Huhtamaki welcomes the latest scientific evidence on the environmental impacts of reusable packaging in takeaway services

Huhtamaki has welcomed the conclusions of a new report, which reviews 26 scientific studies comparing the environmental impact of single-use packaging vs. reusable tableware used in takeaway settings.

Conducted by Ramboll, a leading global engineering, design and consultancy company, the ‘meta-analysis’ of 26 previous scientific studies concludes that the additional and specific burdens of reusable tableware, when used for takeaway food and beverages, makes it far less sustainable than paper-based single-use tableware. The reasons for this are the energy and water required for sanitization, together with the impacts of take-back transport and the breakage rates associated with takeaway systems.

Previous Life Cycle Assessments, undertaken by Ramboll for the European Paper Packaging Alliance (EPPA), revealed that when used within in-store settings in Quick Service Restaurants, reusable tableware systems generated 2.8 times more CO2-equivalent emissions and consumed 3.4 times more freshwater than paper-based packaging.

“This new study by Ramboll adds to the growing body of evidence that reusable tableware is not the solution for the foodservice industry, which itself is characterized by the number of operators and unique offerings. Given the environmental challenges our societies face, policymakers need to be especially aware of the energy and climate impacts of such packaging, and fully consider the role and benefits of renewable, sustainably-sourced paper-based packaging in food systems”, says Thomasine Kamerling, Executive Vice President of Sustainability and Communications at Huhtamaki.
https://www.huhtamaki.com/en/media/media/press-release/2022/huhtamaki-welcomes-the-latest-scientific-evidence-on-the-environmental-impacts-of-reusable-packaging-in-takeaway-services/

Related Posts

Smurfit Kappa announces €54 million investment in Spanish Bag-in-Box plant

Smurfit Kappa will invest €54 million to double the capacity of its Ibi Bag-in-Box plant in Alicante, Spain. Smurfit Kappa’s latest investment is set to strengthen the sustainability of both the plant’s operations and its product portfolio, with enhanced waste management systems and significant savings in energy consumption. Bag-in-Box Ibi has got a strong track record when it comes to recycling with several state-of-the-art systems to identify and separate by-products. Saverio Mayer, CEO of Smurfit Kappa Europe, said: “Today’s announcement demonstrates our commitment to the Bag-in-Box division and forms part of our multi-country expansion plan. We have invested €90 million in the Ibi plant throughout the last decade which has significantly enhanced our offering.

Barrier- Bac Premieres in Residential Project with Chandler Properties

After years in the commercial construction industry, XF Films has partnered with Chandler Properties to use Barrier-Bac, an anti-vapor barrier, in the Chandler Reserve Club, a gated residential project development in Florence, SC. This is the first time Barrier-Bac has been used in residential construction. General Manager of XF Films Frank Chen said Barrier-Bac’s debut in residential construction is a win for the Inteplast Group business unit. “The project owner agreed that this would greatly benefit the rental houses in the long run. This is the first time that our commercial grade Barrier-Bac was used on residential houses. The success of this project has opened the door for us to the residential building market, and we are excited about future possibilities,” said Chen. The topography of Florence’s flat terrain puts it at risk for flooding and higher occurrences for hurricanes, according to the city’s official website. In addition, Barrier-Bac is another layer of insulation and supports lower energy costs for residents. While single-family homes often use low-grade poly film with a 0.1 water vapor permeance rate, Barrier-Bac – has a 0.02 water permeance rate, rendering it compliant and superior to alternatives. Along with its advanced water vapor blockage, Barrier-Bac ensures longer structural integrity for homes.
Back To Top
×Close search
Search