Life Cycle Assessment Analyzes Corrugated
Meaningful reductions were also achieved in ozone depletion (13 percent), energy usage (13 percent), water usage (18 percent), acid rain (41 percent), smog (44 percent), respiratory effects (54 percent) and eutrophication, which leads to algae blooms and dead zones in bodies of water (30 percent). The industry’s progress was attained through en- ergy improvements, strong recycling infrastructure, sustainably managed forests, and an ongoing com- mitment to improvement. The industry continues to shift to cleaner- burning fuel, has increased its par- ticipation in a greener U.S. electric grid and made investments in energy efficiency. Driving Progress The introduction of new, fresh fibers from sustain- ably managed forests drives the removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The use of old cor- rugated containers (OCC) has also contributed to the avoidance of carbon dioxide and methane emis- sions from landfills. This combination of both new, fresh fibers, and recycled fibers maximizes fiber re- use and enables circularity. Much of this progress is also driven by the sustainability commitments of companies in the industry.
The corrugated packaging industry has achieved substantial reductions in the environmental impacts of a corrugated cardboard box according to a new life cycle assessment (LCA). The study shows a 50 percent per unit reduction in greenhouse gas emis- sions between 2006 and 2020, tackling the most ur- gent and predominant causes of changing climate. The LCA, conducted for the Corrugated Packaging Alliance (CPA) by Anthesis and the National Coun- cil for Air and Stream Improvement with third-party review by the Athena Institute, analyzed the cradle- to-grave circular life cycle of an average corrugated cardboard box made in the U.S. in 2020. It esti- mated impacts to land, air and water-based upon the new materials, manufacturing of those materials into products, the distribution/transportation and use of the products, and the end-of-life. “Reducing carbon emissions is the most important thing we can do for a more sustainable future,” said CPA Executive Director Bob McIlvaine. “Addition- al improvements in land, air and water indicators highlight the industry’s progress and reaffirm our long-standing commitment to sustainable manufac- turing across operations.”
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