25 YEARS ANNIVERSARY 18 PETplanet Insider Vol. 25 No. 05/24 www.petpla.net 25 YEARS ANNIVERSARY Criteria on life cycle assessments of PET bottles “Key factors: preform weights and the use of recycled materials” by Gabriele Kosmehl Benedikt Kauertz, Scientific Director of Industry & Products at the Ifeu - Institute for Energy and Environmental Research in Heidelberg, Germany, is an expert on environmental assessments of packaging and life cycle assessments of beverage packaging. In an interview with PETplanet, he delves into the crucial elements for a favourable evaluation of PET bottles, key factors for further optimisation, and the current challenges hindering the establishment of PET reusable systems. PETplanet: Mr Kauertz, you are engaged in the life cycle assessment (LCA) of packaging. What is your perspective on PET bottles? Kauertz: For over 15 years, I have been professionally involved in the environmental assessment of packaging and have conducted numerous studies on beverage containers during this time. Therefore, I primarily approach this subject from a technical standpoint. I am well acquainted with the advantages of packaging, as well as its drawbacks and the challenges involved in optimisation. Based on the findings of these studies, we observe that the selection of beverage packaging should primarily be influenced by the consumption scenario. When the requirements lean towards lightweight and high stability, and there exists a seamless possibility to support recycling loops or return the bottle for refill after use, PET bottles emerge as sensible beverage packaging solutions. PETplanet: How have the life cycle assessments of PET bottles evolved over recent years, and what are the key factors involved in a positive evaluation? Kauertz: Here, we must differentiate between single-use and refillable bottles. For both systems, the key factors are the preform weights and the percentage of recycled material used. While these aspects are more critical for single-use bottles, refillable bottles also benefit from them. In the case of single-use bottles, we also observe that separate collection and material recycling with the aim of reintroducing the material into new bottles have a significantly positive impact on the life cycle assessment. For refillable bottles, increasing the reuse rate is similarly crucial. Systems that have invested in the development of these key factors in recent years have significantly improved their LCA performance. Given that major market players in Europe have also embraced this path, the average life cycle assessment of PET single-use and refillable systems is certainly more positive today than it was ten years ago. However, we must not forget that there are still outliers in both systems that have implemented few optimisations so far. It is essential to create conditions that encourage all stakeholders to implement at least some form of optimisation for their bottle systems in the future. PETplanet: Despite many efforts by the industry to improve bottles, whether through weight reduction, the use of recycled materials, or “design for recycling” aspects, PET bottles overall do not fare well in public perception. What do you think is the reason for this? Kauertz: One reason is the aforementioned outliers. Every bottle that is visibly not optimised or, worse yet, ends up in the environment, serves as evidence that the industry’s efforts are not yielding sufficient results. In general, plastic packaging currently has a negative image, primarily due to issues with littering, especially marine littering. Although these problems are much more apparent in other parts of the world than they are here, in Europe, there is a perceived need to limit the amount of plastic packaging. This mindset involves not only ensuring order within our own homes but also concerns about exacerbating issues through waste exports to Asia. PETplanet: Last year, the Schwarz Group [Lidl, Kaufland] in the German-speaking region made a bold move by informing the public about their in-house circular system for PET bottles through television commercials, which caused quite a stir. Prior to this, the Schwarz Group had commissioned a study from you, using the data to substantiate their campaign. How did you experience the ensuing discussion? Kauertz: From our perspective, the discussion surrounding the study itself was surprisingly rational. Many of the criticisms raised, such as those regarding the data points concerning refillable bottles, had already been thoroughly addressed in the study text. Therefore, for stakeholders genuinely interested in a reasoned discussion, these concerns were easily resolved. PETplanet: One criticism, voiced by the German Federal Environment Agency, was that the Schwarz Group claimed to operate without using virgin PET, stating: “However, on a larger scale, someone must use fresh material
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