3 LCA Application
3.1 Goal and Scope Definition
The main goal of this LCA study is to analyse the environmental performance of
the product made out of bio-based plastics and then identify opportunities to
optimize this product. The results of this LCA study will be helpful to analyse the
individual contribution of different processes towards the total environmental
impacts. The Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) results, along with the hot spot
and scenario analyses will then be used to develop eco-design strategies for the
product.
Eco-design team
• Material engineer and a technician
• Process engineer and a project manager
• Sustainability expert
• Human resource personnel
ProperƟes of product system
• Chemical and mechanical properƟes
• Environmental aspects
• Costs, market presence and social
aspects
LCA of product system
• IdenƟficaƟon of the value chain
• LCA & interpretaƟon of the LCIA results
• Scenario and sensiƟvity analysis
• SelecƟon criteria for polymers/addiƟves
Eco-design strategies
• PrioriƟzaƟon of strategiesand concepts
• Environmental and social relevance
• Economic and technical feasibility
• Time frame and management approval
ImplementaƟon and feedback
• Stakeholder meeƟng
• ImplementaƟon at pilot scale
• Feedback from team and stakeholders
• Assessment of product aŌer eco-design
Fig. 1 Methodological
stages of eco-design applied
to bio-based plastics
Integrating Life Cycle Assessment and Eco-design Strategies …
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