Energy Transition and Circularity in the Life Cycle of PET Packaging: An LCA Case Study

Renewable energy sources and circular economy principles play a significant role in reducing the environmental impact of the food industry. Implementing low-emission energy sources, using recycled materials, and properly managing packaging at the end of its life can contribute to reducing the environmental impact of products throughout their life cycle. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of changes in energy sources, the share of recycled materials in packaging materials, and packaging waste management methods on the potential environmental impact of a beverage packaging system throughout its life cycle. The study conducted a life cycle analysis of three packaging system scenarios consisting of a 1.5 L PET bottle with a cap and label, a secondary packaging unit, and a shipping container. The functional unit involved the packaging, transportation, and storage of 12,000 L of beverage. Under the conditions assumed in the study, the future scenario resulted in a 70.8% reduction in the total environmental score compared to the baseline scenario, including a 54.3% reduction in climate change and a 63.8% reduction in fossil resource use. This improvement was due to the combined effect of a higher share of renewable energy, a higher share of recycled materials, and changes in waste management. At the same time, the transition towards renewable energy was accompanied by a slight increase in the use of minerals and metals compared to the actual scenario, indicating a possible environmental trade-off associated with decarbonizing the energy system.