Life Cycle Assessment of Biaxially Oriented Polyethylene

Terephthalate (BOPET) Film

Executive Summary
• Brief overview of the key findings and conclusions of the LCA.
• The primary objective of the study, such as determining the environmental impact of
BOPET films across their lifecycle.
• Recommendations for stakeholders (e.g., manufacturers, consumers, policymakers).

1. Introduction
1.1 Background

Biaxially Oriented Polyethylene Terephthalate (BOPET) film is a type of polyester film

produced through the biaxial orientation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). This film is
renowned for its exceptional mechanical properties, including high tensile strength, dimensional
stability, and excellent optical clarity. These attributes make BOPET film widely used in various
applications, including:

• Food Packaging: It provides a durable, moisture-resistant barrier that extends shelf life
and preserves food quality.
• Electrical Insulation: BOPET is used in the electrical industry for insulation due to its
high dielectric strength.
• Thermal Lamination: The film is used in thermal lamination processes to protect and
enhance the appearance of printed materials.

1.2 Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this study is to identify and evaluate the primary environmental concerns
associated with BOPET films, with a specific focus on their biodegradability and decomposition
time. This report aims to quantify how these factors influence the overall lifecycle and
environmental footprint of BOPET film, thereby highlighting potential areas for improvement in
environmental management practices.

1.3 Scope

The analysis covers the entire lifecycle of BOPET film, from raw material extraction through
manufacturing and end-of-life scenarios. The system boundaries include:
 • Cradle-to-Gate: Covers raw material extraction and manufacturing processes.
• Cradle-to-Grave: Extends to include end-of-life disposal options such as landfilling,
incineration, and recycling.

The functional unit used for this assessment is 1 kilogram of BOPET film.

2. Objective
This report assesses the environmental impacts of BOPET film with a particular emphasis on its
biodegradability and decomposition time. The goal is to quantify how these factors impact the
lifecycle and environmental footprint of BOPET film, providing a basis for understanding its
long-term environmental effects.

2.1 Functional Unit

The functional unit for this Life Cycle Assessment is defined as 1 kilogram of BOPET film. This
unit allows for the consistent evaluation of environmental impacts across various lifecycle stages
and disposal scenarios.

2.2 System Boundaries

The system boundaries for this assessment are defined as follows:

• Raw Material Extraction: Includes the extraction and processing of raw materials
required for PET production.
• Manufacturing: Encompasses the processes involved in converting PET into BOPET
film.
• End-of-Life Scenarios: Covers landfilling, incineration, and recycling of BOPET film.

3. Methodology and Standards

3.1 LCA Framework

The Life Cycle Assessment follows the guidelines set forth by ISO 14040:2006 and ISO
14044:2006 standards. These standards provide a structured approach to evaluating the
environmental impacts of products throughout their lifecycle.

3.2 Data Sources

Data for this assessment were obtained from a combination of primary sources, including
industry reports and direct data from manufacturers, as well as secondary sources such as
environmental databases (e.g., GaBi, SimaPro) and scientific literature.
3.3 Impact Categories

The following impact categories were considered:

• Global Warming Potential (GWP): Measures the total greenhouse gas emissions
contributing to global warming over the product's lifecycle.
• Cumulative Energy Demand (CED): Assesses the total energy required throughout the
entire lifecycle of the product.
• Acidification Potential (AP): Evaluates the potential for emissions to cause acidification
of soils and water bodies.
• Eutrophication Potential (EP): Measures the potential for nutrient enrichment in
aquatic systems leading to excessive algae growth.
• Resource Depletion: Assesses the consumption of natural resources, including fossil
fuels and minerals, throughout the product’s lifecycle.
• Human Toxicity Potential (HTP): Evaluates the potential harm to human health from
exposure to toxic substances during the product’s lifecycle.
• Ecotoxicity Potential (ETP): Measures the potential impact of pollutants on ecosystems
and wildlife throughout the product's lifecycle.

4. Biodegradability Analysis
4.1 Biodegradability of BOPET Film

BOPET film, which is derived from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), exhibits extremely low
biodegradability.

