Lamination technical films: new LCA findings confirm a strong and efficient environmental profile

LCA of non‑stretch PE Film for Lamination

Environmental analysis according to EN 15804+A2 – EF 3.1 method
Functional unit: 1 m² of PE film for food‑grade lamination

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Non‑stretch polyethylene film designed for lamination shows a solid environmental profile, fully aligned with European benchmarks for high‑quality flexible packaging.

With a carbon footprint of 0.258 kg CO₂ eq per m², the product falls within the expected range for high‑performance virgin PE films. Impact categories such as ozone depletion, particulate matter, and toxicity show top‑tier performance, thanks to optimized production processes and the absence of direct fossil‑fuel combustion at the plant.

As typically observed in technical films, raw materials dominate overall impacts. The Pontetetto manufacturing site, however, contributes positively with low energy consumption and full internal scrap recovery, improving the overall resource balance.

The product also offers strong future improvement potential in terms of materials, energy sourcing, and recyclability.

STUDY OBJECTIVE
The LCA evaluates the potential environmental impacts associated with producing 1 m² of non‑stretch polyethylene film, intended for lamination with adhesives and suitable for food contact.
The goal is to provide customers with clear, transparent, and comprehensive B2B information on the product’s environmental performance across its life cycle.

REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The study was commissioned by Selene S.p.A. and conducted by Spin Life S.r.l., a spin‑off of the University of Padova, following:

• ISO 14040:2006 + Amd 1:2020
• ISO 14044:2006 + Amd 1:2017 + Amd 2:2020
• Product Category Rule (PCR) 2019:13 "Packaging" (v1.1.3)
• General Program Instructions (GPI) v4.0

Although the referenced PCR has formally expired, it remains the latest available for packaging and provides criteria that are still fully applicable.

PRODUCT INFORMATION
Analyzed product: Non‑stretch polyethylene film intended for lamination with adhesives and suitable for food‑contact applications.
The average product covers all thicknesses used for this function and includes only unprinted films.

• CPC code: 36390
• Production site: Pontetetto (LU), Via di Vicopelago 257

Declared Unit

• 1 m² of film
• Average thickness: 56.2 μm
• Average grammage: 53.54 g/m²

SYSTEM BOUNDARIES – Cradle to Gate with Options
Included phases:

• A1–A3: raw materials, transports, production processes
• A4: transport to customer
• B1: “filling” operational phase (not significant)
• C1–C3: sorting, transport, final disposal

This summary presents only total values.
The full LCA with detailed results (A1–C3) is available upon request.

IMPACT CATEGORIES – Total per 1 m² of Film

(EN 15804+A2 – EF 3.1)

INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS
The environmental profile is consistent with expectations for virgin PE technical films used in food‑grade lamination.

As common for high‑performance plastic films, raw materials (A1) represent the dominant contribution, while internal processes show high levels of efficiency and optimization.

QUALITATIVE BENCHMARK
Although the study is not designed for direct comparison, results can be viewed against typical European market performance for virgin PE lamination films:

• The observed GWP of 0.258 kg CO₂ eq/m² fits within the usual 0.22–0.32 kg CO₂ eq/m² range.
• ODP, PM, and both HTP categories are notably low, reflecting:
  • the absence of direct fossil‑fuel combustion at the plant,
  • high‑quality resins,
  • efficient processing.

KEY INDICATORS

• Total GWP: 0.258 kg CO₂ eq/m²
• ADPF (fossil resource use): 5.39 MJ/m²
• Very low values for: ODP, PM, HTP
• No hazardous waste generation

CONCLUSION

PE film for lamination demonstrates a robust and well‑controlled environmental profile, outperforming market averages in several key categories.
While raw materials naturally drive most impacts—typical for technical films—the Pontetetto plant contributes with efficient operations, scrap minimization, and consistent quality.

The product offers a reliable and optimized solution for food‑contact applications, with clear pathways for further reducing its environmental footprint.