What does life cycle analysis primarily assess regarding a product?

Life cycle analysis (LCA) primarily focuses on assessing the environmental effects of a product throughout its entire life cycle, which includes the stages of raw material extraction, manufacturing, distribution, use, and disposal. This comprehensive evaluation allows designers and manufacturers to identify the impact that a product has on the environment at each stage, including resource depletion, emissions, waste generation, and energy consumption.

By understanding these environmental effects, stakeholders can make informed decisions to reduce negative impacts and improve sustainability. This assessment is crucial not just for compliance with regulations but also for enhancing corporate social responsibility and meeting consumer demand for eco-friendly products.

In contrast, while promotional strategies, economic benefits, and market competitiveness are important considerations in the development and marketing of a product, they do not encompass the holistic environmental evaluation that life cycle analysis is designed to provide.