CPP CPP Sustainability & Environmental Packaging 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which packaging attribute is most directly associated with reducing environmental impact at end-of-life?
- Recyclability (Correct answer)
- Gloss finish
- Multi-layer lamination
- High barrier coating
Correct answer: Recyclability
Recyclability allows packaging materials to re-enter material streams rather than going to landfill, directly reducing end-of-life environmental impact.
Question 2: What does the term 'source reduction' mean in sustainable packaging?
- Decreasing the amount of packaging material used (Correct answer)
- Switching suppliers to local sources
- Using recycled raw materials only
- Reducing the number of SKUs in a product line
Correct answer: Decreasing the amount of packaging material used
Source reduction refers to minimizing the quantity of packaging material used in the first place, which is the most upstream environmental strategy.
Question 3: Which organization publishes the How2Recycle label used on US consumer packaging?
- GreenBlue / Sustainable Packaging Coalition (Correct answer)
- EPA
- ASTM International
- FDA
Correct answer: GreenBlue / Sustainable Packaging Coalition
GreenBlue's Sustainable Packaging Coalition manages the How2Recycle labeling program to standardize recyclability claims in the US.
Question 4: Post-consumer recycled (PCR) content in packaging primarily helps a brand achieve which sustainability goal?
- Closing the material loop by diverting waste from landfills (Correct answer)
- Reducing package weight
- Improving barrier properties
- Lowering printing costs
Correct answer: Closing the material loop by diverting waste from landfills
Using PCR content transforms collected waste into new packaging, directly closing the material loop and diverting material from landfills.
Question 5: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in packaging evaluates environmental impacts across which scope?
- From raw material extraction through end-of-life disposal (Correct answer)
- Only during manufacturing
- Only during transportation
- Only during consumer use
Correct answer: From raw material extraction through end-of-life disposal
An LCA covers the full cradle-to-grave (or cradle-to-cradle) lifecycle, capturing environmental burdens at every stage from raw material through disposal.
Question 6: Compostable packaging must meet which US standard to make certified compostability claims?
- ASTM D6400 (Correct answer)
- ISO 9001
- FDA 21 CFR
- ISTA 2A
Correct answer: ASTM D6400
ASTM D6400 is the standard specification for labeling plastics designed to be aerobically composted in municipal or industrial facilities.
CPP CPP Sustainability & Environmental Packaging 1
Which packaging attribute is most directly associated with reducing environmental impact at end-of-life?