured in Europe. As such, the report showcases the industry’s contribution to sustainable development, which is perfectly aligned with circular economy thinking.
The LCA – which is ISO 14040/44 compliant - uses 2013 data, provided by the leading can makers and their suppliers, and covers the aerosol, food, general line, and speciality sectors. It was conducted by RDC Environment, an independent international consultancy firm based in Brussels, and peer-reviewed by Solinnen, a Paris-based consultancy company specialised in LCA practices.
The study shows a further improvement in the metal packaging industry’s environmental positioning. Compared to the 2006 data set, there is a solid reduction in the carbon footprint for steel and rigid aluminium packaging amounting to 20% and 39% respectively. The reduction in CO2- equivalent is mainly attributable to three factors:
• The increased amounts of green energy used in the energy mix for the packaging
manufacturing process,
• The higher average European metal recycling rates being achieved, and
• A reduction in the raw materials required per unit leading to a lower average packaging
weight.
Amongst other indicators, the study also measures the net water consumption, which is a key component when assessing a product’s environmental footprint. The results confirm that metal packaging reduced the impact on water depletion by an impressive 60% per average unit of steel packaging between 2006 and 2013. Can light weighting, in combination with improvements in the manufacturing process, are the main contributors to the significant reduction in water depletion.
“The Empac environmental scorecard demonstrates that metal packaging continues to focus on using resources and materials in the most efficient and sustainable manner possible. We are pleased with the latest results, but will continue to set ambitious targets for the future,” said Ellen Wauters, Senior Communications & Industry Manager of Empac. “We would also emphasise that, while Life Cycle Assessments are the most recognised methodology for measuring environmental performance, they do not measure packaging functionality nor do they take into account the permanent nature of metals. Indeed, steel and aluminium are infinitely recycled without any loss of quality. Through recycling, their value is retained forever, making it available today and for future generations.”
The following Empac members participated in the updated scorecard by submitting their 2013 data:
Ardagh Group, Blechwaren Limburg, Colep, Crown, Glud & Marstrand, HUBER Packaging, Massilly, Mivisa, New Box, Pack2Pack, Sarten, Silgan Metal Packaging, along with APEAL and European Aluminium, which represent European manufacturers of steel and aluminium respectively. Overall, 74 can manufacturing sites from 16 countries were involved.
