The PackageSmart LCA tool facilitates packaging designers in considering the environmental impacts of packaging materials and systems when making design decisions and graphically illustrating where modifications may be necessary.
It concentrates on evaluating the environmental impacts associated with the entire life cycle of packaging, from the extraction of raw materials to its disposal or recycling at the end of its useful life. This may put more of a focus on lightweighting or biodegradability for certain people, while for others, it may put more of an emphasis on durability and reusability.
Here is an overview of common features found in PackageSmart software:
- Free Trial Period: Users can use PackageSmart for 7 days before buying.
- Sector Specificity: The software is specifically designed for the packaging sector, allowing users to assess the environmental impacts of packaging materials and systems.
- Database Trial: Users can test the software’s database for assessment data.
- Software Running: PackageSmart is web-based, making it easy to use.
- Database Territoriality: The software’s database is limited to specific regions, including Europe, the USA, and Canada.
- Impact Assessment Methods: PackageSmart supports a variety of impact assessment methodologies for evaluating environmental impacts. It offers indicators such as climate change (kg CO2 eq), cumulative energy demand (MJ), ecosystems (species.year), human health (daily), resources ($), and water depletion (m3), as well as the Recipe method for normalisation. However, neither the CML nor the Environmental Footprint methodologies are accessible.
- Presentation of Results: PackageSmart allows users to present their assessment results using tables and histograms. However, it does not provide support for tree charts or Sankey diagrams.
- Possibility to Export Results: The software enables users to export their assessment results, providing flexibility for further analysis.
- Tutorial Availability: It offers tutorial support, providing assistance and guidance to users in navigating and utilizing the software effectively.
Users can find more information about PackageSmart on the official website provided: https://www.earthshiftglobal.com/packagesmart
Free trial period: 7 days
Sector Specificity: Packaging
Database trial: Yes
Software running: Online
Database territoriality: Europe, USA, Canada
Possibility to export results: Yes
Impact assessment methods:
- Recipe: ✓
- CML: ✖
- Environmental Footprint: ✖
- Others: ✓
Presentation of results:
- Tables: ✓
- Istograms: ✓
- Tree charts/sankey diagram: ✖
Tutorial availability:
- None: ✖
- Someone: ✓
- Many: ✖