ITASCA, IL - As sustainability efforts and initiatives continue to take the spotlight, a recent life cycle assessment (LCA) conducted for the Corrugated Packaging Alliance (CPA) shows that the corrugated packaging industry has achieved substantial reductions in the environmental impacts of corrugated cardboard boxes. A release from Fibre Box Association (FBA) revealed the details.
“Reducing carbon emissions is the most important thing we can do for a more sustainable future,” said CPA Executive Director Bob McIlvaine. “Additional improvements in land, air, and water indicators highlight the industry’s progress and reaffirm our longstanding commitment to sustainable manufacturing across operations.”
CPA is a corrugated industry initiative jointly sponsored by the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), AICC – The Independent Packaging Association, FBA, and TAPPI, a release explained. Its recent LCA shows a 50 percent per unit reduction in greenhouse gas emissions between 2006 and 2020 for the corrugated packaging industry, showcasing its commitment to tackling climate change.
The LCA, conducted by Anthesis and the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement with third-party review by the Athena Institute, analyzed the cradle-to-grave circular life cycle of an average corrugated cardboard box made in the U.S. in 2020. It estimated impacts to land, air, and water based upon the new materials, manufacturing of those materials into products, the distribution/transportation and use of the products, and the end-of-life.
Other key reductions in the report include:
- Ozone –13 percent
- Energy usage – 13 percent
- Water usage –18 percent
- Smog – 44 percent
This progress was attained through energy improvements, strong recycling infrastructure, sustainably managed forests, and an ongoing commitment to improvement. The industry will continue to move to cleaner-burning fuel and has also increased its participation in a greener U.S. electric grid and made investments in energy efficiency.
“Sustainable practices are at the foundation of the paper and wood products industry,” said Heidi Brock, AF&PA President and Chief Executive Officer. “Our industry has a long track record of sustainability leadership, and we are committed to making continued progress on quantifiable sustainability goals as part of the Better Practices, Better Planet 2030 initiative. This life cycle assessment reflects a longstanding commitment to sustainable manufacturing, furthering the circular nature of our industry.”
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