Carbon footprint of package leaflets. A comparative study on greenhouse gas emissions of paper-based and digital package leaflets for pharmaceuticals - Part 1

More than 1.5 billion package leaflets (PL) were dispensed or sold in Germany 2022. This paper summarises a study on related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the potential reduction of GHG emissions by replacing a paper-based by an electronic PL. In close cooperation with industry a detailed carbon footprint study and a market analysis on printed leaflets per prescription status were established. On average a paper-based PL causes 7.0 g CO2e and a reduction potential was estimated with 90 %. A calculator is available online (ePILCarbonCalculator.com).