Evaluating the environmental impacts of bio-based packaging materials

Aim and goal

To interrogate methods for evaluating life cycle environmental impacts of bio-based packaging, with a view to making recommendations on best practice. This will ensure that the full spectrum of environmental pros and cons of bio-based materials are properly considered.

Challenge

The drive for a bio-based and circular economy is a strong platform for bio-based packaging. However, a lack of clear and consistent guidance for environmental evaluation of bio-based products and gaps in existing LCA methods may disadvantage these materials by failing to fully encompass some of their environmental benefits.

Solution

The team will undertake an independent review of the literature and test the methods for various environmental parameters most relevant to bio-based packaging. Based on the outcomes, we will provide recommendations for a robust set of decision-rules and methodologies for the life cycle evaluation of bio-based packaging.