Page 74 - Solid Waste Analysis and Minimization a Systems Approach

52 BACKGROUND AND FUNDAMENTALS OF SOLID WASTE ANALYSIS AND MINIMIZATION

2.7.6 APPLICATIONS

Many value-added applications of LCA have been developed to reduce the environ-
mental impact of many companies. In 1994, the Swedish Waste Research Council con-
ducted a survey of product manufacturers to determine areas that have successfully
applied LCA. Key findings from the survey included

■ Compare different options within a particular process with the object of minimiz-
ing environmental impacts.
■ Identify processes, ingredients, and systems that are major contributors to environ-
mental impacts.
■ Provide guidance in long-term strategic planning concerning trends in product
design and materials.
■ Help to train product designers in the use of environmentally sound materials.

Also many countries have developed environmental regulations related to products
based on findings from LCA. Some notable examples in the beverage container indus-
try include

■ Germany—Mandatory deposit refund on plastic beverage containers (expect milk)
■ Norway—Tax on nonreturnable beverage containers
■ Denmark—Ban on domestically produced nonrefillable bottles and aluminum cans

2.7.7 SUMMARY

LCA takes a holistic viewpoint on process analysis and design from cradle to grave
for all aspects of a product from procurement to final disposal. Some key benefits of
LCA include

■ Reduces waste generation proactively for all stages of the product and process from
beginning to end.
■ Aids in the selection of waste reduction activities by ranking the emissions bases
on severity and the impact to the environment.
■ Minimizes environmental impact based on organizational goals and severity of
emissions.
■ Allows for the direct comparison of process, product, or material options based on
the function unit and relative impacts.
■ Improves corporate images as more environmentally friendly or green.
■ Reduces costs.

On the other hand the LCA process also has some inherent drawbacks. The major-
ity of these drawbacks stem from uncertainties and incorrect estimates during the life
cycle inventories. Many organizations have found a great deal of difficulty in devel-
oping accurate estimates in terms of emission for all stages of the product. In addition,
determining relevant importance of factors during the goal and scope phases poten-
tially introduces a subjective bias.