Introduction to Life Cycle Thinking and Assessment

The environmental performance of bioplastics may be a competitive factor when they are compared with traditional, fossil-based plastics. Like all materials conceived for a wide range of industrial applications, including being major components in consumer products, bioplastics interact with the environment in several steps throughout their value chain. Due to this reason, the environmental performance of bioplastics is investigated with the life cycle thinking approach and its related quantitative method life cycle assessment (LCA). 

Life cycle approaches emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s from concerns about limited and nonrenewable natural resources, particularly oil. They came initially in the form of global modelling studies and energy audits, and were referred to as Resource and Environmental Profile Analysis and Net Energy Analysis. 

The goal definition specifies the reasons for carrying out the study and the intended application and audience. The scope relates to defining the unit of analysis, the system boundaries, the data quality and a number of other methodological choices. The depth and breadth of LCA can differ considerably depending on the goal of the analysis. 

Emissions of other greenhouse gases (GHG), such as methane (CH4) or nitrous oxide (N2O) are multiplied hy their respective characterisation factor to convert their effect into an equal amount of CO2. 

Life cycle interpretation is the final phase of the EGA procedure, in which the results of an LCI or an LCIA, or both, are summarised and discussed as a basis for conclusions, recommendations and decision-making in accordance with the goal and scope definition. When LCA results are used to support decisions, they help consider potential trade-offs and prevent the shifting of burdens across different impact categories or stages in the product life cycle. 

---