Paper Mailing Bags LCA - The Clear Choice For Ecommerce Despatches

As the global focus shifts towards environmental responsibility, it's no longer enough to just talk the talk when it comes to sustainability. So, we took a science-based approach with independent research conducted by the Research Institutes of Sweden (RI.SE) to examine the environmental impact of different packaging solutions. In this article, there's only one winner: paper mailing bags.

RI.SE: The Pioneers of Sustainability Research

RI.SE is a unique, independent research and technology organization dedicated to building a sustainable future. They collaborate with both the private and public sectors to develop services, products, technologies, processes, and materials that contribute to this shared goal.

The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): Measuring Environmental Impact

The study conducted by RI.SE assessed the environmental impact of three common packaging solutions: paper mailing bags, poly mailers (PE), and corrugated cardboard boxes. The LCA examined six phases of a product's life cycle, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal, providing a holistic view of each option's sustainability.

Four Key Environmental Indicators

To make a meaningful comparison, the study focused on four critical environmental indicators:

1. Global Warming Potential (GWP): Global warming potential measures the ability of substance to trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere over a specific time frame, usually 100 years. It quantifies the impact of emissions, particularly greenhouse gases, on global warming. A higher global warming potential indicates a greater contribution to climate change.
   
2. Acidification Potential (AP): Acidification potential assesses the emissions of substances that can lead to the acidification of the environment, It quantifies the potential for emissions to create acidic conditions in the air or water, which can harm ecosystems and aquatic life. A lower acidification potential value signifies a reduced risk of acidification.
   
3. Eutrophication Potential (EP): Eutrophication potential measures the potential of emissions to cause nutrient enrichment in aquatic ecosystems, such as rivers, lakes, and oceans. High eutrophication potential values indiciate a greater risk of excessive nutrient levels, which can lead to harmful algal blooms and ecological imbalances.
   
4. Photochemical Ozone Creation Potential (POCP): Photochemical Ozone Creation Potential evaluates the ecmissions that can contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, harmful air pollutant. It quantifies the potential for emissions to react with sunlight and other pollutants to create ozone, which can lead to respiratory problems and other health issues. A lower POCP value signifies a reduced impact on ozone creation. 

The results are in..

Global Warming Potential

Switching from a virgin PE mailer bag to an unbleached paper mailing bag could result in a significant 49% reduction in carbon emissions. For 100gsm unbleached paper mailers, this reduction increases to approximately 66%. The benefits become even more pronounced with thicker paper and lower-gauge film options.

Biogenic emissions actually result in paper mailing bags showing a negative carbon footprint of -46.7kg/CO versus plastic bags being a net contributor of CO of +54.8kg/CO.

Acidification Potential

Unbleached kraft mailer bags have a considerably lower AP than virgin PE mailer bags, with a 32% reduction. 

Eutrophication Potential

Unbleached kraft paper mailing bags offer a remarkable 74% improvement compared to 100% recycled content PE mailer bags. We also saw a 50% improvementof unbleached kraft paper mailers versus virgin PE mailer bags.

Photochemical Ozone Creation Potential (POCP)

Unbleached kraft mailer bags offer a 27% reduction compared to virgin PE mailer bags.

Interpreting the Results

When considering the environmental impact, unbleached kraft mailer bags consistently outperform other options, offering significant reductions in carbon emissions, acidification, eutrophication, and ozone formation.

Conclusion

In the realm of sustainable packaging for ecommerce despatches, the evidence is clear: paper mailing bags are the top choice. They outshine other options in terms of environmental impact across various parameters. These findings underscore our commitment to providing environmentally responsible packaging solutions.

Remember, making sustainable choices isn't just good for the planet; it's also a smart business move. So, if you currently use poly mailers and are looking to switch to something more sustainable,  paper mailing bags are a winner. If you have any questions and want to know more about the LCA and our paper mailing bags range, get in touch and we'll be happy to help.