CO2 balance: disposable and reusable in comparison

Since January 1, 2023, restaurateurs and to-go providers have been obliged to offer reusable alternatives to disposable packaging. This applies to both food packaging and beverage cups. We at Better-Pack are convinced that the new packaging laws are important steps towards a sustainable future. But the purchase of reusable products and the introduction of deposit systems can bring with them logistical and financial problems. In this article, we compare the life cycle assessments of disposable and reusable packaging and show that the trend towards reusable products makes sense despite some hurdles. We also point out how we can support you!

The CO2 balance of disposable and reusable products in comparison

What is the carbon footprint of disposable and reusable packaging? Since the beginning of 2023, reusable packaging has been mandatory for the to-go business. Operators are obliged to offer reusable alternatives to disposable packaging. The ecological footprint of packaging differs considerably. This is especially true for plastic packaging, although reusable packaging is also significantly more sustainable than disposable paper packaging.

Disposable tableware vs. reusable tableware

Disposable plates and disposable cutlery are mainly used at events and usually end up in the waste incineration plant after one use. Disposable tableware made of aluminum has the worst ecological balance and the most CO2 emissions. Aluminum plates cause around 600 percent more CO2 emissions per meal than a disposable cardboard plate. Disposable plates made of plastic have 300 percent more emissions than reusable alternatives. Reusable products save water and material because they can be used multiple times. On average, disposable plates are more environmentally friendly than disposable alternatives after around twelve uses.

Disposable cups vs. reusable cups

Disposable cups can be found everywhere, for example in fast food restaurants or cafés. With reusable bottles or cups, reusing them five times is enough to achieve a better carbon footprint than disposable products. Rinsing reusable bottles and cups requires significantly less water than producing new products. At events, cleaning 1,000 reusable polypropylene cups requires only 1.4 kilowatt hours of electricity, while producing new PET cups requires 350 kilowatt hours. The difference is enormous.

Reusable packaging has the best ecological balance

The examples illustrate the many advantages of reusable products over disposable packaging. The differences are significant. Reusable products generally also have an advantage over disposable glass bottles and sustainable disposable products because they are part of the reusable packaging cycle.

The reusable cycle

Reusable packaging goes through several paths. First, the reusable products are stored in the warehouse of a catering establishment. They are given to consumers when they are ordered and, after use, they are taken back and cleaned. In this way, they make a significant contribution to preserving the environment.

Reusable packaging from Better-Pack - We support you!

The trends towards renewable raw materials and reusable packaging make sense given the high level of packaging waste. We support you by offering high-quality and relatively inexpensive reusable packaging. Our large selection includes cups, take-away boxes, pizza boxes and more. We are also available to answer any questions you may have about packaging, CO2 and recycling.