Life cycle analysis of packaging and packaging materials

Environmental requirements from customers, authorities, and society are growing to address today's sustainability challenges related to climate and resources. In the packaging industry, companies are expected to understand the environmental impact and carbon footprint of their packaging and actively engage in improvement efforts.

Packaging is often part of circular systems with increasing demands for reuse and a significant share of recycling. Additionally, the weight and volume of the packaging should be minimized without compromising its main function, which is to protect the product.

Companies need to continuously evolve how their packaging can best contribute to environmental sustainability throughout the entire life cycle, from raw material extraction, production, use, recycling, to waste management. One lesson is that life cycle analysis is needed to identify which parts of the packaging life cycle have the greatest environmental impact and thus discover potential areas for improvement.

How We Work

RISE has extensive and diverse experience in life cycle analysis. The combination of packaging knowledge, LCA expertise, and deep technical competence makes us unique. We participate in life cycle analysis (LCA) in both national and international research projects, as well as in customized projects for clients and industry organizations within the packaging field.

We can help you quantify the environmental impact of a packaging from cradle to grave and identify improvement measures.

We conduct analyses in accordance with applicable standards and use various methods depending on the set goals:

Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) – a product's environmental impact
Carbon Footprint (CF) – a product's impact on climate
Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) – a product's environmental impact

Actions to reduce the environmental and climate impact in the life cycle of packaging must be done with respect for its content, the product. The environmental footprint of the product is often many times higher than that of its packaging, and the risk of increased product waste must be minimized.