Eco-efficiency analysis of an innovative packaging production: case study

The article presents a two-dimensional comparison of the alternative manufacturing processes of laminates used in food industry packaging. The main aim of the presented study was an assessment of potential environmental impacts occurring during the production of two-layer laminates containing a patented polypropylene film Metallyte™ 28UBW-ES and the hitherto used pap/LDPE/Al/LDPE multilayer laminates. The environmental assessment was supplemented by a cost calculation with special regard to the investment required for the production of the two-layer laminates. In the research both the life cycle assessment and the life cycle cost methods were applied. Based upon the obtained environmental impact indicator and the discounted costs the eco-efficiency indicator was determined. The results of the comparative analysis are shown on a two-dimensional eco-efficiency diagram. Based on the conducted study it was found that replacement of traditional packaging materials by laminates containing the Metallyte™ 28UBW-ES structure is justified. This is illustrated by a higher eco-efficiency indicator. The difference in the costs between the manufacturing processes under analysis is relatively small. However, when it comes to the environmental impact, there is a clear disproportion in favor of the two-layer laminates.