What Is LCA (Life Cycle Assessment)?
Direct Answer
Life cycle assessment (LCA) measures a product’s environmental impact from raw material extraction through manufacturing, use and disposal.
Key Takeaways
- Life cycle assessment (LCA) measures a product’s environmental impact from raw material extraction through manufacturing, use and disposal.
- How it works: LCA inventories energy, materials and emissions at each stage, then quantifies impacts like carbon footprint and water use — the basis for eco-labels and carbon-neutral claims..
- Comparing diaper backsheet materials
- LCA results depend heavily on system boundaries and assumptions
How LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) Works
LCA inventories energy, materials and emissions at each stage, then quantifies impacts like carbon footprint and water use — the basis for eco-labels and carbon-neutral claims.
Examples and Applications
- Comparing diaper backsheet materials
- Supporting biodegradable product claims
LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) vs. Related Terms
| Term | What it is | Key difference |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon neutral certification | LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) | LCA measures; certification verifies the measured footprint |
Limitations and Common Misconceptions
- LCA results depend heavily on system boundaries and assumptions
- A single metric (e.g., carbon) does not capture the full picture
What is an LCA in the hygiene industry?
A systematic assessment of a product’s environmental footprint from raw materials to disposal — the evidence behind eco-friendly claims.
References
- EDANA - What are nonwovens? (ISO 9092 / CEN EN 29092 definition) — EDANA (accessed 2026-08-02)
- EUR-Lex - Directive (EU) 2019/904 on single-use plastics — European Union (accessed 2026-08-02)