A model for packaging systems evaluation from a sustainability perspective

Purpose and goal

The purpose, that was fulfilled, was to develop and test an evaluation model that, from a sustainability perspective, that can facilitate the choice of packaging systems for material supply from component supplier to the assembly processes in the automotive industry. The model considers economic and environmental impacts of packaging systems in a whole supply chain, and from a life cycle perspective. The results provide insights to better informed packaging selection.

Results and expected effects

From an academic perspective, the results has contributed to new knowledge in the area of packaging logistics, particularly regarding relationships between the cost and CO2 factors in the model, the effect of contextual factors when comparing one-way and returnable packaging, and an increased understanding of cost and CO2 effects of different packaging selection processes. The analysis tool can be, and are currently, used in the daily business as decision support for new or modified packaging solutions.

Approach and implementation

The model development, analysis tool development and the data collection were done in the following steps: 1.Initial data collection 2.Draft model version 3.Discussion of the structure, content, level of details, material flows etc. 4.Analysis tool prototype 1 5.Discussing the prototype 6.Updating the tool 7.Discussing the first version of tool 8.Updating the tool 9.Developing a second version the tool 10.Implementation of the second version in one plant 11.Adjusting the tool 12.Launching a final version 13.Adjusting and implementation of the final version in two other plants