LCA

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and packaging

When comparing different packaging options, it is important to consider the whole range of life cycle impacts for that product that may be direct and indirect across the packaging life-cycle. this will include the extraction/harvesting of raw materials, through manufacture and use of the packaging, to its final disposal.

Life Cycle Assessment is a way of identifying and taking into account the full range of environmental impacts associated with packaging.  Ideally, LCA should follow the guidelines set out in the international standard ISO 14040 series.

The key steps being:

1. defining the system boundary
2. compiling an inventory of the key inputs and outputs of a product system
3. evaluating the environmental impacts of these inputs and outputs
4. interpreting the results of the inventory and impact analysis
5. peer review of the work.