Beer packaging study challenges preconceptions
2008-12-05
Against all expectations the environmental performance challenge for PET bottles (3% penetration in beer packaging today) is not vs. glass bottles, but in fact vs. steel and aluminum cans. This is one of the findings of an independently reviewed study based on specific customer data and commissioned by the Sidel Group.
Using data from Belgian Martens Breweries, the study assesses the environmental impact of beer production and packaging, from ingredients hop to the package at its end of use. The so-called Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) looks at the impact of the production of 100 liters of beer in 0.5L packages in terms of energy consumption, global warming, air acidification, eutrophication and water consumption.
The study compares the production of 100 liters of beer in four different types of packaging: PET bottles with Actis coating, glass long-neck bottles, aluminum cans and steel cans. It considers which option is least environmentally damaging in terms of resources and pollution over the full life cycle of beer. This includes the use of resources from the time grains are grown, harvested and used to make beer, to production of its primary packaging, delivery to supermarkets and customers, and finally to the package's end of life, be it sent to the landfill, incineration or recycling plant. Data for the study came from Belgium (production and packaging) and the UK (distribution, consumption and disposal).
The results of the case study show steel cans and PET bottles contribute least to global warming and air acidification. The production of steel cans uses least primary energy and water, while glass is the highest consumer. The study draws several conclusions from these results. In terms of environmental impact, primary packaging is the greatest along with beer production, while transport and secondary packaging are relatively small. Recycling rates are an important factor, especially for aluminum cans. Where aluminum can recycling rates are high, aluminum may be a good choice for packaging beer. The electric mix used for the production of packaging is an important parameter for the indicators "acidification", "energy consumption" and "climate change". The study also finds that if the weight of a 0.5l PET bottle can be at or below 20 grams, PET is the preferred overall choice in terms of climate change.
As a result of the study, a new "LCA User" tool has been developed to enable beer producers from everywhere in the world to make an informed decision regarding the most environmentally friendly packaging solution for their products based on different scenarios.
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