Life cycle assessment of single-use plastic items and their alternatives in Australia and New Zealand

A cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment of various single-use plastic items and some of their alternatives has been accomplished as part of an interjurisdictional partnership.

The study was commissioned to provide information that could be considered when reviewing direction and implementation of single-use plastic policies and education campaigns promoting alternative materials and practices. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is just one of many resources that may be used to inform policy development.

The interjurisdictional partnership included the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (WA), New Zealand Ministry for the Environment, Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (NSW), Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (QLD), Green Industries SA (SA), Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (VIC), Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (TAS), City and Environment Directorate (ACT) and Department of Lands, Planning and Environment (NT).

For further information and findings of the study, visit the Western Australian Government’s website at Life cycle assessment of single-use plastic items and their alternatives in Australia and New Zealand.