BioPak’s Environmental Impact Label

Eco-costs provide a rounded view of a product's impact on the environment using four key categories: carbon footprint, impact on biodiversity, impact on human health and impact on material scarcity. This avoids becoming ‘tunnel-visioned’ and focusing solely on carbon footprint. 

For example, when we talk about the eco-cost of a disposable coffee cup, we're looking at the environmental impact that's not visible in the simple act of buying and enjoying a cup of coffee. This hidden cost encompasses a range of environmental tolls.

Eco-costs exist to help us make more informed choices – both as a business and as consumers. With the right information, we can reduce our environmental footprint and support the shift towards a more sustainable future.

Eco-costs allow businesses to measure the environmental impact of a product in a simple metric – then improve their sustainability efforts.

We encourage all businesses to join in this movement.

Eco-costs are what we'd need to spend on measures to mitigate the impact of our operations on the planet.

But remember, eco-costs is a concept and not included in our products’ market price.

Eco-costs allow foodservice businesses and packaging distributors to compare products and make informed choices based on environmental impact.

Eco-costs help end consumers understand the true impact of their consumption. It pushes them to choose sustainable alternatives, like products made from rapidly renewable resources or recycled materials – which have a lower eco-cost. 
 

The eco-costs can be found in an independently verified ‘Environmental Impact Label’ on each product page on our website, below the Specifications and Category Details sections.

This label allows for direct comparisons between products so you can make informed choices. The label will also link to a comprehensive Environmental Impact Report detailing the product’s eco-cost and carbon footprint, along with the methodology and sources used for calculations.

One key issue our Environmental Impact Label overcomes is ‘unfair comparisons.’ 

We see it all the time in business.For example, one company claims its paper is more eco-friendly than another company’s paper. But if there are no further details or data about what’s being compared – or if both companies are using different methods to calculate their impact – this is misleading and considered greenwashing.  

Having a credible metric allows us to finally see and compare the complete impact of our products. Pickler utilises science-based Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) calculations founded on the latest market research and compliant with global sustainability legislation. As scientific advancements and new research emerge, our data and methodology continually evolve, leading to updates in eco-cost and carbon footprint values. Recognising the complexity and dynamic nature of LCAs, our published data reflects the most current, independently verified information, ensuring increasing accuracy in real-time.

The table below gives an example of how you can compare similar BioPak products that are intended for the same use. But since they’re made from different materials, they have a different impact on the environment. 

1.

Check the quantities per carton – are they the same? They should be the same in order to make accurate comparisons. 

2.

Are the products in a similar category? For example, there’s no point comparing a takeaway coffee cup with a takeaway food bowl, because they serve two entirely different purposes.

3.

Pickler’s software is designed for businesses and customers to compare our products against each other using the same LCA methodology in order to make informed decisions within our business.

A recent McKinsey survey has revealed that so many big organisations are falling short of their sustainable packaging commitments, with only 2% of packaging manufacturers and resellers having proof to support their sustainability claims. This highlights an industry that’s rife with greenwashing.

Vague sustainability claims are no longer good enough. There’s growing demand for impact data to substantiate claims, based on scientific evidence. Here’s why BioPak is choosing to partner with Pickler to gain clear sustainability metrics.

Evidence-Based Decisions

Using Pickler, we uncover the biggest impact categories for our products and which part of the product's lifecycle caused it. This information will inform decisions to reduce our impact. 

Legislation Compliance

Pickler’s calculations are compliant with global legislation, like the EU Green Claim Directive and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive.

Sustainability Leadership

We hope more businesses will share clear impact data and sustainability metrics. This will lead to greater accountability and empower consumers to make informed choices.

Credible Calculations

While many impact reports rely on guesswork, Pickler uses science-based and credible Life Cycle Assessment calculations. Claims consumers can trust.

Improve Customer Experience

The carbon footprint and eco-cost data allow customers to make informed decisions and can assist in accurately reporting their own business's impact.