2024 AIChE Annual Meeting
(566c) Reuse of Plastic Packaging - When, Where and How Should We be Doing It?
Authors
Rothman, R. - Presenter, University of Sheffield
Hoseini, M., University of Surrey
Walker, S., University of Sheffield
Greenwood, S., University of Sheffield
Webb, T., University of Sheffield
Baird, H., University of Sheffield
Ryan, T., University of Sheffield
Over 140 million tonnes of plastic packaging is produced annually around the world. The majority of this currently goes to waste, with a small amount being recycled, and around ⅓ leaves the managed waste system causing environmental harm and pollution. If some of this plastic packaging could be reused, the environmental impacts would be significantly less. Here we discuss the case studies of two major interdisciplinary projects: the UK based project Many Happy Returns that looks at take away containers, and the EU Horizon project Buddiepack, that investigates take away containers, refillable detergent bottles, trays for meat packing, catering trays for schools and “grab and go” take away. In each case, the break even point for global warming potential is calculated for the proposed reusable packaging - this indicates the number of times a reusable container must be used to be better than the single use equivalent. The impacts of packaging design are considered and the water usage evaluated. The break even points calculated are compared to the willingness of consumers to use worn containers.
Container lightweighting and use of renewable electricity are highlighted as key variables for environmental performance. The return rate of the container is particular important for the break even.