1. Proceedings
  2. I3M
  3. 2018
  4. FOODOPS
  5. 10.46354/i3m.2018.foodops.001

Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of different packaging systems for coffee capsules

  • a Annachiara Tonelli   ,
  • b David Mosna  ,
  • c Giuseppe Vignali   
  • a, b ,cDepartment of Industrial Engineering, University of Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 181/A, 43124 Parma (Italy)
Cite as
Tonelli A., Mosna D., Vignali G. (2018). Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of different packaging systems for coffee capsules. Proceedings of the 4th International Food Operations and Processing Simulation Workshop (FoodOPS 2018), pp. 1-9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.46354/i3m.2018.foodops.001
 Download PDF

Abstract

The aim of this work is to compare the environmental impact of three different packaging systems for coffee
capsules, which can be used in the same coffee machine. A comparative Life Cycle Assessment has been
performed considering the following three types of coffee capsules: 1. Compostable coffee capsules packaged into a multichamber PET tray. 2. Capsules made of aluminium and packaged into cardboard boxes. 3. Capsules made of polypropylene with an aluminium top lid, singularly packaged in modified atmosphere into
a bag made of multilayer film of aluminium and polypropylene. The functional unit considered is a coffee capsule. To evaluate the environmental impact, the EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) method is used. This work shows that it is possible to reduce the environmental impact of compostable capsules packaged in PET tray by two ways: by using a less polluting starch polymer and by producing biogas instead of compost from the organic waste. With these improvements, the compostable coffee capsule in PET tray results the less damaging packaging system for all categories except than for the ozone layer depletion and the fossil fuels depletion.

References

  1. Bertolini, M., Bottani, E., Vignali, G., Volpi, A. 2016. Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Packaging Systems for Extended Shelf Life Milk. Packaging Technology and Science 29(10), pp. 525-546;
  2. De Monte M, Padoano E., Pozzetto D., 2005. Alternative coffee packaging: an analysis from
    a life cycle point of view, Journal of Food Engineering, 66, 4, pp. 405-411;
  3. T., Mclellan, B.C. 2014. Product carbon footprint and energy analysis of alternative coffee products in Japan. Journal of Cleaner Production, 73, pp. 310-321.
  4. Humbert, S., Loerincik, Y., Rossi, V., Margni, M., Jolliet, O. 2009. Life cycle assessment of spray dried soluble coffee and comparison with alternatives (drip filter and capsule espresso) Journal of Cleaner Production, 17 (15), pp. 1351-1358.
  5. ISO 14040: 2006. Environmental Management –Life Cycle Assessment. Principles and Framework. International Organisation Standardisation, Geneva, Switzerland.
  6. ISO 14044: 2006. Environmental Management –Life Cycle Assessment. Requirements and guidelines. International Organisation for Standardisation, Geneva, Switzerland;
  7. ISO 14025: 2006. Environmental labels and declarations - Type III environmental declarations - Principles and procedures International Organisation for Standardisation, Geneva, Switzerland;
  8. Liu Lillian, Bioplastics in Food Packaging: Innovative Technologies for Biodegradable
    Packaging, San Jose State University, Packaging Engineering.
  9. Manfredi, M., Fantin, V., Vignali, G., Gavara, R. 2015. Environmental assessment of antimicrobial coatings for packaged fresh milk, Journal of Cleaner Production 95, pp. 291-300;
  10. Plastics Europe, 2017. The Facts. Available at: https://www.plasticseurope.org/application/file
    s/5715/1717/4180/Plastics_the_facts_2017_FI NAL_for_website_one_page.pdf
  11. Quantis, 2011, Comparative full life cycle assessment of B2C cup of espresso made using= a packaging and distribution system from Nespresso Espresso and three generic products available at https://www.nestlenespresso. com/assetlibrary/ Documents/Quantis%20-
    %20Comparative%20LCA%20Study%20on%
  12. Salinas B., 2008, Life Cycle Assessment of
    Coffee Production. Available at
    http://bsalinas.com/wpcontent/
    uploads/2009/10/paper.pdf ;
  13. Salomone R. 2003. Life Cycle Assessment applied to coffee production: investigating  environmental impacts to aid decision making for improvements at company level. Journal of Food Agriculture and Environment 1(2):295- 300
  14. panu, S., Mosna, D., Vignali, G. 2016. CFD Analysis of Coffee Packaging in Capsules using Gas Flushing Modified Atmosphere Packaging. International Journal of Food Engineering 12(9), pp. 875-887;
  15. Vitale, G., Mosna, D., Bottani, E., Montanari, R., Vignali, G., 2018. Environmental impact of a new industrial process for the recovery and valorisation of packaging materials derived from packaged food waste. Sustainable Production and Consumption 14, pp. 105-121.