LUMENE is presenting the results of the PCF (product carbon footprint) calculation that was used to identify the environmental hotspots of one of LUMENE’s most sold product, 50 ml moisturisers. The PCF study's main goal was to calculate the carbon footprint of moisturiser products and identify the environmental hotspots in the value chains for these products through a cradle-to-grave approach. The hotspot analysis was used as a basis for improving LUMENE’s product carbon footprint. The study considered raw materials, meaning cosmetic ingredients and packaging materials, manufacturing including production resources and waste, distribution, and disposal. The third-party calculation was performed according to the international standard “The Greenhouse Gas Protocol: A Product Life Cycle Accounting and Reporting Standard, GHG Protocol”. 

The PCF study revealed that the biggest environmental hotspots are transportation and packaging, with a significant impact on carbon emissions. Packaging raw materials contribute to 35% of the overall environmental burden of the product, while cosmetic ingredients account for 12%. This finding confirmed to LUMENE the importance of reducing the environmental impact of product packaging, particularly in terms of carbon emissions. Even before the study, we had set packaging sustainability objectives in 2018. LUMENE aims to reduce plastic packaging by 20% from the 2018 baseline by the year 2025 as this is the most efficient way to reduce the environmental impacts. Reducing the packaging weight and the amount of packaging materials remains the most effective strategy to achieve this goal.

Figure:The shares of different life cycle stages in terms of emissions in the 50ml moisturizer PCF study.

In the life-cycle assessment (LCA) we studied the packaging options of the LUMENE 50ml moisturiser plastic jar variants. This comprehensive study aimed to provide a holistic understanding of the environmental implications associated with different packaging materials throughout moisturiser jars’ lifecycle from production to disposal with a cradle-to-grave approach. To have a full and comprehensive picture, 16 relevant environmental impact categories were studied. ISO 14040:2006 and 14044:2006 standards were used and the study was a third-party verified. 

Key findings from the LCA study underscore the significant impact of weight reduction in packaging. Notably, lighter packs emerged as the most impactful in terms of reducing environmental footprints. Moreover, transitioning from virgin fossil plastic to biobased materials yielded positive outcomes, albeit with higher land and water use associated with biobased plastics. By considering factors such as biogenic carbon and recycling potential, the study provided valuable insights into the complex interplay between packaging materials, design choices, and environmental sustainability. 

One of the notable features of the new lightweight jar is its remarkable weight reduction — it is 44% lighter than LUMENE's previous jar. This reduction not only minimises the amount of plastic used but also translates into tangible environmental benefits. LCA study confirmed that the lightweight jar boasts a 38% smaller carbon footprint compared to its predecessor, demonstrating the efficacy of sustainable design in mitigating climate impact. Normalised values from the study revealed that reduced weight jars consistently exhibited lower environmental impacts across various categories. Additionally, the choice of raw material source significantly influenced environmental factors such as climate change, ecotoxicity, and ozone depletion. The change from fossil materials to biobased materials is a critical step in reducing these environmental impacts.

Figure: Values normalised for each impact category for the different packaging systems per 50ml Lumene moisturizer jar.

One aspect of the study was the consideration of biogenic carbon, which plays a crucial role in comparing bio-based and fossil-based carbon. By accounting for biogenic carbon released during combustion or decomposition of organic material, the study provided valuable insights into the overall environmental impact of packaging materials. Interestingly, when recycling and biogenic carbon were considered, the bio-based reduced weight jars demonstrated the smallest impact on climate change. 

Overall, the study's findings align with previous research on the disparity between fossil and bio-based plastics, particularly in terms of land and water use. However, the study also highlights the importance of local context in assessing environmental impact, emphasising the significance of responsible biomass sourcing practices. In conclusion, the LCA study serves as a valuable resource for guiding future efforts in sustainable packaging design. By shedding light on the intricate dynamics of packaging materials and their environmental implications, this study underscores the importance of thoughtful design choices in fostering a greener, more sustainable future.