A Comparative Life Cycle Assessment between Reusable and Disposable Packaging in the Automotive Industry - A Case Study of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.

This master’s thesis presents a detailed examination of the environmental impacts of packaging solutions and their economic implications within the automotive industry. By adopting a comparative life cycle assessment (LCA), this study analyzes the sustainability of non-reusable versus reusable packaging, with a particular focus on the role it plays in supply chain efficiency and logistics strategy. Central to this exploration is a specific case study drawn from Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., serving as a representative example for approaching the specific challenges and advancements in terms of packaging sustainability in the industry. Here, in fact, packaging is identified not just as a logistical tool but also as a strategic asset that can significantly influence product flows and the overall impact of modern supply chains. From a methodological standpoint, this analysis employs a systematic approach, beginning with the discussion of broader topics such as the role that packaging plays in logistics and narrowing down to specific studies within the automotive industry. Then, the research goes on to detail various packaging options available to the company by analyzing reusability, level of specialization, and the manufacturing processes involved in their production. In light of the industry's shift towards sustainability, this analysis contrasts the limitations of non-reusable packaging with the benefits of reusable alternatives. Although, it also considers the drawbacks of reusable options, ensuring a balanced evaluation of sustainable packaging practices. In the practical segment of the study, the LCA's comprehensive and versatile approach is laid out to enable the comparison among the proposed packaging solutions, thereby prompting decision-making on environmental and economic trade-offs. Finally, in the discussion of the obtained results, findings from the lifecycle impacts are integrated with the case study premises to provide a multidimensional view on the viability of different packaging options and ultimately on the sustainable evolution of the industry.