Oceanix Collation Shrink Film: LCA Benefits

Exploring Trends and Challenges in Sustainable Packaging Solutions for the Manufacturing & Recycling Industry

In today’s world, where sustainability is no longer a buzzword but a necessity, businesses are increasingly seeking ways to minimise their environmental footprint. Companies strive to replace virgin packaging materials with more sustainable alternatives that reduce environmental impact and give new life to waste materials.

It was this movement coupled with the growing concern of waste in the ocean that resulted in the creation of Plastix Oceanix HDPE recycled material made from waste fishing gear. Oceanix HDPE is used to produce collation shrink film for the food and beverage industry, which previously used virgin plastics.

To understand the true environmental benefits of this material, Plastix conducted a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), to independently prove the significant positive impact of Oceanix HDPE.

Firstly, what is a Life Cycle Assessment?

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a tool used to evaluate the environmental impacts associated with all stages of a product’s life, from raw material extraction through production, use, and disposal. By assessing these impacts, companies can make informed decisions about the materials they use and the overall sustainability of their products.

Plastix funded a third-party to conduct an LCA to compare its environmental impact with that of virgin plastics.

The LCA is a cradle to gate analysis, analysing all relevant resource consumptions and emissions related to the production of Oceanix.

The life cycle activities included are:

Handling at collection point and transport of waste nets and ropes

Supply of energy and other raw materials

Mechanical recycling and production of Oceanix at Plastix

Packaging of Oceanix products

Disposal of waste from production

The LCA analysis includes externalities (e.g. share of construction of windmills, trucks, ships, non-road vehicles) according to the attributional methodology.

Key Findings of the LCA for Oceanix HDPE:

Climate Efficiency on Freshwater Use: The LCA revealed that Oceanix is 11 times more climate efficient in terms of freshwater use compared to virgin plastics. This significant reduction in water consumption is crucial in a world where freshwater resources are becoming increasingly scarce.

Reduction in Ocean Acidification: One of the most concerning environmental issues today is ocean acidification, driven largely by the absorption of carbon dioxide by seawater. The LCA showed that Oceanix is five times more efficient in reducing ocean acidification compared to virgin plastics.

Fossil Resource Use: Oceanix was found to be 43 times more efficient in terms of fossil resource use. This dramatic reduction highlights the potential of recycled maritime waste to significantly decrease our reliance on fossil fuels, a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

CO2e Savings: When conducting the life-cycle assessment it confirmed to provide up to 94% CO2e savings, when compared with virgin plastics.

The life cycle assessment clearly demonstrates the significant environmental benefits of using Oceanix HDPE, from reductions in freshwater use, ocean acidification to decreases in fossil resource consumption and CO2e emissions. More information about the use of Oceanix in collation shrink film can be found here.

If you’re interested in exploring Oceanix collation shrink film solution, our sales team are available and ready to discuss this with you. Please contact enquiries@duo-uk.co.uk or phone +44 0161 203 5767

You can find out more about Plastix full Life Cycle Assessment here.