Reusable containers for fruit and vegetables result in no less than 60% lower CO2 emissions than cardboard packaging. This is the conclusion of an extensive European study commissioned by the German organization Stiftung Initiative Mehrweg (SIM).
14.5 tonnes compared with 37.7 tonnes
In the study, the scientists compared the CO2 emissions of one-off cardboard boxes (CB = cardboard boxes) with reusable plastic containers (RPC = reusable plastic containers). They assumed the transport of 1,000 tonnes of fruit and vegetables. When using reusable packaging, the emissions amounted to 14.5 tonnes. When using cardboard packaging, CO2 emissions amounted to 37.7 tonnes (see figure). The emissions from using reusable packaging are much lower per rotation.In the comparison between the packaging systems, the scientists included the production of the material, its life cycle and its disposal. They based this on actual transport distances in Germany, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and France. The research was carried out according to the requirements of ISO 14040/44. These international standards focus mainly on the process of performing an LCA (Life Cycle Assessment). This means, among other things, that a committee of independent experts assessed the study.
For more information, read the short summary of the survey on the website.
For more information:
Annemieke van der Heijde
Tel.: +31 6 2563 2470