Comparison of CO2 Emissions of Reusable GN Containers Made of Stainless Steel, Green Steel and Plastic Disposable Packaging

Emissions Assessment Approach

The CO₂ emissions were analyzed in the various phases of use: production, transport, cleaning process, and disposal. The data on the production of the stainless steel containers is based on information from the material suppliers and has been validated according to ISO 14067. However, the analysis does not take into account the direct Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions from production.

For the calculation of emissions from the use of GN containers, a "worst-case" scenario was assumed to ensure conservative estimates. It is important to note that the life cycles of disposable and reusable systems differ fundamentally. In the reusable system, in particular, the additional transport effort due to the higher weight and the cleaning process play a significant role. The following diagrams provide an overview of these differences before the individual phases of the life cycle are explained in detail and the respective ecological impacts are compared.

Life Cycles of Reusable and Disposable Systems

Comparison of Annual Emissions

Annual CO₂ emissions per container or per 4 plastic bags for daily travel of over 100 km and 260 working days. Cumulatively presented according to the individual phases, the breakdown shows how the emissions from production, transport, cleaning and disposal add up.

Comparison of CO₂ Emissions Over 5 Years

A Practical Example

In this scenario, we examine the daily transport of 23 GN containers (stainless steel or Green Steel) over a distance of 100 km (round trip). With an inventory of 60 containers and 260 working days per year, the CO₂ emissions from transport and cleaning are analyzed over a period of 5 years. 

For comparison: When using plastic bags, with four bags equivalent to one GN container, a total of 92 bags are transported daily over the same distance. The calculations illustrate the CO₂ emissions and resource consumption of each packaging solution under the same conditions, highlighting the differences in environmental impact between reusable containers and single-use packaging.

The diagram clearly shows that Green Steel containers break even after 25 days, while stainless steel containers reach this point after 64 days.

Conclusion

Assessment of CO₂ Emissions

The report highlights that GN containers made of Green Steel and stainless steel are a more environmentally friendly choice in the long run compared to single-use plastic bags. While CO₂ emissions are initially higher due to the energy-intensive production of stainless steel and Green Steel, this is offset by multiple reuse cycles. In contrast, plastic bags may have lower emissions during production, but their continuous need for replacement after each use leads to a significant accumulation of emissions over time. 

Green Steel proves to be particularly advantageous, as its production emissions are up to 70% lower than those of conventional stainless steel. The additional energy required for transport and cleaning of GN containers is offset over time by the benefit of multiple reuse cycles, whereas plastic bags generate new emissions with each use. Overall, the report demonstrates that reusable packaging significantly reduces environmental impact in the long term due to its repeated use.

By using stainless steel instead of plastic single-use packaging, CO₂ emissions saved over five years are equivalent to the amount that 533 trees can absorb in one year.