Sustainability of flexible multilayer packaging: Environmental impacts and recyclability of packaging for bacon in block

Abstract

Multilayer plastic packaging is difficult to recycle and perceived as an environmental problem, despite its valuable protective properties. This study examines environmental impacts and recyclability of six representative packaging solutions for bacon in block. Moreover, it takes into account the environmental impacts of the packaged product. The examined flexible packaging include two thermoformed films (polyamide (PA)/polyethylene (PE) & PE/ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH)), two vacuum bags (both PA/PE), and two shrink bags (PE/polyvinylidene dichloride (PVdC) & PA/EVOH/PE). A cradle-to-grave Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was conducted. We assessed the recyclability of the different packagings by using the RecyClass tool, and compared the carbon footprint of the packaging with the carbon footprint of the packaged meat. The environmental impacts depend largely on the packaging weight and on the content of PA. Climate change results range from 26.64 g CO2-equivalents for the PVdC-containing shrink bag to 109.64 g CO2-equivalents for the PA-containing thermoformed film. Even if the recyclable PE/EVOH film is recycled, its climate change result (51.75 g CO2-equivalents) is considerably higher than the result for the PVdC-containing shrink bag. Only the PE/EVOH film can be recycled, however, with considerable loss of quality. Carbon footprint of the packaged bacon is on average 54 times higher than carbon footprint of packaging. Given the relatively low environmental significance of packaging compared to the packaged meat, optimal product protection should be priority for packaging designers. Weight reduction is preferable to improved recyclability. We recommend assessing recyclability and impacts of the packaged good alongside with packaging LCA to highlight potential conflict of interests and to avoid burden shifting.