Assessment of the environmental break-even point for deposit return systems through an LCA analysis of single-use and reusable cups

Abstract

Assessment of the environmental break-even point for deposit return systems through an LCA analysis of single-use and reusable cups Journal Pre-proof Assessment of the environmental break-even point for deposit return systems through an LCA analysis of single-use and reusable cups

Sustainability performance of polyethylene terephthalate, clarifying challenges and opportunities

“…This environmental breakeven point for reusable cups is dependent on washing location and transportation distance. In this study both PP and PET showed the best environmental performance 22 …”

“…Furthermore, it is notable that the energy cost per package as well as the carbon footprint has continued in a favorable reduction of 50% over the last decade with it possible for industry to produce more than 150 0.5 L bottles with 1 kg of PET where in 2010 70 to 80 was typical 1,2 . While the studies referenced here are recent, PET was generally analyzed at container weights that are historically heavy or otherwise leave room for improvement, meaning the analysis was a conservative under prediction, whether of single‐use cup performance, 22 or the various bottle studies. Lightweighting has less room for improvement in aluminum or glass.…”

“…Furthermore, most LCAs do not include the generation of ocean plastic or microplastics 13,14,18,19,22,126–129 . This can be in part due to how difficult and recent the observation of microplastics is and the remaining uncertainty of their impact on the environment 130 .…”

Environmental payback periods of reusable alternatives to single-use plastic kitchenware products

“…This means some consumers might be inaccurately thinking they are making the most sustainable choices when another alternative is environmentally preferable. Currently, there are many LCA studies on everyday consumer products such as plastic carrier bags (Edwards, 1998;Greene, 2011;Kimmel et al, 2014;Bisinella, 2018), disposable cups (Openbare, 2006;Ligthart & Ansems , 2007;Van der Harst & Potting, 2013, Cottafava, D. et al, 2020, plates (Postacchini et al, 2016), milk bottles (Keoleian & Spitzley, 1999), take-away containers (Madival, S. et al, 2009;Accorsi et al, 2014;Bortolini, M. et al, 2018;Gallego-Schmidt et al, 2019) and other food packaging options (Franklin Associates, 2018). These papers demonstrate the complexity of product sustainability, the nuances of the environmental impact of reusable items, and the number of factors and behaviors results are dependent on.…”

Improvement of Packaging Circularity through the Application of Reusable Beverage Cup Reuse Models at Outdoor Festivals and Events

“…The majority of authors agree that reuse of packaging has a huge potential for environmental impact reduction through the decreased need of materials, especially virgin or primary materials, when the reuse systems are well developed and function sustainably [17,24].…”