Skip to main content

Environmental Lifecycle Assessment -a Basis for Sustainable Product Development

  • Chapter
Clean Production

Abstract

The problem of Life Cycle Assessment in its totality is discussed in this chapter. After presenting various aspects of the Life Cycle Aseesment methodology, the author provides an insight of the impact assessment procedure. Later on the author discusses how the concept of LCA can be applied to a product development programme.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  1. Alting, L.L., ‘Life cycle design’, Concurrent Engineering, Issues, Practice and Technology, 1, 19–27, 1991.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Assies, J.A., ‘State of art’, in SETAC-Europe, ‘Life cycle assessment’, Workshop report, 2–3 December 1991, Leiden, The Netherlands. Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry—Europe, Brussels, Belgium, April, 1992.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Baumann, H., Ekvall, T., Svensson, G., Rydberg, T. and Tillman, A.-M., ‘Aggregation and operative units’, in [SETAC-Europe, 1992a ], 1992.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Baumann, H., et al., PEFORSK FoU No. 79, Malmö, 1993 (In Swedish with English summary). Ekvall, T., (ed), Poster at SETAC World Congress, Sesimbra, Portugal, April, 1993.

    Google Scholar 

  5. Baumann, H. and Rydberg, T., ‘Life-cycle assessment: a comparison of three methods for impact analysis and valuation’, Appendix, pp. 281288 in Nordic Council of Ministers [1992], 1992.

    Google Scholar 

  6. Benda, J. and Narayan, R., ‘Life cycle analysis: a marketing nightmare’, paper presented at “Cellulose ‘81”, New Orleans, Louisiana, December 2–6, 1991.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Bergqvist, S–R., 1991. Miljön och förpackningarna., SOU 1991:76. ISBN 9138–10871–2, Allmänna Förlaget, Stockholm, Sweden. (in Swedish)

    Google Scholar 

  8. Boustead, I. and Hancock, G. F., ‘Handbook of industrial energy analysis’, ISBN 0–85312–064–1, Publisher:Ellis Horwood Ltd, West Sussex, England,1979.

    Google Scholar 

  9. Boustead, I., ‘Eco-balance methodology for commodity thermoplastics’, A report for The European Centre for Plastics In the Environment(PWMI), Brussels, December, 1992.

    Google Scholar 

  10. Christiansen, K., et al., ‘Miljovurdering of PVC og udvalgte alternative materialer’, Environmental Project No. 131 (In Danish),Miljøministeriet, Miljøstyrelsen, Copenhagen, Denmark, 1990.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Consoli, F., et al. (eds.), ‘Guidelines for life-cycle assessment: a “Code of practice”’, Edition 1, from the SETAC workshop held at Sesimbra, Portugal, 31 March–April 1993, SETAC, Pensacola, Florida, U.S.A. and Brussels, Belgium, 1993.

    Google Scholar 

  12. Curran, M.A., ‘Broad-based environmental life cycle assessment’, Environ. Sci. Technol., 27, 430–436, 1993.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Ekvall, T., ‘Life-cycle analyses of corrugated cardboard, a comparative analysis of two existing studies’, CIT ekologik 1992: 3, Chalmers Industriteknik, S-412 88 Göteborg, Sweden, November, 1992.

    Google Scholar 

  14. Fava, J.A., ‘Private sector applications of LCA’, J. Cleaner Prod., 1, 203, 1994.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Fava, J. A., et al. (eds), ‘A technical framework for life-cycle assessment’, proceedings from a workshop in Vermont, August 1990, Society Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) /SETAC Foundation for Environmental Education, Inc., Washington D.C., January, 1991.

    Google Scholar 

  16. Fava, J.A. et al. (eds), ‘A conceptual framework for life-cycle impact assessment’, workshop report, February 1–7, 1992, Sandestin, Florida, Pensacola, Florida, U.S.A., March 1993.

    Google Scholar 

  17. Fava, J.A., Consoli, F. and Denison, R.A., ‘Analyses of product life-cycle applications’, pp. 125–131 in [SETAC-Europe, 1992a ], 1992a.

    Google Scholar 

  18. Fava, J.A., et al. (eds), ‘Conceptual framework for life-cycle data quality’, workshop, Wintergreen, Virginia, October 4–9, 1992, SETAC and SETAC Foundation for Environmental Education, Inc., Draft, October, 1992b.

