Reusable vs Single-Use packaging study
A Dec. 2020 study by the University of Utrecht, supported by Reloop, Zero Waste Europe and Break Free From Plastic, analyzed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies to compare the impact of single-use packaging and the reusable alternatives, including beverage packaging, carrier bags, food containers and transport packaging. "The results provide a clearer understanding of what conditions need to be met for reusable packaging to be the best choice and make a range of recommendations for governments to consider... Of the 32 LCAs analyzed, 72% show positive results for the environmental impact of reusable packaging compared to single-use. In terms of environmental impact, it was found that four key parameters have a substantial influence on the success of reusable packaging: transport; production; number of cycles; and end-of-life."