New approaches to assessing the environmental compatibility of packaging

The development of approaches which offer an integral view of packaging and the natural environment is outlined. The difference between the Environmental Impact Assessment of an industrial plant and the analysis of industrial product is pointed out. It is shown how characteristics of the environmental impact being relevant to a package should be chosen. A model for calculating the environmental impact within the history of a package is presented. The model offers advantages in clarity and calculation effort as well as sensitivity statements of the resulting environmental impact to item data are facilitated.