    Google Scholar 

  19. Finnveden, G., ‘Recent developments in methodologies for impact assessment in the context of life cycle assessment’, (Also as: IVL-report B1129, Stockholm, December, 1993), paper presented at the 14th annual meeting of SETAC in Houston, Texas, 14–18 November, 1993.

    Google Scholar 

  20. Finnveden, G., Andersson-Sköld, Y., Samuelsson, M.-O. Zetterberg, L. and Lindfors, L.-G., ‘Classification (Impact analysis) in connection with life cycle assessment—a preliminary study’, pp. 172–231 in Nordic Council of Ministers [ 1992 ], 1992.

    Google Scholar 

  21. Franke, M., ‘Okobilanzen von Waschmitteln—Möglichkeiten and Grenzen’ (in German), Tenside Surf. Del., 30, 435–437, 1993.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Giezemann, H.G.M.I and Verhees, F.G., ‘Ecolabelling: Practical use of cradle-to-grave’, Activity report, J. Cleaner Prod., 1, 191, 1994.

    Google Scholar 

  23. Guinée, J.B., Udo de Haes, H.A. and Huppes, G., ‘Quantitative life cycle assessment of products. 1. Goal definition and inventory’, J. Cleaner Prod., 1, 3–13, 1993a.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Guinée, J.B., Heijungs, R., Udo de Haes, H.A. and Huppes, G., ‘Quantitative life cycle assessment of products. 2. Classification, valuation and improvement analysis’, J. Cleaner Prod., 1, 81–91, 1993b.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Guinée, J.B. and Heijungs, R., ‘A proposal for the classification of toxic substances within the framework of life cycle assessment of products’, Chemosphere, 26, 1925–1944, 1993.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Hamm, U., Putz, H.-J. and Göttsching, L., ‘Aspects of a life cycle analysis: craft paper and PE carrier bags’(in German), Das Papier, 44, 10A, V164–V172, 1990.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Hanssen, O.J., ‘Sustainable product development—a draft method description’, Stiftelsen Østfoldforskning, Fredrikstad, Norway, Report No 08. 94, Review version, July, 1994.

    Google Scholar 

  28. Hanssen, O.J., Førde, J.S. and Thoresen, J., ‘Environmental indicator and index systems: an overview and test of different approaches’, A pilot study for Statoil,OR.17.94, Stiftelsen Østfoldforskning, Fredrikstad, Norway, April,1994.

    Google Scholar 

  29. Heijungs, R. (final ed.) et al., ‘Environmental life cycle assessment of products, Guide and Backgrounds’ (2 volumes),Centre of Environmental Science, Leiden University, The Netherlands, October, 1992.

    Google Scholar 

  30. Heijungs, R., ‘A generic method for the identification of options for cleaner products’, Ecol. Econ.,in press, 1993.

    Google Scholar 

  31. Heintz, B. and Baisnée, P.-F., ‘System boundaries’, pp. 35–52, in SETACEurope[1992a],1992.

    Google Scholar 

  32. Henstock, M.E., ‘A life-cycle analysis of the use of secondary LDPE for the manufacture of carrier bags’, in ‘Advances in recovery and recycling—Concepts and technology’, Henstock, M.E. and Skov, H.R. (eds.), Collected papers of the ReC’93 International recycling congress, Geneva, Switzerland, 19–22 January 1993, Hexagon Ltd, Copenhagen, Denmark, 230–238, 1993.

    Google Scholar 

  33. Hocking, M. B., ‘Paper versus polystyrene: a complex choice’, Science, 251, 504–505, 1991.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Hofstetter, P., ‘Weighing of different environmental problems’, paper presented at ‘LCA and its applications’, workshop, organised by CML and UNEP IE/PAC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 9–10 June 1993.

    Google Scholar 

  35. Hunt, R. G. and Franklin, W. E., ‘Resource and Environmental Profile Analysis of Beer Containers’, Chem. Technol., 5, 474–481, 1975.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Hunt, R. G., cited in ‘Editor’s corner’, in ‘Life-cycle assessment’, SETAC News, SETAC and SETAC-Europe, 4, 2 March 1994.

    Google Scholar 

  37. ISO, ‘Life cycle assessment’, committee draft, ISO/CD 14040, Reference number ISO/TC 207/SC 5 N 33, issued 1994.09.30, AFNOR, Tour Europe CEDEX 7, 92049 PARIS LA DEFENSE, 1994.

