Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Sustainable Design of Packaging Materials

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Environmental Footprints of Packaging

Abstract

The development and production of products in a more sustainable way has received special attention in recent years. In particular, packaging products range from single materials with simple designs as well as complex ones that include different materials (cardboard, woody boards, paper, plastics, etc.). A comprehensive assessment of the environmental impacts of a product’s life cycle comprises functions from the extraction of raw materials to waste management and disposal (i.e., the life cycle-assessment perspective). Thus, the knowledge of the environmental impacts of packaging products used in a specific production sector is a factor of major importance not only with the aim of improving the environmental performance of products and/or processes but also to fulfill the requirements of the ecological/green products market. One of the most valid tools to assess and reduce the inherent environmental burdens associated with products is ecodesign or Design for the Environment (DfE). This methodology consists of applying environmental criteria to the development of a product and implies a change of how we regard that product. The assessment of environmental improvement of the product’s entire life cycle is also considered for a comprehensive analysis. To demonstrate the application of DfE in the ecodesign of packaging products, a wooden storage box was assessed. Different types of materials, such as timber, plywood, engineered woods, plastics, brads, hoods, and/or staples, can be considered in the manufacture process. This type of box is often used for packaging when mechanical resistance is required for heavy loads, long-term warehousing, or adequate rigidity. Moreover, when such a box is used in the food sector, its production chain must include fitosanitary thermal treatment. According to the assessment by means of DfE methodology, the relevance of the raw materials chosen, as well as their origin, can greatly influence the associated environmental burdens, which can also be confirmed quantitatively by LCA. Thus, a correct methodological adaptation of the concept of “eco-briefing” as a tool for communication among environmental technicians and designers, includes the simplification of the analytical tool used and the application of the life cycle-assessment methodology, which facilitates the environmental analysis, are required to obtain new formats of packaging materials designed within a sustainable perspective.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
eBook
USD 16.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 119.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Notes

  1. 1.

    http://www.carbontrust.com/media/5888/cts287-coca-cola.pdf.

  2. 2.

    http://www.ecoinvent.org/database/.

References

  • Antón A, de León WE, Raya V et al (2008) Life cycle assessment applied to tomato production in the Canary Islands. In: The 6th international conference on LCA in the agri-food sector. Zurich, 12–24 Nov 2008

    Google Scholar 

  • Aoe T (2007) Eco-efficiency and ecodesign in electrical and electronic products. J Clean Prod 15(5):1406–1414

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Baumann H, Tillman AM (2004) The Hitch Hilker’s guide to LCA. An orientation in life cycle assessment methodology and application. Studentlitteratur, Lund. ISBN 9144023642

    Google Scholar 

  • Bhamra TA (2004) Eco-design: the search for development new strategies in product. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Part B. Int J Eng Science 218(5): 557–569

    Google Scholar 

  • Bovea MD, Vidal R (2004) Materials selection for sustainable product design: a case study of wood based furniture eco-design. Mater Des 25:111–116

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bovea MD, Gallardo A (2006) The influence of impact assessment methods on materials selection for eco-design. Mater Des 27(3):209–215

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Büsser S, Jungbluth N (2009) The role of flexible packaging in the life cycle of coffee and butter. Int J Life Cycle Ass 14(Suppl 1):S80–S90

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Casamayor JL, Su S (2013) Integration of eco-design tools into the development of eco-lighting products. J Clean Prod 47:32–42

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Charter M, Tischner U (2001) Sustainable solutions: developing products and services for the future (Sheffield. Greenleaf Publishing, UK

    Google Scholar 

  • Crul MRM, Diehl JC (2006) Design for sustainability. TU DELF & UNEP, A practical approach for Developing economies

    Google Scholar 

  • European Bioplastics (2015) http://en.european-bioplastics.org/

  • European Council (1994) Directive 94/62/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 Dec 1994 on packaging and packaging waste

    Google Scholar 

  • European Council (1997) Decision 97/129/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 Jan 1997 on the identification system for packaging materials

