Session: 01-02: Decarbonizing Commodity Chemicals and Emissions Analyses

Paper Number: 169899

169899 - Assessing C02 Emissions and Negative Externalities of Different Beverage Packaging Systems in the Us: A Lifecycle Analysis and Policy Implications 

Abstract: 

Beverage packaging solutions, such as single-use plastics, reusable bottles, and aluminum cans, significantly contribute to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy usage.    This study assesses the long-term impacts of different packaging alternatives through a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach with cradle-to-grave parameters, examining emissions, energy utilization, and waste mismanagement throughout the manufacture, usage, and disposal stages. A Pigouvian tax model is applied to explore economic solutions for mitigating externalities. Results indicate that single-use plastics produce the highest emissions due to low recycling rates (~30%), while reusable bottles achieve sustainability benefits only when reuse cycles at least twice, and Aluminum cans perform competitively due to high recycling efficiency (73% U.S., >95% Europe). The study combines environmental and economic perspectives, using strategies such as Pigouvian taxes, deposit-refund systems, renewable energy adoption, and improved recycling infrastructure to promote sustainable habits and advance a circular economy. Practical implications guide governments, industries, and consumers towards strategies that reduce emissions, enhance recycling outcomes, and address packaging-related externalities efficiently.

Presenting Author: Rabi Egunjobi University of Denver

Presenting Author Biography: Mrs. Rabi Egunjobi is a dedicated sustainability professional with extensive expertise in circular economy strategies, corporate sustainability, and life cycle analysis. Currently serving as a Senior Sustainability Data & Technology Analyst at Sysco, she leads the management and integration of advanced sustainability platforms such as HowGood, Workiva, Arcadia, and specialized regenerative agriculture applications. Her role is instrumental in driving data-informed strategies and sustainability innovations in the agricultural and food industries.

With a pending Ph.D. in Business Administration focused on sustainability and circular economy principles, Mrs. Rabi’s research has consistently aimed at developing actionable insights to mitigate environmental impacts and foster sustainable development. Notably, her recent work titled "Assessing Carbon Emissions and Negative Externalities of Single-Use and Reusable Plastic Water Bottles in the U.S.: A Life Cycle Analysis" has been submitted for presentation at the ASME 2025 Energy Sustainability Conference, highlighting her significant contributions to environmental sustainability research.

Mrs. Rabi Egunjobi has also played a key role in sustainability projects within leading organizations, notably influencing software selection and ESG strategy implementation at LyondellBasell, further demonstrating her aptitude for aligning technological solutions with environmental objectives. Passionate about leveraging technology and analytics to advance corporate environmental responsibility, she continues to actively contribute to academic and industry discussions on sustainability and circular economy practices.