Lifecycle
analysis
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) defines the life cycle analysis (LCA) as a systematic set of procedures for compiling and examining the inputs and outputs of materials and the associated environmental impacts directly attributable to the functioning of a product throughout its life cycle.
This comprehensive assessment takes the following steps into consideration:
- Extraction and transformation of raw materials
- Manufacturing process
- Packaging and transportation
- Useful efficiency
- The lifespan of the product
The LCA’s main goal is to analyze the negative impact of a product on the environment. For corporations, designers and governments, the LCA is an efficient tool to make environmentally responsible choices and ensure sustainable development.
The results speak for themselves!
According to the results of the LCA, EPS products are the most eco-friendly option when compared to cardboard, paper or wood.
For instance, if we compare paper coffee cups to EPS cups, the production of the paper cups would require:
- 170 times more process water
- 30 % more cooling water
- 15 times more chemicals
- 13 times more electricity
- 6 times more steam
EPS is a positive choice if we wish to stop the deterioration of the environment.
Here’s a comparison table of the environmental loads of the manufacturing of EPS versus that of wood-based products.
University of Victoria, BC - "Polyfoam vs paper cups..."http://www.springerlink.com/content/b55256333584v60n/
InFo Kunststoff, Berlin - "EPS and corrugated cardbord, a life cycle study". http://library.epfl.ch/en/periodicals/?recId=12836431