    Google Scholar 

  • European Council (2004) Directive 2004/12/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 Feb 2004 amending Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste—statement by the Council, the Commission and the European Parliament

    Google Scholar 

  • European Council (2005) Directive 2005/20/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 Mar 2005 amending the Directive 94/62/EC on packaging and packaging waste

    Google Scholar 

  • European Council (2009) Regulation (EC) No 219/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 Mar 2009 adapting a number of instruments subject to the procedure referred to in Article 251 of the Treaty to Council Decision 1999/468/EC with regard to the regulatory procedure with scrutiny—adaptation to the regulatory procedure with scrutiny—Part Two

    Google Scholar 

  • Ferrao P, Amaral J (2006) Design for recycling in the automobile industry: new approaches and new tools. J Eng Design 5:447–462

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Finkbeiner M, Hoffmann R, Ruhland K et al (2006) Application of life cycle assessment for the environmental certificate of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Int J Life Cycle Ass 11:240–246

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Franklin Associates (2014) Impact of plastics packaging on life cycle energy consumption & greenhouse gas emissions in the United States and Canada. Substitution Analysis. Franklin Associates, A Division of Eastern Research Group (ERG). CLIENTS\ACC\KC142527. 143 p

    Google Scholar 

  • Gazulla C, Fullana P, Bala A (2007) ECOTOYS—ecodesign of electric and electronic toys. SETAC Europe 17th annual meeting. Porto (Portugal)

    Google Scholar 

  • González-García S, Hospido A, Moreira MT et al (2010) Life cycle assessment of raw materials for non-wood pulp mills: Hemp and flax. Resour Conserv Recy 54:923–930

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • González-García S, Silva FJ, Moreira MT et al (2011a) Combined application of LCA and eco-design for the sustainable production of wood boxes for wine bottles storage. Int J Life Cycle Ass 16(3):224–237

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • González-García S, Gasol CM, García Lozano R et al (2011b) Assessing the global warming potential of wooden products from the furniture sector to improve their ecodesign. Sci Tot Environ 410:16–25

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • González-García S, Garcia Lozano R, Buyo P et al (2012a) Eco-innovation of a wooden based modular social playground: Application of LCA and DfE methodologies. J Clean Prod 27:21–31

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • González-García S, Garcia Lozano R, Moreira MT et al (2012b) Eco-innovation of a wooden childhood furniture set: An example of environmental solutions in the wood sector. Sci Tot Environ 426:318–326

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • González-García S, Garcia Lozano R, Estévez J et al (2012c) Environmental assessment and improvement alternatives of a ventilated wooden wall from LCA and DfE perspective. Int J Life cycle Ass 17(4):432–443

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • González-García S, Castanheira E, Dias AC et al (2013a) Using LCA methodology to assess UHT milk production in Portugal. Sci Tot Environ 442:225–234

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • González-García S, Castanheira E, Dias AC et al (2013b) Environmental life cycle assessment of a dairy product: the yoghurt. Int J Life Cycle Ass 18:795–811

    Google Scholar 

  • González-García S, Bonnesoeur V, Pizzi A et al (2013c) Comparing environmental impacts of different forest management scenarios for maritime pine biomass production in France. J Clean Prod 64:356–367

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gottberg A, Morris J, Pollard S et al (2006) Producer responsibility, waste minimisation and the WEEE directive: case studies in eco-design from the European lighting sector. Sci Tot Environ 359(1–3):38–56

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Guinée JB, Gorrée M, Heijungs R et al (2001) Life cycle assessment. An operational guide to the ISO standards. Centre of Environmental Science, Leiden

    Google Scholar 

  • IDEMAT database (2001) Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering of Delft University of Technology. The Netherlands

    Google Scholar 

  • Jungbluth N, Tietje O, Scholz RW (2000) Food purchases: impacts from the consumers’ point of view investigated with a modular LCA. Int J Life Cycle Ass 5(3):134–142

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jungmeier G, Werner F, Jarnehammar A et al (2002) Allocation in LCA of wood-based products. Experiences of cost action E9. Part I. Methodology. Int J Life Cycle Ass 7(5): 290–294

