Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) evaluates the environmental impact of a product through how many stages?

Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) assesses the environmental impacts associated with all stages of a product's life, from cradle to grave, which encompasses a series of well-defined phases. The process typically involves five distinct stages:

1. Raw Material Extraction: This stage looks at the sourcing of raw materials and the environmental consequences of mining, harvesting, or growing these materials.

2. Manufacturing/Production: This phase includes the processes involved in transforming raw materials into a finished product, considering energy use, water consumption, and the emissions generated during production.

3. Transport and Distribution: This stage evaluates the environmental impact associated with the transportation of the product from the manufacturing facility to the consumer, including the energy and emissions produced by various modes of transport.

4. Use: The impact during the period when the product is being utilized by the consumer is assessed here, which may involve energy consumption, maintenance needs, and any emissions released during its operational life.

5. Disposal: The final stage involves the evaluation of what happens to the product at the end of its life, including landfill impact, recycling potential, and any associated emissions with disposal processes.

These five stages collectively provide a comprehensive view of the product’s