Assessing Environmental Impacts of Pilsner Malt Packaging: Cradle-to-Grave LCA

This project explores the environmental impact of packaging materials associated with Viking Malt AB's production of pilsner malt, using Open LCA software. The study focuses on three delivery options: 25 kg Polypropylene bags on pallets, 40 feet Polypropylene liner bags in bulk containers, and bulk vessel transportation without packaging. The goal is to assess the cradle-to-grave environmental impact of 1 ton of pilsner malt production, excluding the use phase of beer but including end-of-life considerations for packaging materials. The system boundary encompasses barley farming, barley supplier, Viking Malt AB, packaging material manufacturers, and breweries. Different end-of-life scenarios are evaluated. Data collection involves questionnaires sent to suppliers and customers, supplemented by databases where primary data is lacking. The ongoing phases include Inventory Analysis, focusing on elementary flows, and subsequent Impact Assessment and Interpretation to determine strategies for reducing environmental impacts associated with packaging materials. The final outcomes aim to provide recommendations to Viking Malt AB for environmentally responsible practices concerning packaging materials.