Qualitative Insights:

BOPET film is derived from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and is known for its extremely
low biodegradability. This characteristic contributes to its long-term environmental impact.
However, it remains popular in flexible packaging for several reasons:

1. Durability: BOPET films are highly durable and resistant to tearing, puncturing, and
general wear and tear. This makes them ideal for protecting products during shipping and
handling.
2. Barrier Properties: They offer excellent barrier properties against gases, moisture, and
aromas. This helps in extending the shelf life of packaged goods, maintaining freshness,
and preventing contamination.
3. Clarity and Aesthetics: BOPET films are clear and have a glossy finish, which enhances
the visual appeal of the packaging. This can be important for marketing and consumer
attraction.
4. Lightweight: They are lightweight, which helps reduce transportation costs and
minimizes the overall environmental footprint compared to heavier packaging materials.
5. Versatility: BOPET films can be easily laminated, coated, or metallized, allowing for a
wide range of applications and customization options in packaging.
 6. Recyclability: While BOPET films are not biodegradable, they are recyclable. Many
recycling programs are equipped to handle PET-based materials, although the recycling
infrastructure for these films can vary by location.
7. Cost-Effectiveness: BOPET films are relatively cost-effective compared to some other
high-performance packaging materials, making them a practical choice for many
manufacture

BOPET film does not readily break down in natural environments. In landfill conditions, it
remains largely intact due to its resistance to microbial and chemical degradation processes.
Similarly, in composting environments, BOPET’s resistance to biological activity prevents
significant decomposition.

Quantitative Data:

• Biodegradation Rate: In controlled laboratory settings, less than 0.05% of BOPET film
material degrades over a period of 5 years. This indicates a very slow rate of
biodegradation.
• Degradation Testing: In aerobic composting environments, PET-based materials like
BOPET show less than 1% degradation over a 10-year period.

4.2 Time to Biodegrade

Qualitative Insights:

• Landfill Decomposition: BOPET film’s persistence in landfills is notable. Its resistance

to decomposition results in prolonged environmental presence, which can contribute to
landfill space issues and long-term waste management challenges.
• Soil Decomposition: In soil environments, BOPET film persists for extended periods.
This persistence means that BOPET can accumulate in soils, potentially affecting soil
health and ecosystem dynamics over time.

Quantitative Data:

• Landfill Decomposition: BOPET film can persist in landfills for over 100-150 years due
to its resistance to microbial and chemical degradation. The decomposition rate is
effectively negligible within this timeframe.
• Soil Decomposition: Under aerobic soil conditions, BOPET may persist for
approximately 20-30 years, with very slow and minimal degradation observed.

5. End-of-Life Scenarios
5.1 Landfilling

• Decomposition Time: BOPET film remains stable in landfills, with negligible

breakdown over extended periods.
 Qualitative Impact:

o BOPET film's stability in landfills means that it does not significantly contribute
to gas emissions or leachate over short to medium terms. However, its long-term
persistence poses challenges for landfill space and environmental impact
management.

Quantitative Data:

o CO2 Emissions: The minimal decomposition of BOPET film in landfills results

in very low CO2 emissions, generally less than 0.1 kg CO2 per kilogram of
BOPET film. The primary source of emissions is from potential leachate rather
than from the film itself.

5.2 Incineration

• Decomposition Time: BOPET film degrades rapidly when subjected to high

temperatures in incineration facilities.
o Energy Recovery: Incineration of BOPET film recovers approximately 30 MJ of
energy per kilogram of film.
o CO2 Emissions: Approximately 1.15 kg of CO2 is emitted per kilogram of
BOPET film during incineration. This figure includes direct CO2 emissions from
the combustion process and the associated energy recovery.

5.3 Recycling

• Recycling Rate: The current recycling rate for BOPET film is approximately 15-20%.
This rate is relatively higher compared to some other plastics but remains limited.

Qualitative Impact:

o BOPET film has a recycling rate of approximately 15-20%. Although recycling

reduces the demand for virgin materials and lowers CO2 emissions compared to
incineration, the limited recycling rate restricts its overall effectiveness in
reducing environmental impact.

