Life Cycle Analysis

• Purpose

  LCA examines the total environmental impact of a product through every step of its life, from obtaining raw materials to disposal. It is a systematic process, identifying and quantifying all inputs (material, energy, fuel) and outputs (product, waste, emissions) for a whole life cycle or for individual stages. Manufacturers can then evaluate the results and consider where changes might be made.
• Linear Economic Model

  Most economies across the world operate in a linear model. That is, they take natural resources, make something with them and then dispose of the waste after use. In addition, the energy used is mainly from finite sources e.g. fossil fuels. Biological materials (from living things) and technical materials (metals and polymers) are mixed up together. The linear model doesn't fit with our goals to sustainably use resources to develop better lives for everyone. Its use doesn't fit with the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Circular Economic Model

  A circular economy uses resources to their full potential.

  • Biological material is used to enrich our soils and ecosystems, helping to produce even more biological material. Nothing goes to waste and the system supports itself.
  • Technical materials are designed, from the start, to be used again. They remain high quality and valuable materials. Nothing goes to waste and the demand for raw materials is very small.

  The circular economy should be driven by energy from renewable sources.