Packaging consumes around 5 % of the energy needed during a product's life cycle. Pack4Ecodesign is a free online toolbox to help professionals design better, more eco-friendly packaging. In particular, the tool calculates the environmental impact of specific packaging materials used in terms of greenhouse gas contributions, water and energy consumption, and provides tips to address these concerns.

On the basis of information provided, the tool calculates the current packaging footprint: CO2 emissions, water consumption and energy consumption at different life-cycle stages (raw materials, packaging, manufacturing, filling, distribution, end of life).

The tool then informs eco-design measures to implement in each part of the packaging life cycle, in order to reduce the environmental impact, and shows the benefits or 'balance' after each new measure is introduced.