Closing the Loop for Packaging: Finding a Framework to Operationalize Circular Economy Strategies

Monia Niero*, Michael Z. Hauschild

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalConference article in JournalResearchpeer-review

67 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This paper examines some of the most common frameworks available to companies in implementing circular economy strategies, i.e. the Cradle-to-Cradle design protocol, the Material Circularity Indicator and the Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment framework intended as a combination of Life Cycle Assessment, Environmental Life Cycle Costing and Social Life Cycle Assessment. We focus on the packaging sector and use the case of closed-loop aluminium can supply to illustrate the benefits and limitations of combining some of these frameworks. Our recommendation is to use the Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment framework to evaluate circularity strategies, since it is the most comprehensive and still operational framework and best at preventing burden shifting between stakeholders in the value chain.

Original languageEnglish
JournalProcedia CIRP
Volume61
Pages (from-to)685-690
Number of pages6
ISSN2212-8271
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017
Externally publishedYes
Event24th CIRP Conference on Life Cycle Engineering, CIRP LCE 2017 - Kamakura, Japan
Duration: 8 Mar 201710 Mar 2017

Conference

Conference24th CIRP Conference on Life Cycle Engineering, CIRP LCE 2017
Country/TerritoryJapan
CityKamakura
Period08/03/201710/03/2017
SponsorDenso, DMG MORI, Mazak Foundation

Keywords

  • aluminum
  • circularity
  • cradle to cradle
  • environmental Life Cycle Costing
  • Life Cycle Assessment
  • Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment
  • life cycle thinking
  • material circularity indicator
  • Social LCA

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