Eficiencia energética e industrial en el ecodiseño de empaque de abono orgánico

Abstract

The current garden fertilizer packaging cannot be recycled, due to the complexity of its structure. It contains 6 raw materials: PET (polyester) 14 g/m2, ink 2 g/m2, adhesive 2 g/m2, aluminum foil 21.6 g/m2, PE (polyethylene) 110.5 g/m2 and sealant layer. The objective of the research was to improve the energy efficiency of the packaging by making a new one which will, therefore, provide environmental and economic benefits. For this, an environmental assessment was initially carried out to determine the reduction of the carbon footprint with the proposed packaging and the reduction of environmental impact through the Leopold / MEW matrix (Matter, Energy and Waste). After performing quality tests using the accelerated stabilization chamber it was identified that the proposed packaging eliminates polyester, aluminum foil, and leaves a PE of 37.9 g / m2. With the new packaging, the negative environmental impact in terms of single-use aluminum was eliminated, water use decreased, and adhesive costs were reduced by 50%. After comparing the physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics of the product with the proposed packaging it was determined that with the new packaging there was an energy consumption reduction of 18-22% in the sealing emperature. Initially such temperature was 160 ° C to 180 ° C and with the current packaging it became 130 ° C-140 ° C, the carbon footprint was reduced by 50%, the generation of solid waste was reduced by 16% in weight, 50% of adhesives decreased and costs were Eficiencia Energética e Industrial en el Ecodiseño de empaque de abono orgánico 9 reduced by 2%. Finally, this change improved the environmental perception of responsibility in the care of the environment. In the survey, 65.4% of respondents expressed they consider themselves environmentally responsible people, 98.5% would choose a packaging that can be recycled, while 90.8% consider that the quality of the product is related to an environmentally responsible company.