LCA of Glass Versus PET Mineral Water Bottles: An Italian Case Study

Due to the serious problem of plastic pollution in aquatic environment, many people reject packaging favour glass containers which are considered more sustainable. To avoid misjudgements, sustainability assessment alternatives should be carried out with a life cycle thinking approach. In this regard, study presents comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) two alternative systems for drinking water: reusable bottles and polyethylene (PET) bottles. The case was performed considering real data an Italian mineral water company that distributes both natural sparkling water. environmental impacts were estimated ReCiPe 2016 (H) evaluation method adopting midpoint endpoint approaches. results showed PET bottle is most sustainable impact categories; while, water, similar environmentally sound solution can vary depending on category. following significant aspects analysis: (1) number reuses single bottle; (2) distribution distance. Their variation determine Therefore, approach needed each specific case.