Italian technology plast / October 2024 |
Milan , Italy , 16 May 2024 –. The growing awareness of environmental issues by consumers and enterprises started the transition to materials which are perceived as more sustainable than plastics . A new study conducted by the AWARE research group ( Assessment on WAste and REsources ) of Politecnico di Milano , recently published in Waste Management & Research : The Journal for a Sustainable Circular Economy , examines the real sustainability of packaging materials . The group analysed 53 peer-reviewed Life Cycle Assessment ( LCA ) studies published in the 2019- 2023 period . The aim was to fully understand the impacts of packaging on the environment by comparing plastics with alternative materials . In today ’ s retail industry , plastic packaging continues to play a crucial role in several segments , especially in the food sector , which accounts for more than half of total packaging sales . Contrary to common perception , the study revealed that conventional plastics may not be the least environment-friendly choice in all cases . Bioplastics , in particular , are emerging as a viable alternative in terms of climate change and the depletion of fossil resources . However , other categories of environmental impact highlight some disadvantages , indicating that there is no one-size-fitsall solution . In addition , the use of glass , although it may seem more sustainable , involves challenges related to |
its weight , which affects performance not only during production but also in the transport phase . While reusing glass can be an environmental improvement , it must be done under certain precise conditions in order to make it more costeffective than conventional plastic . When it comes to metals , such as aluminium , the comparison with plastics is more balanced , especially in the beverage sector . However , there are opportunities for improvement here as well , such as focusing on reuse and limiting transport distances and the environmental loads associated with packaging reconditioning and washing . The examination of the LCA studies |
also identified opportunities for improvement for all the materials taken into consideration . Glass and metals could benefit from increased reuse , while bioplastics require optimisation in the production processes and end-of-life management . Importantly , a comprehensive assessment of the sustainability of packaging also needs an analysis of social and economic impacts . Only by considering the entire life cycle can we fully understand the implications of each packaging material . “ From over 50 studies examined , two fundamental aspects emerge ” explains Giovanni Dolci , researcher at the AWARE group . “ First of all , |
the choice between plastics and an alternative material is strongly dependent on the specific application as well as on the material ’ s properties . In parallel , many studies show methodological weaknesses that can affect the results of the comparison , such as the analysis of the effects on climate change without considering other potential impacts , or the analysis of unrealistic end-of-life packaging management scenarios .” “ Provided that it is used correctly , plastic is a material with excellent environmental performance thanks to its light weight , which allows it to be used in minimum quantities for each item , and to the optimisation of production processes compared to newer materials , such as bioplastics . However , we must not forget the two main critical issues , that is the production from fossil resources and above all the high propensity to abandon plastic in the environment , where it takes a very long time for degradation . The latter aspect is generally not included in LCAs such as those examined in our research ,” says Mario Grosso , professor of Waste Management and Treatment at Politecnico di Milano . In conclusion , while scientific research offers valuable insights into which materials may be most sustainable , it is crucial to carefully consider all aspects involved in the choice of packaging , from production to reuse and recycling , with a view to a more sustainable future for everyone . |
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