Author(s)

V. NICCOLUCCI, B. RUGANI, S. BOTTO & C. GAGGI

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to present an integrated approach to be used in environmental labelling of products. The approach is based on the joint use of three methods inspired by similar philosophy that capture different and complementary aspects of environmental issues. We call it CEW approach as it is based on the footprint family indicators: carbon footprint, ecological footprint and water footprint. Its pros and cons are discussed and an example of application to a product is included to illustrate its potential. A natural mineral water marketed in a 1.5 L PET bottle was chosen as case study and analyzed over its life cycle ‘from cradle to gate’, from the spring to the gate of the plant.

Keywords

bottled drinking water, carbon footprint, ecological footprint, environmental labelling, water footprint