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<p>This study evaluates the environmental performance of molded pulp as a substitute for fossil-based plastic container packaging through life cycle assessment (LCA). Four molded pulp products—egg carton, fruit tray, plate tray, and cushioning material—were compared with PET, PSP, PPF, and EPS counterparts. Environmental impacts assessed included global warming, fossil fuel consumption, urban area air pollution, acidification, and depletion of biological resources, using the Japan-specific LIME2 method. Results showed molded pulp reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 21–82% and fossil fuel use by 33–76%, primarily due to carbon neutrality and recycled material use. However, high energy demand for drying, especially for virgin pulp plate tray, limited benefits in some categories. Integrated assessment indicated molded pulp outperformed plastics in three of four applications, except for plate tray, which showed &gt; 30-fold higher impacts due to virgin pulp use. Recycled pulp use was critical for environmental advantages. Future improvements should focus on enhancing thermal efficiency, utilizing renewable energy, and promoting recycling systems. The findings provide actionable insights for industries and policymakers aiming to reduce plastic waste and advance decarbonization strategies.</p>

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Life cycle assessment of molded pulp containers and packaging as a sustainable alternative to plastics

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月2日

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  • Takehiro Ishihara,
  • Sun Jie,
  • Misuzu Asari,
  • Yuta Ando,
  • Gensyo Ijima,
  • Junya Yano

摘要

This study evaluates the environmental performance of molded pulp as a substitute for fossil-based plastic container packaging through life cycle assessment (LCA). Four molded pulp products—egg carton, fruit tray, plate tray, and cushioning material—were compared with PET, PSP, PPF, and EPS counterparts. Environmental impacts assessed included global warming, fossil fuel consumption, urban area air pollution, acidification, and depletion of biological resources, using the Japan-specific LIME2 method. Results showed molded pulp reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 21–82% and fossil fuel use by 33–76%, primarily due to carbon neutrality and recycled material use. However, high energy demand for drying, especially for virgin pulp plate tray, limited benefits in some categories. Integrated assessment indicated molded pulp outperformed plastics in three of four applications, except for plate tray, which showed > 30-fold higher impacts due to virgin pulp use. Recycled pulp use was critical for environmental advantages. Future improvements should focus on enhancing thermal efficiency, utilizing renewable energy, and promoting recycling systems. The findings provide actionable insights for industries and policymakers aiming to reduce plastic waste and advance decarbonization strategies.