According to the latest studies corrugated cardboard boxes generate 69.22% less CO2 emissions equivalent than folding boxes Reusable plastic in the export of fruit and vegetables.
Concern about legislation based on the 3Rs—Reduce, Recycle, Reuse—has led the Institute for Sustainable Production (IPS) to identify one of the main activities using recyclable and reusable materials: fruit and vegetable exports. This economic driver uses both packaging options, single-use corrugated cardboard and reusable plastic, and Spain is one of the most important markets for both options, as Europe’s leading fruit and vegetable exporter.
A simple gesture that carries a gigantic benefit. If the Spanish fruit and vegetable producers decided to replace the plastic folding boxes with those of corrugated cardboard for the transport of their products, the reduction of C02 emissions would be equivalent to that generated by 400,000 vehicles. This is one of the conclusions reached by a study prepared by the Polytechnic University of Valencia on behalf of the Institute of Sustainable Production (IPS).
To combat climate change, the Institute for Sustainable Production (IPS), a nonprofit organization promoting a business culture of sustainability, commissioned the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV) to conduct the "Carbon Footprint Study of Packaging Used for International Refrigerated Road Transport of Fruit and Vegetable Products", a comparative study of the carbon footprint of the two types of packaging most commonly used to export fruit and vegetables: single-use corrugated cardboard boxes and reusable plastic crates.
The Carbon Footprint
Salvador Capuz, head of the study, has pointed out that for the different scenarios the Carbon Footprint, total amount of CO2 and other greenhouse gases (GHG) generated throughout the life cycle of boxesfrom raw materials, manufacture, transport, use, maintenance, to waste treatment, etc.
Capuz revealed that corrugated cardboard boxes generate up to 69.22% fewer CO2-equivalent emissions than reusable plastic crates when transporting tomatoes to Germany using corrugated cardboard boxes, compared with plastic crates with an average lifespan of 20 uses. In terms of the effect on the planet's climate change impact category, this is one of the conclusions that give corrugated cardboard boxes an advantage over reusable plastic crates.
Sustainable circular economy
The IPS is interested in the equivalent Carbon Footprint to measure the negative impact on the environment and packaging as a key element in the transition to a circular economy, low carbon, more resource efficient, more competitive and less polluting.
The study reinforces the environmental superiority of corrugated cardboard boxes in the fight against climate change.
Transport in reusable plastic boxes means adding the contamination of more than 400,000 vehicles. A fact that we cannot afford if Spain wants to reach the European target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% by 2030.”
Sustainable business model
The scientific divulgator Manuel Toharia considers it important to promote sustainable business models for all chain links in the export of fruit and vegetable products. “Free choice of packaging would allow producers to choose the most environmentally friendly option at the same time as the most cost-effective and safe option. The solution to the problem of climate change is found in the prioritization of renewable materials,” Toharia said.
To this end, it recalled that Spanish legislation encourages the use of sustainable packaging, and defines them, according to the Waste Act 2011, such as those manufactured with Renewable, recyclable and biodegradable raw materials using paper, corrugated cardboard, compact cardboard or wood as an example. “It is therefore necessary to comply with the law,” Toharia concluded.