Quantitative Data:

o Energy Savings: Recycling BOPET film conserves about 55-60% of the energy
required for new production. This translates to energy savings of around 33-36
MJ per kilogram of recycled BOPET.
o CO2 Emissions Reduction: Recycling reduces CO2 emissions by approximately
2.0-2.2 kg CO2 per kilogram of BOPET film compared to producing virgin
material, accounting for energy savings and reduced raw material needs.
6. Interpretation
6.1 Environmental Impact

• Biodegradability: BOPET film’s extremely low biodegradability results in significant

long-term environmental persistence, particularly in landfills. This characteristic leads to
ongoing waste management challenges and potential environmental issues due to the
film’s longevity in the environment despite its environmental drawbacks, BOPET film remains
useful for several key reasons:

1. Enhanced Shelf Life: BOPET film's excellent barrier properties help extend the shelf
life of products, reducing food waste and improving the efficiency of supply chains.
This can contribute to overall resource conservation.
2. Product Protection: It provides superior protection against external elements like
moisture, oxygen, and light, which helps maintain the quality and safety of packaged
goods. This is crucial for products that are sensitive to environmental conditions.
3. Visual Appeal and Branding: Its clarity and gloss enhance the appearance of
packaging, making products more attractive to consumers and helping with branding
and marketing.

• Decomposition Time: The film’s extended decomposition time contributes to long-term

waste accumulation and poses challenges for effective waste management and
environmental sustainability.

6.2 Recommendations

• Enhance Recycling Programs: There is a need to improve recycling infrastructure and

systems to increase the recycling rate of BOPET film, thereby mitigating its
environmental impact.
• Explore Alternatives: Research and development should focus on biodegradable or
more easily recyclable materials to address the environmental concerns associated with
BOPET’s persistence in the environment.

7. Sensitivity Analysis
A sensitivity analysis evaluates how variations in key assumptions or input parameters affect the
outcomes of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). For BOPET film, the sensitivity analysis focused
on the following aspects:

• Biodegradation Rate Assumptions: Variations in the assumed biodegradation rates for

BOPET film in different environments (landfills, soil, composting) were analyzed.
Changes in these rates could significantly alter the estimated decomposition times and,
consequently, the long-term environmental impact.
• Energy Recovery and CO2 Emissions from Incineration: Different scenarios were
evaluated for energy recovery efficiency and CO2 emissions during incineration.
 Variations in combustion technology and energy recovery efficiency could impact the
overall environmental benefits of incineration.
• Recycling Rates and Efficiency: Sensitivity to changes in recycling rates and the
efficiency of recycling processes was assessed. Higher recycling rates and improved
recycling technologies could enhance the environmental benefits by increasing energy
savings and reducing CO2 emissions.
• Material Substitution: The impact of substituting BOPET film with alternative
materials, such as biodegradable films or more recyclable polymers, was explored. These
substitutions could potentially reduce environmental impacts related to waste persistence,
energy consumption, and CO2 emissions.

8. Improvement and Mitigation Strategies

8.1 Upgrade Recycling Systems

• Implement advanced sorting technologies.

• Expand recycling collection networks.
• Foster industry collaboration for standardized recycling practices.

8.2 Enhance Recycling Processes

• Invest in advanced recycling technologies.

• Provide incentives for improved recycling initiatives.

8.3 Develop Alternatives

• Research and promote biodegradable or more easily recyclable materials.

8.4 Optimize Design

• Simplify product designs to facilitate recycling.

• Reduce material usage to minimize waste.

8.5 Educate and Train

• Raise awareness about the benefits of recycling.

• Provide training on recycling best practices.

8.6 Support Policies

• Advocate for recycling-friendly regulations.

• Encourage extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs.
9. Conclusion
The Life Cycle Assessment of BOPET film highlights its low biodegradability and extended
decomposition time, which lead to considerable environmental concerns, especially related to
long-term waste persistence. Although recycling offers some benefits, such as energy savings
and reduced CO2 emissions, improvements in recycling practices and the exploration of
alternative materials are crucial for reducing the long-term environmental impact of BOPET
film.

References
• ISO 14040:2006 Environmental Management – Life Cycle Assessment – Principles and
Framework.
• ISO 14044:2006 Environmental Management – Life Cycle Assessment – Requirements
and Guidelines.
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines on plastic degradation.
• Industry reports and scientific studies on PET and BOPET degradation and recycling
practices.