Define the service before the package
A fair functional unit might be the delivery of a stated volume of usable lubricant to a defined customer over a defined geography. That creates a common basis for comparing many small packs with a drum, IBC, returnable system or bulk tanker.
Pack mass per litre is useful but incomplete. Product losses, secondary packaging, pallets, transport utilisation and dispensing equipment can change the result.
Reuse needs real cycles
A returnable container only earns its theoretical benefit if it is returned, inspected, cleaned and reused enough times. Reverse logistics, wash energy, water, rejected units and product compatibility belong in the model.
Use observed return and reuse data where possible. A nominal design life is not the same as achieved cycles.
Prevent false precision
Lifecycle comparisons depend on electricity mix, transport, recycling allocation, recycled-content accounting and end-of-life assumptions. Results should show the chosen method and sensitivity to major inputs.
Where data are unavailable, mark the gap. A range or scenario is more honest than an exact carbon number built from incompatible sources.
Read the underlying documents.
- Environmental Footprint methodsEuropean Commission ↗
- Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging wasteEuropean Union ↗
Source links and status were reviewed on 31 July 2026. Standards and regulations may be revised after publication.