Calculators

The RPA has created three calculators to help member companies and their customers estimate the environmental and economic differences between one-way and reusable packaging systems. 

Industry Economic Calculator

This model is intended to compare cost and cash flow cost differences of differing packaging alternatives from the perspective of the manufacturer or producer. It is intended for use by manufacturers and producers of goods only, not retailers or other end users. Accordingly, it does not necessarily capture all the costs or
benefits of the complete supply chain. Full instructions appear within the calculator. Download the Industry Calculator (Members Only).

"Quick" Economic Calculator (Cost Comparison Tool)

This model is intended to compare basic cost differences of one way corrugated packaging verses reusable plastic packaging. The model uses basic assumptions and requires users to input various cost components into the model. While the model uses factual inputs from prospective users, it is intended to be directional and not an absolute indication of exact cost benefits for an end user. Download the "Quick Calculator" (Microsoft Excel).

RPC Environmental Calculator

Using the energy, solid waste, and greenhouse gas (GHG) data from the Life Cycle Inventory conducted by Franklin Associates, this tool allows RPC users to quickly and easily estimate the reductions in environmental burdens when RPCs are used instead of single-trip containers for produce shipping applications. Members can use the calculator to communicate specific benefits to target interest groups, for example, to communicate to customers the GHG benefits of using RPCs, or to communicate to state and local officials the solid waste savings for use of RPCs. Download the RPC Environmental Calculator (Members Only).