What’s the best packaging for the planet?

A new full Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) challenges the common perception that reusable tableware has lower environmental impacts than single-use systems. EPPA – the European Paper Packaging Alliance – presented updated data as at the end of September 2021 which clearly reconfirms the very significant benefits of single-use tableware compared with plastic or traditional alternatives (ceramic, glass and metal). The LCA is ISO certified.

Two key factors explain these results: the energy and water consumption needed to wash and dry reusable tableware.
If the multi-use system studied were introduced across Europe, its environmental impact would be equivalent to adding
1 million extra petrol cars each year to Europe’s roads and would equal the freshwater needs of a city of 750,000 people.

EPPA Vice President and Seda CEO Antonio D’Amato commented: “The LCA study also shows that the advantages of paper-based items become even clearer when the recycling rate increases. For instance, freshwater consumption for reusable dishes increases from 3.4 to 228 times more than for paper-based items when recycling increases from 30% to 70%, which is still well below the European average. Alongside CO2 emissions, water stress is one of the most important emergencies across the European continent. Paper packaging in Europe is made from renewable raw materials sourced from sustainable and certified forests. Moreover, paper packaging is easily recyclable in Europe. Our goal is to contribute meaningfully to the decarbonisation of Europe and saving water is a global priority. The emphasis on reusables will only hinder our ability to reach these targets.”