Vienna, Austria — On November 4, Mondi released the results of a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study that compared traditional plastic pallet packaging film with its new Advantage StretchWrap paper pallet packaging solution.
According to Mondi, LCA research is conducted by external consultants, conforms to ISO standards, and includes strict external review. It includes a brand new plastic stretch film, a 30% recycled plastic stretch film, a 50% recycled plastic stretch film, and Mondi's Advantage StretchWrap paper-based solution.
The company's Advantage StretchWrap is a patent-pending solution that uses lightweight paper grades that can stretch and prevent punctures during transportation and handling. LCA’s top-level survey results show that paper-based solutions perform better in several environmental categories compared to traditional plastic pallet packaging films.
The study measured 16 environmental indicators in the entire value chain, from the extraction of raw materials to the end of the material's useful life.
According to the LCA, Advantage StretchWrap reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 62% compared to virgin plastic film, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 49% compared with plastic stretch film made of 50% recycled content. Advantage StretchWrap's climate change and fossil fuel usage are also lower than plastic products.
The carbon footprint of Advantage StretchWrap is also lower than that of virgin plastic or plastic film with 30% or 50% recycled content. Studies have shown that stretched plastic films do perform better in terms of land use and freshwater eutrophication.
When all four options are recycled or incinerated, Mondi's Advantage StretchWrap has the least impact on climate change compared to the other three plastic options. However, when the paper-based pallet packaging film finally enters the landfill, its impact on the environment is greater than other films evaluated.
"Given the complexity of material selection, we believe that independent critical review is essential to ensure that LCA provides objective and reliable results, with a focus on the environmental benefits of each material. At Mondi, we will These results are used as part of the decision-making process," said Karoline Angerer, product sustainability manager for Mondi's kraft paper and paper bag business. "Our customers value our attention to detail and how we use EcoSolutions methods to collaborate in the development and design of sustainable solutions."
The full report can be downloaded on Mondi's website. In addition, the company will host a webinar detailing LCA during the 2021 Sustainable Packaging Summit on November 9.
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