    Google Scholar 

  • Karlsson R, Luttropp C (2006) EcoDesign: what’s happening? An overview of the subject area of EcoDesign and of the papers in this special issue. J Clean Prod 14(15–16):1291–1298

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Koreneos C, Roumbas G, Gabari Z et al (2005) Life cycle assessment of beer production in Greece. J Clean Prod 13:433–439

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kurczewski P, Lewandowska A (2010) ISO 14062 in theory and practice—ecodesign procedure. Part 2: practical application. Int J Life Cycle Ass 15:777–784

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lewandowska A, Kurczewski P (2010) ISO 14062 in theory and practice—ecodesign procedure. Part 1: structure and theory. Int J Life Cycle Ass 15:769–776

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Madival S, Singh SP, Narayan R (2009) Assessment of the environmental profile of PLA, PET and PS clamshell containers using LCA methodology. J Clean Prod 17:1183–1194

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Marsh K, Bugusu B (2007) Food packaging—roles, materials, and environmental issues. Scientific status summary. J Food Sci 72(3):39–55

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mathieux F, Rebitzer G, Ferrendier S et al (2001) Ecodesign in the European electr(on)ics industry—an analysis of the current practices based on cases studies. J Sustain Prod Des 1(4):233–245

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McDonough W, Braungart M, Anastas PT et al (2003) Applying the principles of green engineering to cradle-to-cradle design. Environ Sci Technol 37:434A–441A

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Meyhoff Fry J, Edwards C (2011) Life cycle assessment of supermarket carrier bags: a review of the bags available in 2006. Report SC030148. Environment Agency, Feb 2011. 120 p

    Google Scholar 

  • Moralejo-Gárate H, Palmeiro-Sánchez T, Kleerebezem R et al (2013) Influence of the cycle length on the production of PHA and polyglucose from glycerol by bacterial enrichments in sequencing batch reactors. Biotechnol Bioeng 110(12):3148–3155

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Muñoz I, Rieradevall J, Domenech X et al (2006) Using LCA to assess eco-design in the automotive sector—case study of a polyolefinic door panel. Int J Life Cycle Ass 11(5):323–334

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nedermark R (1998) Ecodesign at Bang & Olufsen in product innovation and eco-efficiency. In: Klostermann J, Tukker A (eds) Twenty-three industry efforts to reach the factor 4. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht

    Google Scholar 

  • Peças P, Ribeiro I, Silva A et al (2013) Comprehensive approach for informed life cycle-based materials selection. Mater Des 43:220–232

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • PRé Consultants (2014) http://www.pre.nl

  • Ramani K, Ramanujan D, Bernstein WZ et al (2010) Integrated sustainable life cycle design: a review. J Mech Desing 132(9):1–15

    Google Scholar 

  • Ribeiro I, Peças P, Silva A et al (2008) Life cycle engineering methodology applied to material selection, a fender case study. Mater Design 16:1887–1899

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ribeiro I, Peças P, Henriques E (2013) A life cycle framework to support materials selection for ecodesign: a case study on biodegradable polymers. Mater Des 51:300–308

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rivela B, Moreira MT, Bornhardt C et al (2004) Life cycle assessment as a tool for the environmental improvement of the tannery industry in developing countries. Environ Sci Technol 38(6):1901–1909

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rivela B, Moreira MT, Feijoo G (2007) Life cycle inventory of medium density fibreboard. Int J Life Cycle Ass 12:143–150

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ross S, Evans D (2003) The environmental effect of reusing and recycling a plastic-based packaging system. J Clean Prod 11:561–571

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ruhland K, Finkbeiner M, Griesser S et al (2004) Process and tools to support design for environment at Mercedes Car Group. In: 4th International Automobile Recycling Conference, Geneva (Switzerland)

    Google Scholar 

  • Sanyé E, Oliver-Solá J, Gasol CM et al (2012) Life cycle assessment of energy flow and packaging use in food purchasing. J Clean Prod 25:51–59

