Abstract
In order to slow down the ongoing climate change it is mandatory to make changes in many different aspects of modern life. The consumption of non-renewable resources within the packaging sector for beverages is the topic of this thesis, which will be discussed thoroughly throughout the different aspects of concern. To do so a life cycle analysis was performed for two different packaging options being a PET-bottle and a glass bottle both for half a liter of volume. For performing a life cycle analysis, it is mandatory to obtain a thorough knowledge about the technical process of producing the product, as well as the logistic of transports and the different options being available for disposal or recycling. This knowledge is also of great importance when it comes to understanding and evaluating the results, as a life cycle analysis itself also takes every aspect into account, by definition from “cradle to grave”. Only with an overall evaluation a deduction of possible solutions in regard to emissions can be found without falsifying the results by transferring emissions to different life phases of the product. The given study is meant to show that polymers often have a bad reputation unrectified, while glass is often seen as an ecological alternative especially through the eyes of the modern consumer society. In order to prove this statement, a life cycle analysis was performed for both products on the basis of generic data. The data was either obtained from databases or through public statistics, concerning the consumption and transport of goods throughout Germany and Austria. Through an extension of the system boarders to the point of packaging material needed for the transport of the concerned goods, different models were regarded within the analysis of the modelling results. While this study manly focuses on single use options of both packaging materials, an short overview about refilling options for bottles and how they influence the given result will be given. A thorough study of many different aspect concerning both options are being discussed in order to allow an accurate depiction of the whole lifecycle. Nevertheless, it is also important to mention those aspects to depict the complete complexity of a topic, which seems to be as easy as waste recycling, in regard to economic and ecologic aspects, within a circular economy. The need for action in order to fulfill European guidelines, when it comes to a circular economy, will be shown by the thorough discussion of both packaging options. Another aspect, which will be discussed is the importance of products which are declared to be ecological by the producers and sellers even though the reality behind it is quite more complicated. This so called “greenwashing” of products will be discussed with the focus set on biological polymers and will give an example of the complexity of waste treatment and an ecological, sustainable future.
Translated title of the contribution | Ecological aspects of the treatment of important residual-groups and their relevance in regard to climate protection presented through lifecycle analysis |
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Original language | German |
Qualification | Dipl.-Ing. |
Awarding Institution |
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Supervisors/Advisors |
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Award date | 25 Jun 2021 |
Publication status | Published - 2021 |
Bibliographical note
embargoed until nullKeywords
- Fundamentals of lifecycle analysis
- Technical fundamentals of glas
- Technical fundamentals of plastics
- Life cycle analysis of glasbottle
- Life cycle analysis of PET-bottle
- Quantitative comparison of the results