Assessment of the environmental break-even point for deposit return systems through an LCA analysis of single-use and reusable cups

The Circular Economy introduced new research challenges to be faced. Linear and circular supply chain comparisons require general methodologies obtain significant scalable results. A two-step methodology is here proposed facilitate the interpretation of results during a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Firstly, an LCA analysis has been conducted on four single-use - Polypropylene (PP), Polylactic acid (PLA), Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Cardboard+Polyethylene coat reusable PP, PLA, PET, glass cups. Secondly, analyzed midpoint impact categories have aggregated into three main life cycle phases: production, use End (EoL). Then, they used assess environmental break-even point (BEP), i.e. minimum number uses necessary for cup preferable than cup, considering two EoL (energy recovery, recycling) phase strategies (onsite handwashing, onsite offsite washing). Considering washing transport distance 20km industrial machines energy findings highlight that plastic cups reach climate change non-renewable n<150, while PP are best option in terms acidification, eutrophication, water scarcity indicator. With respect cups, indicator, BEP cannot achieved, even case infinite reuses. Results evidenced all conditions reaching BEP, allowing identify possible improve efficiency products benefit.