Page 67 - Materials Chemistry, Second Edition

2.3 Illustration of the Component ‘Definition of Goal and Scope’ Using an Example of Practice 51

chart (Figure 2.6). Equality of benefit of the regarded variants is stressed, which is
a fundamental condition for an LCA comparison of product systems:

The examined packaging systems are supposed, according to the goal
definition, to cover beverage segments relevant for both packaging variants.
As a further aspect of product performance, the resealability of the packaging
as well as the product visibility can be named among others. The primary
function, however, is the protection of the filled good; therefore, an equivalent
functionality of the cartons examined and PET bottles can be presumed.
Performance equality as a basic condition for system comparison by LCA is
thus provided.

According to the goal definition, different groups of filled goods with different
filling capacities are examined. The selected variant for illustration purposes is the
storage for fruit juices and fruit nectar in a 1 l container.
1. Fruit juices and fruit nectars
a. Storage
Beverage carton: 1000, 1500 ml
PET single-use bottle: 1000, 1500 ml
b. Instant consumption
Beverage carton: 200, 500 ml
PET single-use bottle: 330, 500 ml
2. Ice tea
a. Storage
Beverage carton: 1500 ml
PET single-use bottle: 1500 ml
3. Fresh milk beverages 60)
a. Storage (fresh milk)
Beverage carton: 1000 ml
PET single-use bottle: 1000 ml
b. Instant consumption milk mixture beverages (MMB)
PET single-use bottle: 500 ml
Beverage carton: 500 ml.

Figure 2.6 shows the qualitative system flow chart and the system boundary for
the two examined variants, beverage carton and PET single-use bottle:

60) In this study, dairy products that are sold over the cold chain are designated as fresh milk
beverages. This includes fresh milk (pasteurized milk and ESL (extended shelf life) milk, but
not preserved milk) as well as different MMB. Because of the appropriate market relevance,
instant consumption (500 ml packaging) refers to MMB, whereas for storage purchase fresh milk
prevails. Packaging for milk mixture beverages and fresh milk are approximately comparable,
whereby fresh milk represents the more sensitive filling material.