We have recently completed a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study for our client SAF BIANCO SRL, marking an important step in the evaluation and improvement of the environmental performance of its products.
Today, LCA is a key tool for understanding and measuring the environmental impacts associated with a product throughout its entire life cycle, from production to end-of-life.
The four phases of an LCA study
In accordance with relevant standards, an LCA study is structured around four main phases:
- Goal and scope definition, which clarifies the objectives, boundaries and assumptions of the study
- Life Cycle Inventory (LCI), involving the collection and quantification of material and energy flows
- Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA), where inventory data are translated into environmental impact indicators
- Interpretation of results, aimed at identifying critical issues, improvement opportunities and supporting strategic decision-making
The context: SAF BIANCO SRL's plastic packaging
SAF BIANCO SRL specializes in the design and production of high-quality plastic packaging. The purpose of this study was to understand how different decoration technologies, when applied to the same finished product, can lead to significantly different environmental impacts.
For this reason, the analysis focused on a single functional unit: a polypropylene jar produced using different technologies.
The technologies assessed
Specifically, the study compared four production alternatives:
- A (Undecorated): containers without any decoration
- O (Offset printing): decoration printed directly onto the container using offset technology
- S (Sleeve labeling): application of an external decorative sleeve label
- I (IML – In-Mould Labeling): the label is fused to the container during the injection molding process
This comparison made it possible to objectively assess the environmental impact associated with each technology.
From results to strategic decisions
The findings of the LCA now provide a solid foundation for SAF BIANCO SRL as it defines its industrial plan for the coming years.
Moreover, the study can be repeated over time, enabling the company to monitor progress and quantitatively track improvements in its environmental performance.
Next steps toward decarbonization
The journey does not end with this analysis. Possible next steps include:
- an analytical study to assess the cost of emission reductions across different mitigation strategies
- a more detailed LCA involving suppliers, with improved and more representative data
- the development of a decarbonization plan, covering reduction, compensation and communication activities in line with ISO 14068.
Ecoloop supporting sustainable growth
The Ecoloop team is committed to supporting SAF BIANCO SRL throughout this sustainability journey, providing technical expertise, strategic guidance and a continuous improvement approach to environmental impact management.
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