Available at: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/2834
Date of Award
6-2024
Degree Name
MS in Packaging Value Chain
College
Orfalea College of Business
Advisor
Joongmin Shin
Advisor Department
Industrial Technology
Advisor College
Orfalea College of Business
Abstract
A comparison analysis conducted via COMPASS life cycle analysis software has indicated that a one-way crate design, rather than a reusable crate design, is in fact the more environmentally friendly packaging system. These results can be interpreted differently, however, as the manufacturer of said crate designs must confirm what impact indicators they would like to reference as environmental goalposts. The conducted analysis provides insight into what the environmental impacts of each packaging system look like as packaging at all three system levels has been identified as a means of reducing environmental impacts globally. As such, the manufacturer of said crate designs would like to establish a baseline understanding of what the environmental impact of their products look like. Version 3.5 of COMPASS LCA software was utilized, which references ecoinvent 3.9.1 LCA databases as well as U.S. Life Cycle Inventory (USLCI) LCA methodologies. These findings are significant as they affirm that all packaging system inputs and product life-cycle phases must be carefully considered as they impact every impact indicator score differently.
Included in
Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment Commons, Industrial Technology Commons, Manufacturing Commons, Sustainability Commons