Janta Sweet Mart 250 Gram Mithai Box Bag W 9” x H 6” x G 6”

1. Material Composition:
   • Biodegradable Materials: If the Eco Mithai Box Bag is made from biodegradable materials like paper, cardboard, or plant-based plastics, it contributes to sustainability. These materials break down more easily in the environment compared to conventional plastics, reducing long-term pollution.
   • Recycled Content: Using recycled materials reduces the need for virgin raw materials, conserving natural resources and reducing the environmental impact of extraction and processing.
2. Production Processes:
   • Eco-friendly Manufacturing: Sustainable manufacturing processes use less energy, water, and chemicals. They also minimize waste through better design and recycling practices within the production facility.
   • Energy Efficiency: Facilities powered by renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro) reduce reliance on fossil fuels, thus decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Design for Reuse and Recycling:
   • Reusability: Designing the product for multiple uses extends its life cycle, thereby reducing the frequency of production and disposal.
   • Recyclability: Ensuring the product can be easily recycled helps close the loop in the materials cycle, reducing waste and the need for new raw materials.

Carbon Footprint Reduction Factors:

1. Material Efficiency:
   • Lightweight Design: Lighter materials require less energy for transportation, leading to lower carbon emissions during distribution.
   • Minimalist Packaging: Reducing unnecessary packaging material reduces the volume and weight of the product, further cutting down transportation emissions.
2. Local Sourcing:
   • Proximity of Raw Materials: Sourcing materials locally reduces transportation distances and the associated emissions.
   • Local Manufacturing: Producing the product close to the point of sale minimizes the carbon footprint related to shipping and logistics.
3. Lifecycle Analysis:
   • Cradle-to-Grave Approach: Conducting a lifecycle analysis helps identify and mitigate environmental impacts at each stage of the product’s life, from raw material extraction to disposal.
   • Lifecycle Improvements: Implementing findings from lifecycle analysis to improve processes and materials choice can lead to significant reductions in carbon footprint.

Scientific Explanation:

• Biodegradable Materials: Studies show that biodegradable materials, such as those derived from plants, can significantly reduce pollution. For instance, a 2018 study published in Science Advances highlighted the persistence of conventional plastics in the environment and emphasized the benefits of switching to biodegradable alternatives .
• Energy Efficiency in Manufacturing: According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), improving energy efficiency in manufacturing can reduce global industrial emissions by up to 20% . This highlights the impact of sustainable production practices.
• Lifecycle Analysis: Research published in the Journal of Industrial Ecology emphasizes the importance of lifecycle analysis in understanding the full environmental impact of products. The study illustrates how optimizing each stage of the lifecycle can lead to substantial carbon footprint reductions .

1. Ingredients Production

• Identify Ingredients: Determine the types of ingredients used in the mithai (e.g., sugar, milk, nuts, etc.).
• Carbon Footprint Calculation: Calculate the carbon footprint of each ingredient based on its production and transportation. This includes the emissions from agricultural practices, processing, and transport.

• Sugar: Assume the mithai contains 100 grams of sugar. The carbon footprint of sugar production is approximately 0.8 kg CO2e per kg of sugar (Chatham House, 2019).

2. Packaging

• Material Type: Determine the type of packaging used (e.g., cardboard, plastic).
• Carbon Footprint Calculation: Calculate the emissions associated with producing and transporting the packaging materials.

• Cardboard Packaging: A standard estimate for cardboard packaging is about 0.3 kg CO2e per kg of cardboard (Environmental Paper Network, 2018).

3. Production and Processing

• Production Facilities: Assess the energy consumption of the production facility where the mithai is made.
• Carbon Footprint Calculation: Use data on energy consumption and the type of energy used (electricity, gas) to estimate emissions.

• Energy Use: Assume 1 kWh of energy used per kg of mithai. The carbon footprint of electricity is approximately 0.5 kg CO2e per kWh (IEA, 2021).

4. Transportation

• Distance and Mode: Determine the distance from the production facility to the market and the mode of transportation (e.g., truck, rail).
• Carbon Footprint Calculation: Estimate emissions based on the distance traveled and the mode of transport.

• Truck Transport: A typical estimate for truck transport is about 0.1 kg CO2e per km per ton of product (McKinnon et al., 2015).

Example Calculation

1. Ingredients:
   • 100 grams of sugar (0.08 kg), with a footprint of 0.8 kg CO2e per kg.
   • Other ingredients are minimal for simplicity.
2. Packaging:
   • 250 grams of cardboard, with a footprint of 0.3 kg CO2e per kg.
3. Production:
   • 0.5 kWh of energy per kg of mithai, with electricity having a footprint of 0.5 kg CO2e per kWh.
4. Transportation:
   • Assume 10 km transport by truck for 1 ton of product, with a footprint of 0.1 kg CO2e per km.

1. Ingredients:
   • 0.08 kg sugar × 0.8 kg CO2e/kg = 0.064 kg CO2e
2. Packaging:
   • 0.25 kg cardboard × 0.3 kg CO2e/kg = 0.075 kg CO2e
3. Production:
   • 0.25 kg mithai × 0.5 kWh/kg × 0.5 kg CO2e/kWh = 0.0625 kg CO2e
4. Transportation:
   • 0.25 kg mithai / 1000 kg (1 ton) × 10 km × 0.1 kg CO2e/km = 0.0025 kg CO2e

• Ingredients: 0.064 kg CO2e
• Packaging: 0.075 kg CO2e
• Production: 0.0625 kg CO2e
• Transportation: 0.0025 kg CO2e

References:

1. Geyer, R., Jambeck, J. R., & Law, K. L. (2018). Production, use, and fate of all plastics ever made. Science Advances, 3(7), e1700782.
2. International Energy Agency (IEA). (2021). Energy Efficiency 2021. Retrieved from IEA Website
3. Rebitzer, G., et al. (2004). Life cycle assessment: Part 1: Framework, goal and scope definition, inventory analysis, and applications. Environment International, 30(5), 701-720.