Barriers hindering life cycle assessment implementation in packaging design to achieve carbon neutrality- a case of emerging economy

Ankit Kumrawat () and Seema Unnikrishnan ()
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Ankit Kumrawat: Indian Institute of Management Mumbai (IIMM)
Seema Unnikrishnan: Indian Institute of Management Mumbai (IIMM)

Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, 2025, vol. 27, issue 10, No 33, 24083-24106

Abstract: Abstract Sustainability has become an inherent function of packaging due to the increased environmental impacts and growing waste. To mitigate these impacts, businesses must prioritize the implementation of Life cycle assessment (LCA) from the design phase to achieve the company's social, environmental, and economic goals through resource conservation and carbon reduction in order to meet carbon neutrality. However, companies face several barriers to the effective implementation of LCA. This study fills the gap by identifying, categorizing, and analyzing major barriers to LCA adoption for packaging decision-making in emerging economies- specifically in Indian contexts. To accomplish this research goal, an extensive literature review was undertaken for barrier identification. The Delphi technique was then used to find the relevant barriers, and the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) technique was employed for barrier analysis to determine the interdependence among the barriers. The research findings revealed that there are seventeen barriers across four categories, where the “Limited understanding of LCA and its potential market advantages (OB3)” is the most significant barrier, followed by a “Lack of knowledgeable personnel of LCA in the packaging sector (OB2)” and “Lack of clarity and guidance of LCA methodology (MB1) in packaging area”, respectively as important barriers. This research broadens the scope of LCA in packaging design by overcoming significant barriers and helping to achieve packaging sustainability. This research provides an invaluable source of information for policymakers and packaging professionals to implement LCA effectively for packaging design and make more informed packaging decisions.

Keywords: Life cycle assessment; Packaging sustainability; Barriers; DEMATEL; Carbon neutrality (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s10668-025-06304-2

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