EVALUATION OF LIFE CYCLE CARBON EMISSION OF A POLYPROPYLENE RICE PACKAGING WOVEN SACK

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