SMART Pack receives LCA validation from RMIT

A new type of packaging for instant coffee could be a greener way for consumers to buy their morning brew. According to a peer-reviewed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), the Nescafé Gold SMART Pack laminate pouch is a more environmentally friendly way to package coffee than the traditional glass jar format.

RMIT’s Centre for Design conducted the LCA to compare the environmental footprint of two packaging types - a 100g glass jar with a polymer lid and the SMART Pack laminate pouch. The two formats were measured on their environmental impact based on delivering 100g of instant coffee.

When compared with the glass jar, the SMART Pack laminate pouch uses 73% less non-renewable energy, 66% less water and emits 75% less CO₂ in its life cycle than the glass jar, an RMIT media release said. Despite not yet being made of recyclable materials, the study found that the SMART Pack still has more environmental benefits than the glass jar.

“The SMART Pack is light, weighing just 9.5 grams. Making, using and disposing of the pack takes far less water and energy, and the materials, manufacturing and transport-related greenhouse gas emissions are also dramatically reduced,” said Simon Lockrey, a Research Fellow at RMIT.

“Our study also examined 13 alternative variations to our baseline scenario to test for data quality and robustness - from changes in the amount of water used in glass manufacturing to the thickness of the laminate pouch - and we found the SMART Pack was consistently a good environmental choice.”

Panel peer reviewed by experts in LCA, packaging, retail and environmental advocacy, the RMIT study complied with the international standard ISO 14044:2006.