Abstract:
1. Introduction
The durability and functionality of polypropylene woven sacks make them
ideal for food storage, especially in rice packaging. With growing demand,
and growing concerns about sustainability, it is important to understand
the life cycle environmental impacts beforehand to mitigate and reduce
such impacts. Therefore, this study aims to develop a comprehensive
greenhouse gas emission inventory considering the full life cycle stages of
polypropylene rice packaging.
2. Research Methodology
The product carbon footprint assessment methodology was followed in the
study. One thousand pieces of polypropylene sacks were considered to
produce the greenhouse gas inventory. Generic production data were
gathered from a polypropylene packaging manufacturer. Usage and
disposal behavior were investigated through a survey. A product carbon
footprint assessment tool (CCalc2) was used in the analysis.
3. Findings and Discussion
The total life cycle carbon emission of manufacturing 1,000 polypropylene
sacks is 4181.12 kgCO₂e. The production stage accounted for 87.6% of the
total emissions, primarily due to energy-intensive processes like melting
and weaving. The acquisition of raw materials, notably polypropylene
resin, contributed 10.1%, while waste management stages (incineration
and landfilling) added 1.9%. Transportation emissions were negligible in
comparison to other emission categories.
4. Conclusion and Implications
The study reveals the need to minimize energy use during manufacturing,
explore alternative materials, and incorporate renewable energy. The
study establishes a baseline greenhouse gas inventory to supplement
future emission reduction programs. It is recommended to that a study
incorporating other environmental impact categories to be carried out to
fully understand the total environmental impacts of polypropylene
packaging
