LCA of foamed packaging

Port-hole spacers for washing machines are mainly made from expanded polystyrene. Researchers at Novamont in Italy performed a life cycle assessment (LCA) on a prototype developed in a research project by applying a biodegradable plastic expanded by means of microwave technology.
Life cycle assessment results indicate that the prototype is characterized by a lower consumption of non-renewable energy resources (-50%) and lower greenhouse gas emissions (-60%) compared to the benchmark (expanded polystyrene packaging). This was mainly due to the use of a renewable feedstock (starch). An article about the research is published in the Journal of Cleaner Production.
Click here for an abstract of the article.

If you have any questions about this subject, please contact us: info@nvc.nl, +31-(0)182-512411. This item is also included in our monthly overview, the NVC Members-only Update.