LCA (Life-Cycle Assessment)

The Stages of Life-Cycle Assessment

LCA evaluates the entire lifecycle of a product, from raw material extraction to disposal. Here’s how it works:

1️. Raw Material Extraction

This stage assesses the consumption of natural resources (e.g., wood, plastic, metals, biopolymers) and the energy required for extraction and processing.

2️. Production & Manufacturing

At this stage, the focus is on fabrication, processing, and assembly, as well as the CO₂ emissions, water consumption, and energy usage involved in the production process.

3️. Distribution & Logistics

This phase considers transportation from production sites to retail locations, including the carbon footprint related to secondary packaging and fuel consumption.

4️. Product Use & Longevity

Here, the LCA evaluates energy efficiency, product lifespan, and reuse potential—for example, whether the packaging is refillable or designed for multiple uses.

5️. End of Life (Disposal & Recycling)

This final stage assesses whether the product ends up in landfills, incineration, or recycling, as well as the percentage of material that can be recovered or reintegrated into the production cycle.

Understanding LCA allows cosmetic brands to develop more sustainable packaging solutions, making informed choices that reduce environmental impact while maintaining high-quality standards.

Why is LCA important for recyclable cosmetic packaging?

Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) is essential for companies looking to measure and reduce their environmental impact. This methodology enables businesses to quantify key parameters such as greenhouse gas emissions, natural resource consumption, and waste production, providing a clear overview of a product or process's life cycle.

Beyond delivering concrete data, LCA helps companies make more sustainable decisions by allowing them to choose low-impact materials and processes while optimizing production from an eco-conscious perspective.

This approach is particularly valuable for obtaining recognized environmental certifications such as FSC, EPD (Environmental Product Declaration), and Carbon Footprint Certification, which are increasingly demanded by consumers and global markets.

Adopting LCA is a strategic advantage for corporate reputation. Brands demonstrate a real commitment to sustainability, strengthening their image of transparency and innovation in the eyes of customers, partners, and stakeholders.

mPackting leverages Life-Cycle Assessment to develop eco-friendly and circular packaging, helping brands reduce their environmental footprint.