Measuring plastic use, especially for brands, involves a straightforward calculation: quantify the amount and type of plastic used in products and packaging, and multiply that by the number of units sold.
Calculating a Plastic Footprint
For businesses, measuring plastic usage is crucial for understanding their environmental impact. The calculation process typically involves:
- Identifying Plastic Components:
- Begin by identifying every component that uses plastic, including primary packaging (bottles, wrappers), secondary packaging (boxes, cartons), and even plastic parts within the product itself.
- Quantifying Plastic:
- Weight: Determine the weight of each plastic component in grams or kilograms.
- Type: Identify the type of plastic used (e.g., PET, HDPE, PVC). Different plastics have varying environmental impacts.
- Unit Sold: Track the number of products sold within a specific timeframe.
- Calculation:
- Multiply the total weight of plastic for one unit by the number of units sold.
- (Total Plastic per Unit) x (Units Sold) = Total Plastic Use
- For example, if one unit contains 50 grams of plastic and 1000 units are sold, total plastic use is 50,000 grams (or 50 kg).
Example
Let's illustrate with a simple example:
| Component | Plastic Type | Weight per unit (grams) | Units Sold | Total Plastic (grams) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bottle | PET | 20 | 1000 | 20,000 |
| Cap | PP | 5 | 1000 | 5,000 |
| Outer Wrap | LDPE | 10 | 1000 | 10,000 |
| Total | 35 | 35,000 |
In this scenario, the total plastic use would be 35,000 grams (35 kg).
Additional Considerations
Beyond this basic approach, more advanced calculations may include:
- Life Cycle Analysis: This looks at the plastic’s impact from cradle to grave—from its production, transportation and eventual disposal.
- Recycled Content: Consider the percentage of recycled plastic included.
- Regional Variations: Track plastic usage across different regions where products are sold to understand regional impacts.
By meticulously tracking and calculating plastic use, companies can identify areas for reduction, explore alternative packaging, and implement sustainable practices.
