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Title
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Estimation of the energy needs in life cycle analysis of one-way and returnable glass packaging
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Author
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Abstract
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| The current position on the environmental advantages offered by returnable versus one-way glass packages is discussed. The energy needs of both options are considered as important parameters. A critical concept in the published LCA studies is the breakage rate, which serves to estimate the number (n) of returns that a functional unit of bottles can perform. Normally the energy of production of the glass (E) is divided by n. The authors consider this concept too theoretical and for long-term situations demonstrate that, in all LCA calculations, an energy value equal to 2E/n should be used. This value is useful in calculating the break-even point. The paper summarizes the effect of different breakage rates and distribution distances on the break-even point. It is clear that, for breakage rates below 5%, returnable glass bottles remain competitive and advantageous, even for quite long distribution distances. The methology proposed should be applicable to other materials. |
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Language
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English
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Source (journal)
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Packaging technology and science
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Publication
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1999
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DOI
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10.1002/(SICI)1099-1522(199909/10)12:5<235::AID-PTS474>3.0.CO;2-W
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Volume/pages
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12
:5
(1999)
, p. 235-239
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Full text (Publisher's DOI)
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Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
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