Royal FloraHolland commissioned an independent life cycle assessment (LCA) quick-scan from Partners for Innovation. An LCA quick-scan compares the environmental impact of different products (such as packaging) based on a scientific calculation methodology.
Paper sleeve is most sustainable
Which sleeve has the least impact on the environment according to the LCA quick-scan and is therefore the most sustainable solution? Looking at global warming expressed in kilograms of CO2 emissions, the most sustainable ranking is as follows:
- Paper sleeve made of 100% recycled material
- Paper virgin* cover
- PP cover made of 40% recycled material
- LDPE cover made of 40% recycled material
- Virgin* PP cover
- Virgin* LDPE cover
*Virgin materials are materials that have never been used or processed before, such as new plastic covers made from petroleum.
The difference in environmental impact between the different types of plastic materials (PP versus LDPE) is very small though and almost negligible.
Environmental impact of six types of sleeves
The LCA quick-scan conducted reveals how six different types of sleeves, including the Polypropylene (PP) sleeve mostly used in the ornamental horticulture sector, score on various environmental themes. The study is based on the entire life cycle: from production to collection after use. The choice of sleeves and the corresponding data are based on input from several producers of flower and plant sleeves. This allows a correct comparison between the different compositions of the sleeves within the LCA.
Six covers made of different materials were compared: Two plastic sleeves made of Polypropylene (PP) material:
- Virgin* PP cover
- PP cover made of 40% recycled material
Two plastic covers made of Low Density Polyethene (LDPE) material:
- Virgin* LDPE cover
- LDPE cover made of 40% recycled material
Two paper covers:
- Paper virgin* cover
- Paper sleeve made from 100% recycled material
Environmental impact indicator: global warming versus single-score
Global warming (in kilograms of CO2 equivalent emissions) is considered the main impact indicator of this LCA. The environmental impact does consist of more, think of resource depletion and water scarcity. The complete impact is expressed in a so-called 'single score' (in points, mPt). In both calculations, paper sleeves are the most sustainable.
In terms of global warming score, plastic covers are from low to high: 40% recycled CPP, 40% recycled LDPE, virgin BOPP, virgin LDPE.
For the single score results, the order of plastic is: 40% recycled CPP, virgin BOPP, 40% recycled LDPE, virgin LDPE.
Functionality different sleeves
For this LCA, it is assumed that the different covers have the same functionality. In reality, however, the functions, such as transparency and rigidity, differ for the different material types and the amounts of recycled material used. For more information on this, read the report.
Clear guidance and tips for sustainable packaging choices
The outcome of this survey answers questions about sleeves and their sustainability. Royal FloraHolland wants to help growers make sustainable packaging choices, because choosing the right sustainable packaging is not easy. We want to help our members by providing more insight into environmental considerations, such as having this LCA quick-scan carried out. flower and plant sleeves.
Tips for easily reducing environmental impact sleeves
Is a sleeve really necessary for your product and do you want to make a positive contribution to reducing the environmental impact when using it? We have five concrete tips:
- Choose (where possible) to use paper sleeves, as they have the lowest environmental impact both on global warming and overall single score results
- Make use of recyclable materials as much as possible and try to find out where the sleeve ends up as waste. Paper is generally well recycled across Europe and for PP covers there are hardly any recycling facilities. Combinations of materials in your sleeve (paper and plastic) are not suitable for recycling
- The higher the percentage of recycled material (recyclate) in the packaging, the better. This has a positive impact on reducing environmental impact
- Avoid applications that interfere with recycling. Using no or less printing on the sleeve has a positive effect on the environmental impact. The ink used is not only harmful to the environment, but is also a contaminant in the recycling process. So if printing is not really necessary, this also helps reduce the impact
- Finally, a higher paper thickness quickly reduces the favourable position of paper sleeves for the environment. Does a lower paper thickness suffice? Then opt for it