Summary

This fact sheet summarises the results of a comparative lifecycle assessment (LCA) conducted by RDC Environment in 2025. The study evaluates multiple fish box systems used in chilled seafood logistics, including single-use expanded polystyrene (EPS), laminated cardboard, and reusable plastic formats. It assesses each packaging type based on standardised environmental metrics, system-wide logistics, and end-of-life treatment under modelled long-term conditions.

The analysis follows ISO 14040/44 and PEF-compliant methodologies and uses “1 kg of fish delivered under refrigerated conditions” as the functional unit. It includes full-system inputs and outputs; transport, insulation requirements, spoilage risk, washing (where applicable), and disposal or recycling. The study models steady-state operation for all formats and does not include infrastructure readiness or transition costs. This means that any real-world switch to a lower-performing format would entail additional environmental and financial costs not reflected in the LCA outcomes.