Life Cycle Assessment

LCA is a technique used to assess the environmental impacts of every stage of a product's life, from raw material extraction to materials processing, manufacturing, distribution, use, repair and maintenance, and disposal or recycling. LCAs measure everything from inputs from water, energy and raw materials to outputs into the air, land and water. Typically, LCAs 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.