Packaged Input > Raw Material Input > Environmental Impacts
  

Step 1: Enter initial information for up to two different packaging scenarios.

Package 1
Package Name :
Net Weight/Volume of Packaged Product:
Package Elements/Part
Input Method
Element 1:
Element 2:
Element 3:
 
Package 2
Package Name :
Net Weight/Volume of Packaged Product:
Package Element/Part
Input Method
Element 1:
Element 2:
Element 3:

Package Name: Enter a name that describes the package scenario.

Example: This can be any name of your choice, such as "Milk Carton".


Net Weight/Volume of Packaged Product: The net amount of product contained in the package. This "per unit of packaged product" approach allows normalized comparisons for different package sizes and types.

Example: A bottle containing 12 oz. of beverage can be compared to a pouch containing
8 oz. of beverage.

Package Elements/Parts: Many final packages have several parts that are produced separately and are assembled. Enter a name for each one of these parts.

Example: A detergent bottle could have the following elements - cap/closure, label,
and bottle.

Input Method: The method by which raw material mass is entered:

       "By Thickness" - Layer thickness (in mils) and total area of the film/sheet (in2).
       "By Weight" - Weight percent of each material (wt %) and total part weight (gm).

Example: A juice bottle would be entered "By Weight" because there is not a uniform thickness and the total area is not known. A flexible pouch could be entered "By Thickness" because the layer thicknesses and film areas are known.


Recycling Rate: The rate at which the element/part is recycled. Recycling rates vary greatly among packages, even for those made with the same material. Click here for recycling rates for some common packages.

Example: According to the EPA’s Municipal Solid Waste in the United States: 2005 Facts and Figures- HDPE milk jugs are recycled at a rate of 29%.

 

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