Life Cycle Assessment

life cycle assessment (LCA)

Product Life Cycle Stages for Environmental Impact Assessment

1 . Raw Material Extraction (Cradle)

This stage involves sourcing raw materials from natural resources such as metals, plastics, minerals, or organic fibers. Environmental concerns at this phase include resource depletion, energy consumption, and emissions from mining, logging, or agricultural activity.

Raw materials are transformed into finished products through processes like machining, assembly, and packaging. This stage contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, waste generation, and energy use, making it a key focus in carbon footprint reduction.

Products are transported to distribution centers, retailers, or end-users. During their active use, products consume energy and may require maintenance. Durability, repairability, and user behavior all influence environmental impact at this stage.

At the end of its usable life, a product is either discarded, recycled, or repurposed. Sustainable waste management practices—such as recycling, composting, or reuse, can significantly reduce landfill waste, emissions, and resource loss.

Across all life cycle stages, businesses can assess and improve their environmental performance by reducing emissions, optimizing material efficiency, and adopting circular economy principles. This strategic view enables smarter, more sustainable decision-making.

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