    Google Scholar 

  38. IVA/AFR, ‘The development of environmentally sounder products’, Proceedings from an international symposium, October 23–24, 1991, IVA-Report 391, Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA) and Swedish Waste Research Council ( AFR ), Stockholm, 1992.

    Google Scholar 

  39. Keoleian, G.A., ‘The application of life cycle assessment to design’, J. Cleaner Prod., 1, 143–150, 1994.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  40. Keoleian, G. A. and Menerey, D., ‘Life cycle design guidance manual’ EPA 600/R-92/226, Project Officer: Curran, M.A., US Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinatti, Ohio, January, 1993.

    Google Scholar 

  41. Kindler, H. and Nikles, A., ‘Energieaufwand zur Herstellung von Werkstoffen’, Kunststoffe, 70, 802–807, 1980.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. Klöpffer, W., ‘Environmental hazard—assessment of chemicals and products. Part 1: General assessment principles’, ESPR—Environ. Sci & Pollut. Res. 1, 48–53, 1994.

    Google Scholar 

  43. Kooijman, J.M., ‘Environmental assessment of packaging: sense and sensibility’, manuscript accepted for publication in Environmental Management, 18, 1993.

    Google Scholar 

  44. Krozer, J., ‘Decision model for environmental strategies of corporations’, THE Institute for Applied Environmental Economics, Grote Marktstraat 24, 2511 RI The Hague, the Netherlands, June, 1990.

    Google Scholar 

  45. Lave, L.B., Hendrickson, C. and McMichael, F.C., ‘Recycling decisions and green design’, Environ. Sci. Technol., 28, 19A–24A, 1994.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. Lundholm, M. P. och Sundström, G., ‘Resource and environmental impact of Tetra Brik aseptic carton and of refillable and non-refillable glass bottles (Tetra Brik Aseptic environmental profile)’, Tetra Brik International AB, Malmö, Sweden, 1985.

    Google Scholar 

  47. Matthews, V. and Fink, P., ‘Database generation for olefin feedstocks and plastics’, J. Cleaner Prod., 1, 173–180, 1994.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  48. Molander, S. and Tillman, A.-M., ‘A simple procedure for the ecotoxicological classification in product life cycle assessment’, Paper presented at the 14th annual meeting of SETAC in Houston, Texas, 14–18 Nov.,1993.

    Google Scholar 

  49. Nordic Council of Ministers, ‘Product life cycle assessment’, Nord 1992: 9, Nordic Council of ministers, Copenhagen, Denmark, 1992.

    Google Scholar 

  50. Nygaard, J. and Nord, B., ‘Energy input analyses in the pulp and paper industry’, STU-information 410–84, Stockholm 1984.

    Google Scholar 

  51. Omrcén, E., ‘The Product Ecology Project—creating prerequisites for an environmentally adjusted product development’, paper presented at the 1st European round table on cleaner production programmes, Graz, Austria, October 16–18, 1994.

    Google Scholar 

  52. Osnowski, R. and Rubik, F. (eds), ‘Produktlinienanalyse: Bedürfnisse, Produkte and ihre Folgen’ (in German), Kölner Volksblatt Verlag, Köln, Germany, 1987.

    Google Scholar 

  53. Payne, A.G., ‘Life cycle assessment in practice’, pp. 28–38 in IVA/AFR [1992], 1992.

    Google Scholar 

  54. Rothgeb, T. M., Pittinger, C. A. and Kuta, C. C., ‘Environmental quality of consumer products’, HAPPI, pp. 64–69, March, 1991.

    Google Scholar 

  55. Rubik, F. and Baumgartner, T., ‘Evaluation of eco-balances’, Strategic Analysis of Science and Technology (SAST) report CD-NA-14737-EN-C, Commission of the European Communities, Luxembourg, September, 1992.

    Google Scholar 

  56. Rydberg, T., ‘Improved environmental performance of products’, doctoral thesis, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden, 1994.

