Reusable takeaway packaging has significant potential to reduce the carbon footprint

For almost all types of packaging examined, it was found that reusable packaging can significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to the corresponding single-use plastic or paper containers. The study "Assessing Climate Impact: Reusable systems vs. Single-use takeaway packaging' was produced by Eunomia Research & Consulting and examined the greenhouse gas emissions associated with a wide range of common takeaway packaging, including cups, burger boxes, bowls, pizza. boxes and sushi containers, comparing disposable and reusable packaging in an optimized reuse system. Research has found that adopting reusable containers as part of a well-designed reuse system has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for most packaging options. The only exception was pizza boxes, which will likely need further design innovation to fully unlock the benefits of reuse. For example, even a 20 % reduction in the weight of a reusable pizza box—the equivalent of 85 grams—could tip the scales in favor of reuse.

- if you found a flaw in the article or have comments, please let us know.

You might be interested in...