Exploring the industrial packaging of components for complex electrical products and its sustainability and circularity

Abstract

This master’s thesis explores the sustainability and the circularity of industrial packaging of
components for complex electronic products. The research aims to gain insight into the structure
of the packaging system between the suppliers and the manufacturers (EMS) and evaluate its
circularity to identify the opportunities and challenges for future improvement.
The study examines the packaging for components used in two products. All components are
sourced from Asia and handled at the manufacturing and assembly unit (EMS). By analyzing the
used packaging materials recycling rates, it is determined that the packaging of product A and B
have recycling rates of 74% and 88% respectively. The research also utilizes environmental
indicators including the Cumulative Energy Demand (CED) and Carbon dioxide equivalence
(CO2-eq) to assess the environmental impact of different packaging materials. Together with a
sustainable packaging scorecard analysis the packaging materials to avoid or replace if possible
were identified to be bubble wrap, plastic covers, and Styrofoam.
Challenges related to varying recycling conditions and lack of universal packaging language are
recognized, highlighting the need for improved communication and documentation in the supply
chain. Recommendations are provided to improve the accessibility and documentation of
packaging information, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions to improve
sustainability and circularity. The study suggests a comprehensive life cycle assessment for high
accuracy and visibility.
In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into the sustainability and circularity of the
industrial packaging for complex electronic products. The analysis of recycling rates,
environmental impact indicators, and challenges associated with circularity contributes to the
understanding of the packaging system in this case study. The findings provide guidance to
stakeholders to adopt more sustainable packaging approaches and contribute to the development
of a circular economy.

Popular Abstract

A large but undocumented environmental impact
A case study on the industrial packaging of components in two complex electronic products and its
sustainability and circularity.
By Felix Strömberg and Tirouvaasavy Tirougnanassambandamourty
Did you know that the packaging used for
electronic products plays a vital role in
their production and environmental
impact? This study looked at how the
components are packed and how the
waste is handled.
The main problem identified was that people
involved in the process did not share enough
information about the packaging materials.
This made it hard to understand and manage
the packaging system properly. The goal
was to measure how sustainable the
packaging system is.
The study carefully examined the entire
process and discovered that while recycling
the packaging materials was good, they were
still more towards linear economy than the
circular economy. To improve the level of
circularity, it was suggested to improve
communication and share more information
about the packaging materials among all
stakeholders involved. This would help
everyone understands the system better and
manage it more effectively. It was also
recommended to increase the reuse of
packaging materials by standardizing their
sizes and materials. This would reduce
waste and make it easier to reuse them.
Additionally, investing in better recycling
facilities was proposed to ensure proper
recycling and minimize waste.
However, the report acknowledged that
there were challenges to implementing these
improvements. One challenge was the
different stakeholders involved in the
process and their different perspectives on
sustainability and circularity. In conclusion,
the study recommended three actions to
improve the packaging system. First, it was
important to improve communication and
share information about the packaging
materials among everyone involved. Second,
promoting the reuse of packaging materials
by standardizing them would reduce waste
and improve efficiency. Finally, investing in
better recycling facilities would ensure
proper recycling and contribute to a more
sustainable system.
To summarize, this study analyzes how
sustainable and circular is the current
industrial packaging system. Giving a first
look and laying a foundation for further
investigation on how to improve it.

• author: Tirougnanassambandamourty, Tirouvaasavy ; Strömberg, Felix ; nil, nil and nil, nil
• supervisor: Henrik Pålsson
• organization: Packaging Logistics
• course: MTTM01 20231
• year: 2023
• type: H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
• subject: Technology and Engineering
• language: English
• id: 9132144
• date added to LUP: 2023-07-06 10:21:57
• date last changed: 2023-07-06 10:21:57