COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF PLASTIC AND ALUMINUM PACKAGING ON BEVERAGE PRODUCTS USING SIMPLIFIED LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT TOOL

• Main Author: Aditya Prabudiyo H, Daniendra
• Format: Final Project
• Language: Indonesia
• Subjects: Teknik saniter dan perkotaan; teknik perlindungan lingkungan
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/80395
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

Indonesia grapples with a staggering annual production of nearly 7 million tonnes of plastic waste, only a portion of which is recycled, especially in rural areas lacking proper waste collection facilities. Mounting concerns over plastic pollution necessitate urgent adoption of alternative practices promoting sustainable material, production, and consumption patterns. A recent study reveals that Java Island alone generates a monthly plastic waste volume of 189,349 tonnes, with a mere 11.83% being collected. In response to this environmental crisis, aluminium emerges as a promising substitute for plastic packaging, particularly in the context of water beverages. The economic sustainability of aluminium, with significant value in recycled material, adds to its appeal. The study, titled "Comparative Analysis on the Environmental Impacts of Plastic and Aluminium Packaging using Simplified Life Cycle Assessment Tool," focuses on solid waste, aiming to inform the development of a new water beverage product with reduced environmental impact using more sustainable materials. The study employs a "Cradle to Gate" life cycle assessment boundary, encompassing raw material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, and waste management. By evaluating four impact categories—global warming (GWP), freshwater sediment, land competition, and human toxicity—the study utilizes the openLCA software. Results indicate that PET bottles exhibit lower contributions to global warming, freshwater sediment, and human toxicity. However, in terms of land competition, PET bottles surpass aluminium cans, emphasizing the nuanced environmental impacts arising from production processes, transportation, recycling infrastructure, and end-of-life management.