Lifecycle inventory analysis

The metrics can be integrated with other analysis tools, such as practical minimum-energy requirements, lifecycle inventories and total cost assessment (TCA), to develop integrated decision-support tools that can provide guidance for decisionmakers [8]. 

With growing concern of environment and sustainability, Imerys has taken an initiative to evaluate the sustainability aspects of the calcium carbonate mineral. lifecycle inventory (LCI) is a key part of the International Environmental Management System standards 14044 2006. This tool is used by companies in the plastics supply chain to understand the environmental impact of raw materials critical for plastics production. LCI analysis of treated ground calcium carbonate compared to base resins was carried out since treated GCC is used to replace some of the resin volume in plastics production. The production of treated GCC was found to have a lower impact on the environment than the production of various resin systems, including PVC, PE, and PP. Raw material and energy use inputs were included in the study, as were environmental emissions to land, air, and water [11]. 

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