Haya Al Humaidi
Department of Information Systems & Operations Management, CBA, Kuwait University
Estimating CO2 Emissions (CO2e) from the Plastic Water Bottle Supply Chain: A Case Study
Abstract
This study investigates the carbon footprint of the plastic water bottle supply chain in Kuwait through a case study of a local manufacturer producing over 50,000 bottles daily, representing nearly 20% of national production. The research applies a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) framework combined with Activity-Based Costing (ABC) to quantify CO₂e emissions across the supply chain stages: Buy (raw material procurement), Make (manufacturing), and Move (logistics). Resource consumption—including PET material, electricity, fuel, and water—is converted into CO₂e using standardized emission factors. Results indicate total annual emissions of approximately 6,500 metric tons CO₂e, with logistics operations accounting for 51% of emissions, electricity 30%, and PET materials 19%. Emissions vary substantially by bottle size; for a benchmark of 60 liters, 1.5 L bottles produce ~30 kg CO₂e, while 200 mL bottles generate ~81 kg CO₂e, demonstrating that smaller bottles are two to three times more carbon-intensive per liter. The findings highlight the dual responsibility of manufacturers and consumers in mitigating environmental impacts. Recommendations include optimizing supply chain logistics, exploring alternative fuels, implementing last-mile micro-fulfillment centers, adjusting bottle sizes, and increasing consumer awareness through CO₂e labeling. This study provides actionable managerial insights for SMEs and contributes to the literature on sustainable supply chain management in carbon-intensive regions.
Keywords: Sustainable Supply Chain, CO₂ Emissions, Bottled Water, Life Cycle Assessment, Activity-Based Costing, Kuwait, Last-Mile Logistics
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