Μελέτη βιωσιμότητας σε καταναλωτικά προϊόντα και το ανθρακικό αποτύπωμα της συσκευασίας
Study of sustainability in consumer products and the carbon footprint of packaging
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Keywords
Packaging ; Sustainability ; Products ; Carbon footprintAbstract
In recent years, concern about climate, environment and social issues has increased. In this
context, it has become clear that sustainable development is an essential prerequisite for
an economically and socially productive present and future. An important feature of
sustainable development is the enhancement of consumer goods’ sustainability, to
successfully combat the global threat of climate change and the limitation of natural
resources. In particular, consumer goods’ sustainability requires appropriate measures to
be taken during all stages of their life cycle, from design and production to consumption and
disposal or recycling, while particular attention must also be paid to the materials that are
selected for the packaging products. The carbon footprint is a representative measure of
greenhouse gas emissions caused by human activity and is useful for the management and
evaluation of mitigation strategies. Reducing the carbon footprint of products and their
packaging is one of the critical components of sustainable development, representing a vital
goal of governments worldwide. Based on the above, the present thesis aims to present to
the greatest extent the current situation regarding the sustainability of consumer products
available on the market and the contribution of the carbon footprint of the packaging. Various
ways of enhancing sustainability throughout the life cycle of products are presented and
some key characteristics that products must have to qualify as sustainable, from their design
and the raw materials used in their development to consumption and end-of-life, are listed.
Moreover, the issue of sustainability of packaging is being developed, with an emphasis on
the contribution of the carbon footprint. Some basic characteristics and functions performed
by the packaging are presented, emphasizing the special importance of the carbon footprint
for the sustainability of packaging and of the product it protects. Finally, the carbon footprints
of basic raw materials used in the production of packaging products are compared and
contrasted, as well as examples of eco-design to reduce the carbon footprint and improve
other indicators with the ultimate goal of optimizing packaging sustainability are presented.