The role of life cycle assessment as a decision support tool for packaging

Emerging environmental pressures over the last two decades have urged the development of sophisticated tools to evaluate the environmental burdens and impacts of products and processes. Life cycle assessment (LCA) was first used some 30 years ago and has now developed into a valuable tool for businesses to support their decision making in packaging development and application. This paper outlines the concept of LCA and how it can be applied to support strategic business development. The paper also describes the integration of the LCA concept in an existing Code of Practice, as well as future developments in furthering the integration with economical and social decision parameters. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.