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sanyé-Mengual E, Garcia Lozano ER, Oliver-Solá J et al (2014a) Eco-design and product carbon footprint use in the packaging sector. In: Muthu SS (ed) Assessment of carbon footprint in different industrial sectors, vol 1. Springer, Singapore

    Google Scholar 

  • Sanyé-Mengual E, Pérez-López P, González-García S et al (2014b) Eco-designing the use phase of products in sustainable manufacturing. J Ind Ecol 18:545–557

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sanyé-Mengual E, Garcia Lozano R, Farreny R et al (2014c) Introduction to the Eco-design methodology and the role of product carbon footprint. In: Muthu SS (ed) Assessment of carbon footprint in different industrial sectors, vol 1. Springer, Singapore, pp 1–24

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Siracusa V, Rocculi P, Romani S et al (2008) Biodegradable polymers for food packaging: a review. Trend Food Sci Tech 18:634–643

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Smith J, Wyatt R (2006) Project inception: a performance brief approach. In: Proceedings of CRIOCM 2006 international research symposium on advancement of construction management and real estate, vol 1 and 2, pp 29–38

    Google Scholar 

  • Spitzley DV, Keoleian GA, McDaniel JS (1997) Life cycle design of milk and juice packaging. Environmental Protection Agency. Center for Research Information. EPA/600/SR-97/082

    Google Scholar 

  • Tischner U, Nickel R (2003) Eco-design in the printing industry life cycle thinking: implementation of eco-design concepts and tools into the routine procedures of companies. J Sustain Prod Design 3(1–2):19–27

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Todd J, Brown E, Wells E (2003) Ecological design applied. Ecol Eng 20(5):421–440

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tukker A, Haag E, Eder P (2000) Eco-design: European state of the art. Part I: Comparative analysis and conclusions. An ESTO project report Prepared for the European Commission—Joint Research Centre Institute for Prospective Technological Studies, Seville. Available at: http://ftp.jrc.es/EURdoc/sps00140.pdf

  • Unger N, Schneider F, Salhofer S (2008) A review of ecodesign and environmental assessment tools and their appropriateness for electrical and electronic equipment. Prog Ind Ecol Int J 5(1–2):13–29

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Van Hemel CG (1998) Ecodesign empirically explored D. U. of Technology, ed., TU Delft

    Google Scholar 

  • Zust R, Wirnmer W (2004) Eco-design pilot—methods and tools to improve the environmental performance in product design. Tools Methods Competitive Eng 1&2:67–72

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors (S. González-García, G. Feijoo and M.T. Moreira) belong to the Galician Competitive Research Group GRC 2013-032, programme co-funded by FEDER. Dr. Sara González-García would like to express her gratitude to the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitivity (Grant reference JCI-2012-11898) for financial support.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemical Engineering, Institute of Technology, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain

    Sara González-García, Gumersindo Feijoo & Maria Teresa Moreira

  2. Sostenipra (ICTA-IRTA-Inedit) (SGR1412)-Institut de Ciència i Tecnologia Ambientals (ICTA), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Spain

    Esther Sanye-Mengual, Pere Llorach-Masana, Xavier Gabarrell & Joan Rieradevall

  3. ELISAVA Barcelona School of Design and Engineering, Barcelona, Spain

    Pere Llorach-Masana

  4. Department of Chemical Engineering (XRB), UAB, Bellaterra, Spain

    Joan Rieradevall

Authors
  1. Sara González-García
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Esther Sanye-Mengual
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Pere Llorach-Masana
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Gumersindo Feijoo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Xavier Gabarrell
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Joan Rieradevall
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Maria Teresa Moreira
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Maria Teresa Moreira .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Manhattan Centre 8/F, Global Sustainability Services SGS Hong Kong Limited, Hong Kong, Hong Kong

    Subramanian Senthilkannan Muthu

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2016 Springer Science+Business Media Singapore

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

González-García, S. et al. (2016). Sustainable Design of Packaging Materials. In: Muthu, S. (eds) Environmental Footprints of Packaging. Environmental Footprints and Eco-design of Products and Processes. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-287-913-4_2

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation