Carbon footprint calculation for thermoformed starch-filled polypropylene biobased materials

Thermoformed trays made from biobased materials were prepared from agricultural waste (seeds or tubers), plasticizer and polypropylene (PP). A talc-filled PP thermoformed tray was used for comparison. The carbon footprint of the thermoformed trays was calculated according to PAS 2050. System boundaries were established according to a business-to-business approach, based on data collected regarding the raw material production, transportation and processing. Biobased trays yield a lower carbon footprint than talc-filled polypropylene trays as a result of renewable resource input, a lower processing temperature and shorter thermoforming cycle. The carbon footprint reduction could be achieved through optimization of the thermoforming process and the use of low-footprint raw materials.