Our latest tinplate Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) data has been quality-reviewed and is now accessible from the International Reference Life Cycle Database (ILCD).
The latest study conducted in 2014, evaluates the European production of tinplate in a cradle to gate analysis and is composed of data from 2012-2013. It covers all production steps from the extraction of raw materials to manufacturing of the coil.
Inclusion of the dataset on the ILCD, the International Platform in Life Cycle Assessment launched by the European Commission in 2014, confirms APEAL’s data as the European reference dataset for tinplate and the only one to be used for relevant and up to date studies.
“Life cycle thinking is vital for the future and for moving towards a circular economy”, said Alexander Mohr.
“We have been clear and transparent about the complete environmental profile of tinplate packaging since 2006. We want our customers, and all our stakeholders, to have the full picture so that they can make informed and sustainable choices about packaging.”
The results of the LCI study show that the steel for packaging industry has made continuous improvements in environmental performance since 2006: CO2 emissions from tinplate production have decreased by 12%, and primary energy demand has dropped by 2%. The additional impact of steel’s Europe-leading recycling rate is also clearly shown within the environmental profile.
By taking into account a 74% recycling rate for steel packaging (the recycling rate in 2012), primary energy demand is reduced from 28.9MJ to just 19.7MJ, meaning over 30% saving from using scrap instead of primary resources. Emissions are also reduced by 46%, from 2.27 kg to just 1.23kg.
The study was undertaken in accordance with the international standards for life cycle assessment ISO 14040/44 and the Worldsteel LCA methodology.
Details of the APEAL tinplate LCA including the link to the dataset can be found at http://www.apeal.org/life-cycle
1 GWP - Global Warming Potential 2 POCP - Photochemical Ozone Creation Potential |