LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) of the RE-TRAY Comparative valuation to competitive packaging systems University of Piraeus 2012

PRESENTATION OF THE RE-TRAY It has the strength of plastic boxes and yet the practicability of paper ones. The different materials are fixedly connected each other without using glue or fasteners of any kind. It is available in various sizes. The use of the Re-Trays leads to decrease in the consumption of paper up to 65% in comparison to an equivalent carton box. A small space is needed for the storage of plastic sides. The paper surface does not touch the ground thereby averting of transportation of dust and microbes. The ventilation of packaged products is ideal thereby enhancing their life and decreasing the refrigeration cost. The interior surfaces are smooth and friendly to the packaged products. The Re-Trays are easily stacked and transported with safety. REUSE The RE-TRAY is dismantled easily and the plastic sides are reused. REDUCE The corrugated board is disposable and a new one is used each time. In any case there is less consumption of paper up to 65%. RECYCLE The corrugated board as well as the worn out plastic sides are recycled.

Analysis of the holding results method CES-EDUPACK Use of the CES-EDUPACK program created by the Cambridge University Research Team. It is a holding results source which is referred to the consumed energy and the CO2 emissions during the life cycle of the Re-Trays. The stages of the life cycle which were studied are: 1.Digging out of the raw materials 2.Manufacture 3.Transport 4.Setting down in the end of the life cycle The dimensions of the Re-Trays which were studied are: 40x30x20, 60x40x9.7, 60x40x14, 60x40x17, 60x40x25 The estimated distance which was used for the study of the transport stage is 350 km.

Consumed energy per Re-Tray

CO2 Emissions per RE-TRAY

Consumed energy and CO2 emissions for the transport of the RE-TRAYs per truck

Consumed energy and CO2 emissions for the recycle s. of the RE-TRAYs. Polypropylene Energy → 38,85 MJ/Kg CO2 → 1,315 Kg/Kg Paper Energy → 19 MJ/Kg CO2 → 0,7515 Kg/Kg

Water consumption during the primary production of the material.

Consumed energy and CO2 emissions for the recycle s -100 uses of the RE-TRAYs -100 uses

UNIVERSITY OF PIRAEUS 2012

Consumed energy and CO2 emissions during the recycling of the RE-TRAYs Dimension 60x40x25cm

Comparison of the CO2 emissions to competitive products Dimension 60x40x25cm

Comparison of the consumed energy and the CO2 emissions during the recycling of the trays Dimension 60x40x25cm

Water consumption and comparison to competitive products Dimension 60x40x25cm

Comparison of the consumed energy and the CO2 emissions during the transport of the trays per truck Dimension 60x40x25cm

Comparison of the consumed energy and the CO2 emissions to competitive products after 100 uses, except of the transport stage Dimension 60x40x25cm

Comparison of the consumed energy and CO2 emissions to competitive products in 60x40x25, after 100 uses