1. Introduction to Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

LCA is a data-driven tool that analyzes material and energy flows, emissions, and waste generated throughout all life stages of a product. It enables you to:

• Quantify environmental impacts objectively
• Identify processes with the highest impacts (hotspots)
• Compare design or production alternatives
• Reduce raw material use, energy consumption, and waste
• Communicate results in a verifiable way 📈

ISO 14040 and 14044

LCA is the scientific method for assessing the environmental impact of a product throughout its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to final disposal. It is standardized by ISO 14040 and ISO 14044.

2. Life Cycle and Its Approach

The life cycle approach considers all effects associated with a product, from design to end-of-life. Inputs (materials, energy) and outputs (waste, emissions) are identified at each stage to analyze the accumulated environmental impact.

3. Relationship Between LCA and Environmental Footprints

• EU Environmental Footprint: LCA provides the methodological basis
• Carbon Footprint: Calculates greenhouse gas emissions based on LCA
• Water Footprint: Analyzes water consumption throughout the cycle

LCA enables footprint certification, eco-design improvements, and strengthens commercial and CSR arguments.

4. LCA Methodology