The SPHERE framework. An implementation guide

The purpose of this guide is to help packaging and sustainability design teams implement the SPHERE framework. This framework developed by WBCSD supports companies in improving their packaging portfolio in line with their sustainability strategy and offers a way to balance transactions between different environmental impacts. The framework is based on six principles for the environmental assessment of packaging, reconciling circularity and sustainability metrics for the first time: ensuring the efficiency of packaging, reducing the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss, increasing circularity and proper end-of-life management, and avoid harmful substances.  

This guide provides an overview of the principles of the SPHERE framework, the sixth principle of which focuses on measuring the impacts of the packaging sector on biodiversity. This is a less developed practice compared to other SPHERE principles, as it is not possible to directly assess species extinction rates. However, it is clear that the production of materials, the use of energy and packaging waste affect the natural system and therefore biodiversity. Principle 6 quantifies the drivers of biodiversity loss beyond those covered by other principles (e.g., climate change and harmful chemicals). Specifically, water footprint and land use are the recommended metrics to measure principle 6. These general metrics are expressed in m³ (water footprint or water consumption) and points (for land consumption).