SCIENCE

The LCA Centre

We do this by working together with research institute The LCA Centre. They conduct scientific studies into the full life cycle of packaging. Using the most advanced research equipment, the researchers of The LCA Centre can identify the exact composition of a product and determine its actual environmental impact across its entire life cycle. By performing an LCA (life cycle analysis), they can map out a product's carbon footprint at various stages of its life cycle. The LCA Centre is an independent component of the Koninklijke Paardekooper Group.

One of the analyses that The LCA Centre performed for Broekhof was to calculate the environmental impact of the Next Gen Bucket, compared to the Standard bucket.

Next Gen Bucket

• 25% lighter in weight through reduced use of plastic
• • made of 100% recycled PP plastic
• monomaterial
• 100% recyclable
• 26% reduction of the CO2-footprint.

The Next Gen Bucket is a future-proof alternative to the common black flower bucket (Standard). Although it is made with 25% less plastic, it offers the same strength and stability as its heavier forerunners. Given the vast quantities of buckets that are used every year, this represents an important step towards increased sustainability by reducing the amount of packaging materials used.
The Next Gen Bucket is made from 100% recycled PP monoplastic that can be infinitely recycled. Compared to traditional production methods, the production of this bucket requires 47% less energy. The NextGen Eco black bucket is a more sustainable alternative to the Standard bucket and offers a concrete carbon footprint reduction of 9,790 kg of CO2 eq. with a purchase volume of 100,000 units.
The number of NextGen buckets being sold is growing rapidly, at the expense of the market share of the standard black flower bucket. Major steps are being taken towards the reduction of plastic use.