Sustainable Development of Packaging Material Manufacturing Processes Using Looping Method

This study examines the environmental benefits of implementing a closed-loop system utilising the looping method in the production of corrugated board packaging materials for blueberries in comparison to conventional open-loop production systems. Using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and the EF 3.1 impact assessment method in the Sphera LCA for Experts software, the study evaluates the environmental impacts of both systems, with a focus on the recycling rate (ranging from 30% to 84.5%) and material flow. Results demonstrate that the looped system, with an 84.5% recycled content, significantly reduces environmental impacts across all major categories, including climate change (– 22%), freshwater ecotoxicity (– 22%), terrestrial eutrophication (– 45%), and fossil resource use (– 17%). A Pareto analysis revealed that more than 80% of the total environmental impact originates from five impact categories. The findings support the integration of circular economy principles and eco-design in packaging development, highlighting the potential of the looping system for sustainable packaging strategies.