Vatika Saree Gold Shining Laminated Box Bag W 17.5” x H 14” x G 5”

1. Materials Used

• Recycled Content: The bag may be made from recycled materials, reducing the need for virgin resources. Using recycled materials often requires less energy and reduces waste in landfills.
• Biodegradable or Compostable Materials: If the bag is made from biodegradable or compostable materials, it can break down naturally without leaving harmful residues, reducing environmental impact.

• Renewable Resources: If the bag uses materials sourced from renewable resources (like plant-based plastics or paper), the carbon footprint is generally lower because these materials absorb CO2 during their growth phase.
• Efficient Manufacturing: Using materials that require less energy to produce or process reduces the carbon footprint. For instance, recycled aluminum uses 95% less energy compared to new aluminum production.

2. Production Processes

• Energy Efficiency: Production processes that are energy-efficient contribute to sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Factories using renewable energy sources (solar, wind, etc.) further lower the environmental impact.
• Waste Reduction: Sustainable production involves minimizing waste through efficient design and manufacturing processes, which can include recycling by-products and reducing offcuts.

• Low-Emission Manufacturing: Processes that generate fewer emissions (through cleaner energy use or more efficient technologies) contribute to a lower carbon footprint. Techniques such as water-based inks or solvent-free adhesives can be more environmentally friendly.

3. End-of-Life Considerations

• Recyclability: A bag that can be easily recycled helps close the loop in a circular economy, reducing the need for new raw materials and the energy to produce them.
• Longevity: Durable products that can be reused multiple times reduce the demand for new products, decreasing overall material consumption and waste.

• Disposal Impact: Products designed to minimize environmental impact when disposed of (e.g., those that decompose quickly or can be upcycled) have a lower carbon footprint.

4. Scientific Explanation

• Comprehensive Analysis: Conducting an LCA provides a detailed understanding of the environmental impact of the bag from raw material extraction through production, use, and disposal. This includes calculating the total CO2 emissions at each stage.

• Biobased Materials: If the bag uses plant-based materials, these plants capture CO2 from the atmosphere during their growth, which can offset some emissions associated with production.

• Advanced Manufacturing: Implementing technologies that reduce emissions, such as improved insulation in production facilities or carbon capture and storage, can significantly lower the carbon footprint.

Steps for Calculation

1. Raw Material Extraction and Processing:
   • Identify the materials used (e.g., recycled paper, biodegradable plastic).
   • Determine the carbon footprint per unit weight for each material.
2. Manufacturing:
   • Calculate the energy consumption during the manufacturing process.
   • Identify the energy sources used (e.g., electricity, natural gas) and their carbon intensities.
3. Transportation:
   • Calculate the distance the product travels from the manufacturing site to the end user.
   • Determine the transportation methods used (e.g., truck, ship) and their carbon intensities.
4. Usage:
   • Assess the product's lifespan and usage patterns.
   • Consider any emissions associated with its use (usually minimal for a bag).
5. End-of-Life:
   • Determine the disposal method (e.g., recycling, composting, landfill).
   • Calculate the emissions associated with each disposal method.

Example Calculation

• Materials:
  • Recycled paper: 50 grams
  • Biodegradable plastic: 20 grams
• Carbon Footprint Data:
  • Recycled paper: 0.5 kg CO2e per kg
  • Biodegradable plastic: 1.0 kg CO2e per kg
• Manufacturing:
  • Energy consumption: 0.1 kWh per bag
  • Carbon intensity of electricity: 0.5 kg CO2e per kWh
• Transportation:
  • Distance: 500 km
  • Transportation mode: Truck
  • Carbon intensity of truck: 0.1 kg CO2e per ton-km
• End-of-Life:
  • Recycling rate: 80%
  • Landfill rate: 20%
  • Emissions from recycling: 0.1 kg CO2e per kg
  • Emissions from landfill: 0.5 kg CO2e per kg

Calculation

1. Raw Material Extraction:
   • Recycled paper: 50 g×0.5 kg CO2e1000 g=0.025 kg CO2e50 \text{ g} \times \frac{0.5 \text{ kg CO2e}}{1000 \text{ g}} = 0.025 \text{ kg CO2e}50 g×1000 g0.5 kg CO2e​=0.025 kg CO2e
   • Biodegradable plastic: 20 g×1.0 kg CO2e1000 g=0.02 kg CO2e20 \text{ g} \times \frac{1.0 \text{ kg CO2e}}{1000 \text{ g}} = 0.02 \text{ kg CO2e}20 g×1000 g1.0 kg CO2e​=0.02 kg CO2e
2. Manufacturing:
   • Energy consumption: $0.1\text{ kWh}\times 0.5\text{ kg CO2e/kWh}=0.05\text{ kg CO2e}$
3. Transportation:
   • Weight of the bag: 70 grams (0.07 kg)
   • Carbon footprint: $500\text{ km}\times 0.07\text{ kg}\times 0.1\text{ kg CO2e/ton-km}=0.0035\text{ kg CO2e}$
4. End-of-Life:
   • Recycling: $0.07\text{ kg}\times 0.8\times 0.1\text{ kg CO2e/kg}=0.0056\text{ kg CO2e}$
   • Landfill: $0.07\text{ kg}\times 0.2\times 0.5\text{ kg CO2e/kg}=0.007\text{ kg CO2e}$

Total Carbon Footprint

• Raw Material Extraction: 0.025 + 0.02 = 0.045 kg CO2e
• Manufacturing: 0.05 kg CO2e
• Transportation: 0.0035 kg CO2e
• End-of-Life: 0.0056 + 0.007 = 0.0126 kg CO2e

References & Studies

• Recycled Material Benefits: Research shows that recycled materials, especially metals and plastics, have a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to their virgin counterparts (Hopewell, et al., 2009).
• Biodegradable Materials: Studies indicate that biodegradable and compostable materials reduce long-term environmental impact and contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions (Song, et al., 2009).
• Life Cycle Assessments: Numerous LCAs demonstrate that products designed for recyclability or made from renewable resources have a smaller carbon footprint (Finkbeiner, et al., 2006).