Our Client
TOMRA
DRIVING CIRCULARILTY, IN PACKAGING, IN THE FAST FOOD INDUSTRY TO REDUCE BOTH WASTE AND GREENHOUSE GASES IN ORDER TO PROTECT THE PLANET
We modelled a reuse packaging system for the takeaway industry, demonstrating the benefits of moving away from single use packaging. We then did cost analysis based on city-level implementation.
SUMMARY
Our long-standing client TOMRA wanted to understand the environmental benefits of moving from single use takeaway packaging to a reuse system whereby items could be collected, washed, inspected and then redistributed. In particular, they wanted to know how greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions might be impacted.
Modelling of reuse systems tends to be high-level without looking too closely at the operational reality. However, at Eunomia, we do things differently. Our rich heritage of real-world, practical experience and deep technical knowledge meant we were able to provide as close to a real-life rendering of how the system might perform as possible.
In practice, this meant looking at a whole range of different takeaway packaging options individually – from cups, burger boxes and bowls to pizza boxes and sushi containers – as well as the operational design of the system. The result was an analysis that showed that for most of these common types of takeaway packaging, reuse through an efficient system has potential to yield greater GHG benefits than recycling or discarding single-use containers. It also highlighted the importance of efficient product design.
Stage two of the project – a cost analysis based on city-level implementation – is the next crucial step in helping turn such a system into reality.
In the first phase of the project, TOMRA wanted to know what the environmental benefits of moving from single use takeaway packaging to its proposed reusable system could be – particularly in terms of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In the second phase, TOMRA wanted to know what the cost implications of implementing such reuse system would be at a city level.
Modelling of reuse systems tends to be high-level without looking too closely at the operational reality. However, at Eunomia, we do things differently. We’ve helped organisations reduce the harmful impact of waste and surplus resource use on the planet for decades. Our rich heritage of real-world, practical experience and deep technical knowledge meant we were able to provide as close to a real-life rendering of how the system might perform as possible.
In practice, this meant looking at a whole range of different takeaway packaging options individually – from cups, burger boxes and bowls to pizza boxes and sushi containers – as well as the operational design of the system, to assess the potential environmental impact and each item’s suitability for inclusion in the model.
We carried out an in-depth modelling exercise, looking at a range of different factors – ranging from the system itself, like the selection of transport vehicles for distribution purposes, and the design of each product.
The latter was particularly important in the case of pizza boxes, which is the most challenging item to reuse because of its large and bulky mass.
The result was a clear indication of the potential reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per serving by switching from single-use (both plastic and paper) containers to reusable ones
Our analysis showed that for most of these common types of takeaway packaging, reuse through a safe, efficient system for collection, washing, inspection, and redistribution has potential to yield greater GHG benefits than recycling or discarding single-use containers.
However, it also highlighted the importance of efficient product design. For example, our analysis showed that only by decreasing the weight of a reusable pizza box by 20% (85g) could the GHG impacts from a reusable system fall below those from a single-use system.
Our research has therefore influenced some of the design criteria for TOMRA’s system.
Our cost analysis underpins the crucial next steps of helping turn such a system into reality.
Policymakers and corporations around the world want to understand the implications of reuse systems– both in terms of the potential environmental impact and the cost of implementation. The approach taken in this exercise could be applied to a whole range of packaging items and systems, far beyond those in the takeaway sector. Eunomia is committed to continuous innovation and finding new ways to reuse resources to benefit society and the planet.