Environment – pulp vs. plastic At present there is a strong focus on the environment and often the question of how plastic trays affect the environment is asked, particularly in regard to greenhouse gases and climate change. The supplier of plastic trays for DAVA Foods has carried out a study of the comparison of polystyrene (PS), recycled PET (RPET) and recycled moulded pulp trays. The study includes a life cycle analysis and a survey of the carbon footprint.
The study mapped the greenhouse gasses for the production of raw materials, prodution of egg trays, packaging, transportation of egg trays and disposal of waste. The main conclusion of the study is: ‘Based on the assumptions and results that have come out of the study, it is not possible to crown a winner out of any of the three materials.’ It is not possible to highlight either plastic or pulp trays as being more environmentally friendly.
A life cycle analysis identifies all the factors that have an impact on the environment. Examples of factors are: energy for the manufacture of raw materials, transport, energy for machines that manufacture the product and waste management.
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