At Topa, we make packaging greener with smart LCAs

Topa has a lot of in-house services, all focused on providing the optimal packaging solution for you. Standard packaging is often a great option. But in some cases, it doesn’t meet the requirements. We therefore also offer the possibility of developing and producing suitable packaging for your product. We have now made checking the environmental impact a standard element within this development process. This allows us to build knowledge on material choice and environmental impact. We can then apply this in future design processes too.

Life Cycle Analyses

In order to come up with a good assessment of the environmental impact in the design phase, Topa uses Life Cycle Assessment software. We use this software to calculate the environmental impact of specific designs. That might sound very simple, but in practice it can be quite complex. There are a lot of variables that need to be taken into account. Behind the software are various databases containing a huge amount of environmental data connected to individual raw materials. Looking for the raw materials used in order to make the calculation is like searching for the right puzzle pieces. It’s about things like whether we’re using ‘virgin’ material or whether there is a certain percentage of recycled material. In addition to the impact of the raw materials, there are other variables that influence the calculation too, such as transport.

The importance that Topa attaches to LCA calculations

Carrying out an LCA offers a range of advantages:

• Reducing environmental impact: Companies can take focused measures to reduce their ecological footprint.
• Meeting regulations: It helps companies to meet the increasing regulations around environmentally friendly packaging.
• Improving consumer trust: Transparency in relation to the environmental impact of packaging can improve trust among consumers and position the company as environmentally conscious.

‘We aim for less’

Although implementing LCA calculations brings challenges, we believe that now is the time to improve our knowledge and experience in this area. We already receive regular questions about the CO₂ emissions of products. And this is not likely to change in the near future. By making LCA calculations a standard element of our Ecodesign now, we can learn as we go. This knowledge allows us to help you make sustainable choices.

Want to find out more about Topa’s other sustainability initiatives?

• Topa is taking major steps within CO₂ reduction and sustainability
  Read more
• Topa achieves bronze EcoVadis medal for sustainability!
  Read more
• Sustainable moisture protection: AbsorGel® reduces CO2 by 75%
  Read more
• Paper-fibre foam: sustainable packaging alternative
  Read more

Should you have any questions about this specific article, want to learn more about our sustainability initiatives, or have a sustainability challenge where we can assist?

Don’t hesitate to contact us. Call us at +31 252 245 200 or email info@topa.nl.