Packaging

Studies on packaging policy

Beyond our technical expertise in packaging systems, we also support policymakers by delivering studies that directly inform and shape packaging legislation. Our work provides the evidence base needed to design effective, future-proof regulation. Some of the key policy-related topics we have addressed at RDC include:

Deposit-Refund Schemes (DRS): We have carried out in-depth DRS studies in Belgium, France, and Luxembourg. These analyses offer public authorities clear, data-driven insights to help them meet ambitious recycling and litter-reduction targets in line with the EU’s circular economy ambitions. Read more about this topic in our dedicated article.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): for national producer responsibility organisations (PROs) and government bodies, we assess different packaging waste collection and treatment scenarios. These studies support policy decisions on how packaging waste should be organised, collected, and processed to achieve optimal environmental outcomes.
Single-use vs Reusable Packaging Systems: while legislation such as the Single-Use Plastics Directive increasingly promotes reusable systems, reuse does not automatically guarantee a lower environmental footprint. Our analyses help determine whether a proposed reusable alternative truly outperforms its single-use counterpart and if not, what conditions are needed to ensure it does.

Two examples of industry-level studies we recently completed:

For EuPC: we analysed the economic impact of implementing Article 29 of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), focusing on the transition from single-use to reusable pallet packaging. Click here for the full report.
For Eumeps: we performed a comparative sustainability assessment of five optimised single-use and reusable packaging solutions for fish transport in Europe. This study combined a monetised, peer-reviewed LCA with a monetised social cost–benefit evaluation. Click here for the full report.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) on packaging

Our team has built a strong track record in LCAs for packaging. Over the years, we’ve carried out a wide range of projects, each with its own specific scope, covering an extensive variety of packaging formats and materials. From plastics, paper-based and wood solutions to metal and glass packaging, and from single-use systems to reuse models, we’ve explored it all. Our work spans multiple LCA boundaries (cradle-to-gate and cradle-to-grave) and geographical contexts, including Belgium, France, Europe, and the US. We’re not scared of tackling complex studies with many different scenarios, we know how to find useable recommendations for our clients in these complex matters.

LCAs play a crucial role in helping decision-makers navigate complex sustainability questions. Thanks to these studies we are able to we support our clients in several key ways:

Identifying environmental hotspots: We analyse which stages or materials contribute most to a packaging’s overall impact. This is often followed by an eco-design phase, where we work closely with clients to reduce these impacts in a practical and measurable way.
Comparing packaging alternatives: We assess whether switching from an existing packaging solution to a new one effectively reduces environmental impacts, in other words; backing strategic decisions with real numbers.
Supporting transparent communication: When clients want to communicate improvements to customers, we provide comparative LCAs that demonstrate the environmental benefits of a new packaging system. These studies typically undergo external peer review to ensure credibility. Many of our LCAs have already been validated positively by independent reviewers.

No matter why you’re considering an LCA: whether to improve your packaging, guide investments, or communicate sustainability claims. You can rely on our experience. We’re here to support you on your path toward more sustainable and future-proof packaging solutions.

LCA webtool for packaging

For clients with a wide range of packaging systems who want to carry out assessments more independently, we supported Pilario to develop the Packaging web tool: a user-friendly tool for measuring the full “cradle-to-grave” environmental impact of packaging and distributing any defined product (solid or liquid). The tool is built on a complete life cycle assessment that follows ISO 14040/44 standards and has been validated through an independent peer review. For more information on this tool, please contact Pilario.

Some of our clients that trust the work we perform:

Public authorities : European Commission, ADEME, OVAM, Brussels Environment, Service Public de Wallonie…
PROs : CITEO, Fost Plus, IVCIE, Valipac…
Companies : CHEP, FABER, Nestlé, Henkel, Heineken, Plastipak
Associations : FEVE, Metal Packaging Europe, Maison des Eaux Minérales, Association des Entreprises des Glaces, RECORD…