Comparative Life Cycle Analysis between Loopipak and Single-Use Plastic Packaging

Compare to Choose Better

Measure and Calculate

This article presents the results of a life cycle analysis comparing Loopipak to single-use plastic packaging. This analysis is particularly relevant for packaging used in the delivery of textile products, for example.

Assumptions

This analysis is conducted following the ISO 14040/2017 standard. It includes a series of assumptions mentioned below.

Therefore, the comparison provides an approximate magnitude. A precise analysis should be conducted for each specific case. Contact us to estimate the impact in your own situation.

What is the impact on CO2 emissions?

Loopipak reduces CO2 (and equivalent) emissions by a factor of 13. The emissions are reduced by at least 13 times.

What is the Overall Environmental Impact?

Using Loopipak reduces the environmental impact of plastic bags by more than 200 times.

How Many Reuses of Loopipak are Expected?

This life cycle analysis assumes that Loopipak is reused an average of 100 times. Repairs are possible, with a full replacement after 100 uses.

What If I Lose Reusable Packaging?

If you unfortunately lose more than 4 out of 5 packages, the use of Loopipak has a negative impact. If the return cannot be organized more efficiently, you should continue to use single-use packaging.

Is the Impact of Packaging Return Considered in the LCA?

Loopipak needs to be returned to be reused. The impact of this return is considered in this generic analysis. A return trip by van over an average distance of 100 km is considered.

How is the Environmental Impact Calculated?

Our life cycle analysis compares different packages on multiple parameters:

• Consumption of resources (non-renewable primary energy)
• CO2 emissions (or equivalents)
• Impact on ecosystem quality
• Acidification (aquatic)
• Impact on human health (respiratory effects)

We average the first two parameters for the "consumption" dimension and the last three for the "ecosystems and health" dimension.

The occupied surface area by the alternatives is then compared to quantify the improvement.

What If I Use My Own Delivery Service on an Existing Route?

If your organization already plans internal transport that can handle the return of Loopipak, its use can reduce CO2 emissions by more than 80 times!

Other Assumptions Made

• Recycling rate of the material for single-use packaging: 50%
• Packaging dimensions: 60cm x 30cm
• Cleaning of reusable packaging: manual washing with cold water
• End of life of compared packaging: incineration and energy recovery

Conducting the LCA

This LCA was conducted by Positive Transition srl ([email protected]).