Capitol News

A recent study conducted by researchers, including Rafael Auras from Michigan State University, has evaluated the environmental impacts of replacing polyethylene (PE) packaging with alternative materials such as paper, glass, aluminum, and steel. The research highlights that PE packaging can result in an average life cycle global warming potential (GWP) savings of approximately 70% compared to other commonly used packaging materials in the United States.

Rafael Auras, a professor at Michigan State University's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, co-authored the study published in the journal Science of the Total Environment. The paper was created in collaboration with Trayak, Inc. and ExxonMobil and underwent critical review by independent experts to ensure it met International Organization for Standardization standards ISO 14040 and ISO 14044.

“Life cycle assessments are valuable to understanding the environmental trade-offs associated with product elimination or material switching,” said Elizabeth Avery from Trayak, who led the study.

The assessment focused on five major packaging applications: collation shrink films, stretch films for pallet wraps, heavy-duty sacks, nonfood bottles, and flexible food pouches. These include packaging used for products like dog food and cosmetics. The findings suggest that PE-based packaging generally uses fewer fossil resources than alternatives in most comparisons.

Rafael Auras noted that “our results show that in many applications, plastics offer lower assessed potential environmental impacts.” He added that new data could help stakeholders make more sustainable decisions across a product's life cycle.

The study anticipates influencing policy discussions around managing plastic waste globally. Proposed solutions include banning single-use plastics or establishing extended producer responsibility programs to improve recycling efforts. Similar initiatives are already underway in several U.S. states.