Cradle to Grave of Materials

Abstract

Each and every product has an environmental impact, such as emission of methane and carbon dioxide (Green House Gases - GHG), use of valuable resources and land usage. Life Cycle Analysis (or) Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Carbon Footprint are methods used to analyze the environmental issues of those products and supply chains. These methods give an insight in possible ways to improve the supply chain. To achieve sustainable development and aesthetic green environment this analysis is very essential. The main difference between carbon foot print and LCA is, the first one focuses on environmental impact category like GHG emissions and later one takes much impact categories in to its account such as, changes in the climatic conditions, health of human beings, usage of land, acidification of water and effect on biodiversity by the products in each and every phase of its life cycle.  The ultimate aim of LCA is, to compare the impact on environment, related to the flow of materials and products by analyzing the way these affect the entire environment. The information obtained by this analysis is used to enhance processes, policy support and offer a well found informed decision. This paper gives an outline of life cycle assessment of plastic with variety of materials used in our day to day life.