A COMPUTER SYSTEM FOR COMPARISON OF LIFE CYCLE CHARACTERISTICS OF PACKAGING MATERIALS
A computer system was described for comparison of life cycle characteristics of packaging materials. The system allows, at given requirements for packaging materials, to evaluate the complex of properties of packaging materials, to calculate specific and generalized criteria for evaluating packaging materials and to provide the user with the opportunity to choose the most suitable packaging material based on the results. The developed system includes a library of customizable criteria, a database of rules for selecting packages, databases of life cycle stages, packages, packaging materials, and characteristics of packaging materials. The system was tested on the example of comparative analysis of the process of production of raw materials for packages and manufacturing packages, which may include fresh raw materials and recycled resources. Testing results confirmed the computer system operability and possibility of using it for a comprehensive assessment of the life cycle of the production of packaging materials taking into account environmental safety, consumer and economic characteristics