Environmental impact of refillable vs. non-refillable plastic beverage bottles in Norway

This research compares the environmental impact, in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, of using refillable polyethylene terephthalate (REF-PET) and non-refillable polyethylene terephthalate (NR-PET) bottles in the Norwegian soft drink and carbonated water market. A Microsoft Excel spread sheet was developed in close cooperation with Coca-Cola, Mack, Telemark Springwater, and three of the main food wholesalers in Norway: NorgesGruppen, Coop, and Rema. While academic writers have criticised such life-cycle analysis as impractical, too time-consuming, expensive, and demanding too much effort, and instead advocated qualitative evaluation methods, this project demonstrates that a data-based approach is fully feasible. The research team identifies the CO2 emissions associated with various activities, and finds that NR-PET bottles generate 18% less CO2 emissions than REF-PET bottles. This research provides practical suggestions for achieving environmentally friendly packaging solutions. As a consequence of the study findings, the grocery industry initiated efforts to change legislation, and major Norwegian actors have changed their policies.