Assessing impacts across the product life cycle

Such reviews provide a critical process that ensures objectivity if the study conforms to the requirements of ISO 14044; if methods, data and interpretation are appropriate and if the study report is transparent and consistent. ISO 14044 requires critical review of all LCAs that support a public claim in comparison to another product.

In 2021, we launched an ISO-compliant LCA study for our Advantage StretchWrap speciality kraft paper including a critical review by an expert panel. The Advantage StretchWrap study compared our paper-based pallet-wrapping solution with conventional plastic stretch film. It found that our product (per pallet) has a 62% lower climate change impact than plastic stretch film and a 49% lower climate change impact compared to plastic film with 50% recycled content.

Advantage StretchWrap has a lower environmental impact than plastic across several categories, performing well in indicators including climate change, water use and fossil resource use. However, plastic stretch film performs better in some categories including land use, fresh water, marine and terrestrial eutrophication and ozone depletion. This example illustrates some of the sustainability trade-offs that must be considered as we test new innovations and develop more circular solutions.

Learn more about our Product LIfe Cycle Assessments.