    Google Scholar 

  57. Rydberg, T., Ekvall, T and Kullman, M., ‘Recycling, incineration or landfilling of polyethylene—a comparative environmental assessment’, paper presented at ReC’ 93, Geneva, Switzerland, 1993. (Also as paper #V in [Rydberg, T., 1994])

    Google Scholar 

  58. Rydberg, T., ‘Alternatives to perchloroethylene as a dry cleaning agent’, paper #III in Rydberg, T., 1994, 1994a.

    Google Scholar 

  59. Rydberg, T., ‘Life cycle assessment as a guide in product development—experiences from white goods packaging’, presented at ‘International workshop for sustainable product development’ Fredrikstad, Norway, 23–24 March, 1994b. (Also as paper #IV in [Rydberg, T., 1994])

    Google Scholar 

  60. Rydberg, T., Oldenburg, K. and Udo de Haes, H.A. (eds), ‘Special issue:Environmental life cycle and its applications’, selection of papers from a seminar and symposium 9–10 June 1993, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, hosted by CML and UNEP IE/PAC, J. Cleaner Prod., 1, vol. 3/4, 1994.

    Google Scholar 

  61. Ryding, S.–O., ‘Environmental Management Handbook’, IOS Press, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, ISBN 90–5199–062–6, and Lewis Publishers, Inc, Boca Raton, Florida, ISBN 0–87371–753–8, chapter 5.5. 5, p. 434, 1992.

    Google Scholar 

  62. Schermer, D., ‘Life-Cycle Analysis am Beispiel von Tensiden’, Tenside Surf. Det., 28, 471–475, 1991.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  63. Schmidt, A., Jelnes, J.-E., Hansen, L.E. and Jensen, A.A., ‘Health impacts and life-cycle assessment’, pp.232–260 in Nordic Council of Ministers [1992], 1992.

    Google Scholar 

  64. SETAC-Europe, ‘Life cycle assessment’, Workshop report, 2–3 December 1991, Leiden, The Netherlands. Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry—Europe, Brussels, Belgium, April, 1992a.

    Google Scholar 

  65. SETAC-Europe, ‘Life cycle assessment’, Workshop report, Potsdam, Germany, 25–26 June 1992, Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry—Europe, Brussels, Belgium, 1992b.

    Google Scholar 

  66. SI, ‘The Product Ecology project’, The Federation of Swedish Industries (SI), The Information Group, Stockholm, Sweden, March, 1993.

    Google Scholar 

  67. de Smet, B. (ed.), ‘Life cycle analysis for packaging environmental assessment’, Proceedings of the specialised workshop, Organized by Procter & Gamble European Technical Center under the patronage of Institute for Environment and Systems Analysis (IMSA) and International Professional Association for Enviornmental Affairs (IPRE), Leuven, Belgium, September 24 and 25, 1990.

    Google Scholar 

  68. Steen, B. and Ryding, S.-O., ‘The EPS enviro-accounting method’, IVL Report B1080, The Swedish Environmental Research Institute (IVL), Göteborg, Sweden, 1992.

    Google Scholar 

  69. Svensson, T., et al., ‘Environmental consequences of new energy technology, solar heating, heat stores, heat pumps’, Swedish Council for Building Research (BFR), D18:1991, ISBN 91–540–5369–2, Stockholm, Sweden, 1991.

    Google Scholar 

  70. Tellus Institute, ‘The Tellus packaging study’, The Tellus Institute, Boston, MA, cited in Finnveden [1993], 1992.

    Google Scholar 

  71. Tillman, A.-M., Baumann, H., Eriksson, E. and Rydberg, T., ‘Packaging and the environment, Offprint from SOU 1991: 77, Chalmers Industriteknik, Göteborg, Sweden, 1992.

    Google Scholar 

  72. Tillman, A.-M., Baumann, H., Ekvall, T. and Rydberg, T., ‘Choice of system boundaries in life cycle assessment’, J Cleaner Prod.,in press, 1994.

    Google Scholar 

  73. van Weenen, J.C., `Towards sustainable product development’, published by the United Nations Environment Programme Working Group on Sustainable Product Development (UNEP-WG-SPD), paper presented at the 1st European round table on cleaner production programmes, Graz, Austria, October 16–18, 1994.

    Google Scholar 

  74. Weidema, B.P., ‘Market aspects in product life cycle inventory methodology’, J. Cleaner Prod., 1, 3/4, 161–166, 1994.

    Google Scholar 

  75. VNCI, ‘Integrated substance chain management’, Association of the Dutch Chemical Industry, Leidschendamm, The Netherlands, December, 1991.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1996 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Rydberg, T. (1996). Environmental Lifecycle Assessment -a Basis for Sustainable Product Development. In: Misra, K.B. (eds) Clean Production. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-79940-2_16

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-79940-2_16

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-79942-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-79940-2

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics