The LCA process is a systematic phased set of stages and is comprised of four components: goal definition and scoping, inventory analysis, impact assessment, and interpretation. Less commonly used methods for environmental comparisons include value–impact assessments, environmental option assessments, and impact analysis matrices. LCA is widely used for different purposes by different groups: environmental groups use it to inform consumers on what to buy, legislators use it for creating rules and regulations, and manufacturers use it as they seek to improve design and production standards.

The benefit of LCA is that businesses can identify the most effective improvements to reduce cumulative environmental impacts resulting from all stages in the product life cycle, often including upstream and downstream impacts not considered in more traditional analyses (e.g., raw material extraction, material transportation, ultimate product disposal, etc.). However, LCA is a useful tool for making product and process decisions that consider environmental criteria. LCA provides a snapshot in time of a specific product from a specific manufacturer, and it may be difficult to generalize findings. Cradle to grave begins with the gathering of raw materials from the earth to create the product and ends at the point of materials disposal, recycle, or reuse (although LCA uses the term cradle to grave, recycle and reuse scenarios can be built into the analysis for a more accurate cradle to cradle analysis).

measures the environmental impact of specific products or processes from cradle to grave. Also referred to as life cycle assessment. Life cycle analysis (LCA, sometimes referred to as life cycle assessment) A measure of the environmental impact of specific products or processes from the cradle (the gathering of raw earth materials to create a product) to the grave (the point of material disposal, recycling, or reuse). The environmental performance of products and processes has become a key issue, which is why some companies are investigating ways to minimize effects on the environment. As environmental awareness becomes more prevalent, businesses are assessing how their activities affect the environment.

Travel mug life cycle analysis