How did the collaboration between IPC and ecoinvent come about, and how does IPC use ecoinvent’s data?
TH: ADEME requested collaboration with ecoinvent. For data consistency, ADEME wanted the data editing support to be provided by ecoinvent. Following this request, we had the pleasure of working with ecoinvent to construct data. We already used ecoinvent data in our service for LCA realization with the SimaPro tool.
What was it like working directly with the ecoinvent team on data projects?
TH: Working with ecoinvent allowed us to compare our data construction methodology with a team of specialists who could share their experience in the field. The ecoinvent team has always been available and attentive to our questions to advance the project as best as possible.
Why is accurate data from the plastics sector necessary for advancing sustainability practices in the industry?
TH: Our goal is to provide accurate data for the plastics sector we represent. Industrial actors often report that the data are too far from their processes or obsolete, which constrains them in realizing their LCA. We want to make this data available so industrialists can control their environmental impact and actively implement solutions.
What specific benefits does sharing IPC’s data with ecoinvent bring to IPC and the broader plastics industry?
TH: ecoinvent is a global reference for providing life cycle inventory data. Working with ecoinvent ensures our role as a technical center as we respond to the strong demand from the plastics sector for publishing environmental data. This partnership also helps increase the visibility of the work done.
What are the main challenges the plastics and composites industry will face in the next decade regarding sustainability?
CC: The key challenge for plastic composites is to improve their performance on the whole life cycle: from design to end of life. A new way of thinking and designing will be developed not only to increase the incorporation of recycled materials inside composite products but also to reduce uncertainties regarding their composition and potential risks, as well as gain efficiency in design and production for less energy consumption, low carbon performance, and longer life cycle.
What are the most impactful outcomes of IPC’s work for the plastics sector?
CC: A critical outcome of IPC’s work in the plastic sector is to facilitate getting high-quality recycled plastic materials for packaging, building, automotive, and medical device applications. This will require innovating on recycling technologies, especially on waste decontamination. It will also require higher awareness and better management of substances of concern along the value chain.
What advice would you give to other organizations looking to expand access to sector-specific data within their industries?
CC: We recommend not hesitating to get started with such sectorial data creation or renewal. Participating in the steering committee of ongoing projects can also be a way to discover the processes of creating LCI datasets. We also recommend using standard formats for LCI data. For us, ecoinvent is the best, knowing that the ecoinvent team provides excellent support!
Can you share upcoming events where readers can connect with you or other IPC experts?
CC: In the composite domain, IPC will attend FIP and JEC events in France. We participate in numerous events, and you can follow our activities and webinars on our website.