The Packaging Index (PIX) - a proposed methodology for packaging assessment and comparison

Abstract

The use of packaging and the related environmental consequences are increasingly under discussion. Despite its advantages, packaging has become the focus of public concern, mainly due to insufficient or inadequate handling of packaging waste. There is plenty of research regarding the sustainability of packaging options; however, multiple quantifiable characteristics have never been combined into a single indicator. The proposed Packaging Index (PIX) offers a tool to evaluate and compare different packaging options for the same product. To achieve these goals, the current evaluation criteria for the PIX are i) packaging quantity, ii) recyclability, and iii) environmental footprint. The resulting assessment is displayed as best to worst case scenario, with a single score for simple comparison. Using life cycle thinking, the environmental footprint of the packaging is accounted from cradle-to-grave. The suggested visualization of the PIX represents a practical comparison of diverse packaging alternatives within a defined product group. In the illustrative example, the PIX serves as an instrument to compare available bags found commonly in German online-retail. This example also shows that the PIX can analyze the packaging value chain from diverse industries and contributes to the circular economy. The usability of the PIX extends from communication (such as customer relations) to other fields like internal supply chain optimization. Lastly, we present the communication strategy of the PIX aimed at two different user groups.