YOUR PARTNER IN PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY AND MATERIAL ANALYSIS

Packaging Forensics, Forward Regulatory Insights, and Forensic Life Cycle Assessment

Due to increasing regulatory pressure on packaging, it is becoming ever more important to have a full understanding of its material composition. Likewise, it is imperative to know the composition of packs being compared in life cycle assessment (LCA).

Law enforcement and forensic scientists analyse the packaging of narcotics to identify the source, origin, and supply chain connections of seized drugs. Using many of the same analytical instruments, The LCA Center has developed a method called Packaging Forensics™.

Packaging Forensics™ provides independent, unbiased, scientific insight into the composition of your packaging.
Packaging Forensics™ is the basis of our robust Forensic LCA™ methodology.

The team at The LCA Center is made up of PhD level material scientists with expert knowledge in their specific material fields (fibres, plastics, etc.). Plus, packaging technologists with extensive packaging functionality and conversion knowledge. Together with our packaging forward regulatory insights team, a high level of interpretation and compliance advice are the core offerings of The LCA Center. Leading to robust recommendations and conclusions as regards your packaging.

The LCA Center is an independent research institute. We are material neutral and system agnostic. Our lab is located in The Netherlands, but we operate on a global level. We are a member of the International Association of Packaging Research Institutes (IAPRI) and a partner of the University of Twente Packaging Chair. The LCA Center is part of OptiGroup.

If you require to know more about the composition, functionality and environmental impact of your packaging, please read further.

Supported Languages:
English, Dutch, French, German, Spanish, Mandarin

The LCA Center’s Packaging Forensics™ service combines advanced material analysis (e.g., FTIR , DSC, XRF, Raman) with performance testing to give you clear, data-driven answers.

The type of services we offer include the following :

Testing for plastic content: Lab analysis of a product or material for plastic content, based on the SUPD definition.
Testing for presence of other specific components in a product or material:
- Lab analysis of your product to search for a specific component. For example: EVOH in multilayer films, BPA in coatings, etc.
- Let us know what you are looking for so we can perform a targeted analysis.
Non-specific material analysis: Simply want to know “what is this material”? We’ve got you covered. We have a comprehensive range of analytical instruments so we can go all the way from a simple check to an in-depth study, depending on your wishes.
Functionality testing: We offer a broad variety of functionality tests to analyse if a product performs according to its specifications or is fit for a specific application.
Claim verification: Want to verify if a (green) claim is correct, or do you want to formulate your own claim? We help you to check if all requirements are met and if the claim can be substantiated.
Support with complaints or credit notes: Got a complaint or credit note situation? We can help identify the source of the problem and who should raise the credit note.
Support with packaging (eco) innovation: Want to increase your packaging performance and/or decrease its environmental impact? We are well-equipped to help you with technical support and analyse and improve your (new) packaging products and innovations.

Forensic LCA™ was developed to address the issue of credibility in comparative LCA studies for which one pack would have associated process data while the other pack, typically from a competitor, would not have such data. By subjecting both packs to the Forensic LCA™ method, a more robust and credible LCA is achievable.

Additionally, one of the biggest critiques of LCA is the lack of “technologically relevant knowledge”. This has led to the EU stating “Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) related tasks […] and task related to method and data development for substantiating green claims requires specialised technical/scientific knowledge with scientific PhD-level education and years of experience in the field.” Similar statements are also to be found in documentation related to LCA from various USA States EPR rules. The LCA Center addresses this matter by employing experts that meet these criteria.

The types of LCA services we offer include the following:

Quick-scan LCA:
- Provides an indicative (comparative) environmental impact.
- Quick-scan results cannot be used for external communication or claims.
Full study LCA (with external peer review):
- Includes a full forensic material analysis of all products.
- Suited for external communication and substantiation of claims (third-party peer review required).
- Compliant with ISO 14040/14044.
LCA peer review:
- Have your LCA peer reviewed by us.
- Compliant with ISO 14071:2024.
LCA interpretation:
- LCAs can be long and difficult documents. If you have a supplier's LCA study and need help with the interpretation, we can help.

One of the major drivers of packaging change is regulation. Having insight into these regulations, and the trajectory of future regulations, is vital when making recommendations based on Packaging Forensics™ and Forensic LCA™.

The LCA Center Regulatory Team consists of a packaging regulatory scientist and lawyer. Together they monitor developments in EU packaging-related regulations through their network of Brussels based NGO, lobbyists, policy makers and consultants to these policy makers.

Our Forward Regulatory Insights team provide support for our studies as well as a regular newsletter on packaging-related regulatory insights and developments in Brussels. They also monitor and track relevant developments across EU member states and the UK.

ir. Loek Waegemaekers

Sr. Packaging Technologist

Expertise: Packaging Technology, Conversion, Material Analysis, Life Cycle Assessment

Dr Alan Campbell

Packaging Technologist

Expertise: Life Cycle Assessment, Packaging Materials and Conversion Process Analysis

Dr Sybren Schoustra

Packaging Technologist

Expertise: Material Analysis, Polymers & Plastics, Chemistry, Life Cycle Assessment

Dr Naycari Forfora

Packaging Technologist

Expertise: Life Cycle Assessment, Cellulosic Materials & Fibres, Material Analysis

Diana Schiffer, MSc

Packaging Regulatory Advisor

Expertise: Environmental Legislation, Policy Analysis, Policy Communication

Qianhan Chen, LL.M.

Packaging Regulatory Advisor

Expertise: International Trade Law, Packaging Compliance, EPR Governance

Kraft Heinz build a partnership with The LCA Center as we see the level of knowledge and expertise adding value to our business. Their laboratory facilities are unique and a great provider of guidance in a dynamic environment. Their pragmatic approach and how they have built their network is impressive.
Guus Lueb
Head of Packaging R&D Europe - Kraft Heinz Company

The analysis conducted by The LCA Center allowed KP to develop and validate compelling value propositions to support new product launches. The additional impact and credibility of peer-reviewed studies have proved invaluable.
Ben Elkington
Director of Product Line Management Trays - Klöckner Pentaplast

Measuring environmental impact is not easy. At The LCA Center, a self-developed scientifically based approach is used to assess impacts, followed by an evaluation of the results. This approach inspires confidence and is the only way to move towards a more sustainable world.
Prof.dr.ir. Roland ten Klooster
Professor - University of Twente

Determining the sustainability of packaging or disposables is no easy task. The LCA Center has a solid and scientifically based approach to achieve this, one we would recommend without hesitation. In addition, The LCA Center is a valuable partner in creating solutions to the environmental challenges brought about by litter and plastic soup.
Jelmer Vierstra
Senior Program Leader Circular Economy - Natuur & Milieu

Steps Towards a Template for Fair Comparisons Between Single-Use and Reusable Items

The paper focusses on the factors that should be taken up in LCA studies that compare single-use to reuse systems, and which are often missing in current LCA studies. We believe this discussion is particularly relevant considering the reuse ambitions in the PPWR.