Zotefoams has presented the results of a life cycle analysis for its ReZorce mono-material packaging designed as a closed-loop packaging solution. According to the analysis, it has a 50 per cent lower global warming potential than conventional packaging and can be produced using less water and energy.
Compared to conventional cardboard packaging for liquid foodstuffs (KfN), the packaging not only has a 50 per cent lower global warming potential, but also 11 times less water consumption during production, as well as a lower carbon footprint. 5 times lower energy consumption during production, filling and transport.
The ReZorce recycled packaging for beverage cartons consists of completely recyclable monomaterial, whose barrier properties fulfil all food industry standards. ReZorce is therefore the first viable alternative to barrier packaging made from composite materials. In the independent life cycle analysis, a comparison was made between three types of ReZorce packaging, each with different proportions of recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) on the one hand and conventional multi-material carton packaging for liquid foods on the other. As it turned out, ReZorce cartons perform at least as well functionally and aesthetically as conventional beverage cartons.
Compared to conventional cardboard packaging for liquid foodstuffs, the energy consumption for producing, filling and transporting ReZorce cartons is 5 times lower. The production of ReZorce requires 11 times less water and the global warming potential - assuming recycling - is 50 per cent lower.
ReZorce is based on a proprietary microcellular foaming process. Foam layers layers alternate with solid layers to create optimum barrier properties and ensure that foldability is not inferior to that of conventional beverage cartons. ReZorce can be recycled from waste streams and can also be produced from up to 100 per cent recycled components.
ReZorce with low global warming potential
In the life cycle analysis of Zotefoams compared the environmental impact of ReZorce with the environmental impact of multi-material carton packaging for liquid food products currently on the market. Three types of ReZorce carton packaging made of foamed high-density polyethylene were evaluated. In addition, a carton pack for liquid food products with layers of cardboard, polyethylene and aluminium foil. The carton packs each offered capacity for one litre of apple juice.
Key elements of the life cycle analysis were also the global warming potential of the packaging, the water consumption and the cumulative energy consumption in four different scenarios from cradle to gate and in the final phase of the life cycle. The results showed that ReZorce is always a Low global warming potential has.
„We are very pleased to be able to present the results of the life cycle analysis recently carried out for us, as the figures speak for themselves. At Zotefoams we are experiencing an exciting time with ReZorce - we have invested one million US dollars in a pilot plant in the USA. This will give brand owners and retailers the opportunity to fast-track trials and implement the platform technology ahead of upcoming regulatory deadlines.” Neil Court-Johnston, Vice President of Strategy EMEA at Zotefoams
Source: Zotefoams
