LCA is a technique used to assess the environmental impacts associated with every stage of a product's life, from raw material extraction through to materials processing, manufacturing, distribution, use, repair and maintenance, and disposal or recycling.
LCAs measure everything from water, energy and raw materials inputs to outputs into the air, land and water. Typally LCAs are used to compare two or more packaging choices to demonstrate benefits or potential trade-offs of design and material.
Taking a lifecycle view is essential to avoid making improvements in one area that are unknowingly detrimental to another.