The Relevance of Recyclability for the Life Cycle Assessment of Packaging Based on Design for Life Cycle

The awareness for more environmentally sustainable packaging solutions is steadily growing. With both consumers and manufacturers looking to minimize their impacts on the environment, need easy-to-implement standardized measures strengthening a circular economy rises. In research, goal was determine whether carbon footprint circularity of non-food plastic can be improved by simple design changes. results should then lead recommendations, providing Design Life Cycle approach. methodology study conceptually single-use with attributes having positive negative effects recyclability. Herein, only characteristics from products obtainable market were regarded. Moreover, comparison over existing recyclability assessment methods given. determined selected approach Cyclos HTP, reference calculation conducted. Assessments implemented 14 designs using GaBi software Environmental Footprint method. showed that dark color, material compounds, insoluble adhesives, large labels result in lower packaging. climate change range 0.13 kg CO2-equivalent emissions (100% recyclability) 0.21 (0% per packaging, showing leads larger all assessed scenarios. Concluding, research demonstrated applying measures, reduced. Lastly, recommendations decision makers are outlined.