144 Introduction to Renewable Biomaterials
cultures, religions, and economic status would have different opinions and preferences.
These groups would have different opinions on what is important with respect to the
environment. In the end, we all share the planet and collectively should care for it. To
the average consumer, products and service environmental performance is performed
mainly through environmental labels. An eco-label is a statement that discloses the
environmental performance of products based on an environmental LCA. These are
important in that similar to a nutrition label, an eco-label is how a consumer may
evaluate alternative products. These eco-labels can be powerful tools in gaining larger
shares of a market. With data-based, fair, and objective eco-labels, consumers can make
better choices.
Eco-labels are classified into three types, each with different levels of rigorous
LCA backing. Type 2 eco-labels are environmental self-declaration claims, usually
focusing on a single claim. Examples might be the labeling of a product as natural,
biodegradable, or recyclable. These often are not independently verified and so there
is a risk of “green-washing,” the deliberate misrepresentation of an environmental
performance. These labels should be looked at with a critical eye. Type 1 eco-labels
are third-party-certified multicriteria environmental labeling that ensure that a set
of predetermined requirements are met. Within a product category, this can allow a
consumer to understand which products are preferable. Examples of this are the Energy
Star program that promotes energy efficiency and the Forestry Stewardship Council
that promotes sustainable management of forests.
The most rigorous eco-label is type 3, in which quantified environmental information
on the life cycle of a product is performed using standard LCA procedures so that
fair and objective comparison of products can be made. For a type 3 eco label or
environmental product declaration, a program operator must define LCA protocols
for a product category that is reviewed and commented on by interested stakeholders.
With this consistent methodology and reporting, competing entities with products
can perform LCAs on their products using the defined methods enabling comparable
results that can ultimately provide consumers with creditable information to make
purchasing decisions.
5.2 LCA Components Overview
LCA is a standardized procedure used to determine the environmental impacts of
products, services, or goods. The standardized procedure can be described by four-part
framework as outlined by the ISO 14044, which includes
- goal and scope definition
- life-cycle inventory
- life-cycle impact assessment
- interpretation.
This integrated framework was inspired by earlier forms of life cycle thinking
originating in life cycle financial analysis. Examining a product from origination of
materials, to use, and disposal provides more holistic analysis of systems that can
identify where environmental impacts originate and guide efforts in reducing these
impacts.
