Life Cycle of Sustainable Packaging
From Design to End-of-Life
By: Rafael A. Auras, Susan E. M. Selke
About This Book
Life Cycle of Sustainable Packaging An expert review of packaging’s role in sustainability and the environment In Life Cycle of Sustainable Packaging: From Design to End of Life, a team of distinguished researchers delivers an authoritative and accessible explanation of the role played by packaging in sustainable development and the circular economy. The book offers expansive coverage of every aspect of the packaging life cycle, from design to management and end of life. It is a holistic and integrated evaluation of packaging’s environmental footprint. The authors show students and readers how to incorporate design and life cycle concepts into the development of sustainable packaging materials and help them understand critical background information about pollution and risk management. They also provide readers with learning objectives and self-study questions for each chapter that help them retain and understand the ideas discussed in the book. Readers will also find: A thorough introduction to the role of packaging in sustainable development An in-depth examination of design thinking in the packaging design process, including the five stages of design thinking and innovation tools Comprehensive discussions of pollution and risk management, as well as soil, water, and air pollution Expansive treatments of global climate change, life cycle assessment, and municipal solid waste. Perfect for undergraduate and graduate students learning about sustainability and packaging, Life Cycle of Sustainable Packaging: From Design to End of Life will earn a place in the libraries of chemical, biochemical, plastics, materials science, and packaging engineers.
AI Overview
The book "Life Cycle of Sustainable Packaging: From Design to End of Life" by Rafael A. Auras and Susan E. M. Selke is a comprehensive guide to sustainable packaging systems. Here is a detailed overview of the book:
Key Themes
- Sustainability Framework: The book begins with a general framework of sustainability and the circular economy related to packaging. It emphasizes the importance of a transdisciplinary approach and extensive collaborations to develop sustainable packaging systems.
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): The authors give significant attention to LCA as the primary tool for evaluating the environmental footprint (EFP) of packaging systems. They provide foundational knowledge about pollution and create EFP indicators, discussing risk assessment and management, soil, water, and air pollution, and global climate change.
- Design Thinking: The book includes an in-depth examination of design thinking in the packaging design process. It covers the five stages of design thinking and innovation tools, highlighting the importance of creative and innovative approaches in sustainable packaging design.
- Holistic Coverage: The book offers expansive coverage of every aspect of the packaging life cycle, from design to management and end of life. It provides a holistic and integrated approach to sustainable packaging, ensuring that all stages of the life cycle are considered.
Plot Summary
The book is structured to guide readers through the entire life cycle of sustainable packaging, from conceptualization to disposal. It starts with an introduction to sustainability principles and the circular economy, then delves into the foundational knowledge of LCA and environmental footprint indicators. The middle sections focus on risk assessment, pollution management, and climate change. The latter part of the book provides practical guidance on conducting streamlined LCAs under different boundary conditions (cradle-to-gate, cradle-to-grave, etc.).
Critical Reception
While specific reviews are not provided in the search results, the book's comprehensive nature and the expertise of its authors suggest it would be well-received by professionals and students in the field of packaging and sustainability. The book's focus on practical tools and methodologies for evaluating and improving the sustainability of packaging systems likely makes it a valuable resource for industry professionals and educators.
Conclusion
"Life Cycle of Sustainable Packaging: From Design to End of Life" by Rafael A. Auras and Susan E. M. Selke is a seminal work that provides a thorough understanding of sustainable packaging systems. It integrates theoretical knowledge with practical applications, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in sustainable packaging practices. The book's emphasis on design thinking, LCA, and holistic life cycle management positions it as a leading text in the field of sustainable packaging.