A life cycle analysis (LCA) maps the environmental impact of a product over its entire life cycle. Precisely for this reason, it is the ideal starting point for circular and regenerative product design: it shows where in a product's life the greatest impact occurs, and therefore where design choices make the biggest difference. Without that insight, circular design remains a gamble; with an LCA, choices are substantiated.
Impact is determined early in the design
A large part of a product's environmental impact is determined before it is made: in the choice of materials, the construction, and the way it is used and processed. Those who only consider sustainability at the end have little room to make adjustments. By starting with data in the design phase, most options remain open.
What an LCA makes visible
A LCA It shows the impact per life phase: raw material extraction, production, transport, use, and end of life. This makes the hotspots visible — the phases and materials that carry the most weight. That is where the greatest design gains lie, and where it pays to intervene first.
From hotspots to design choices
With the hotspots identified, design choices are focused: a different material, a longer lifespan, easier disassembly, or reuse of parts. The R-ladder helps to prioritize those choices, and aligns with regenerative design that goes beyond damage limitation.
LCA, EPD and footprint
The same LCA that underpins design choices also forms the basis for a EPD and for the product footprint. One analysis thus yields multiple results: better design choices, verified environmental data, and substantiation for purchasing and communication.
How the New Economy applies it
New Economy uses the LCA as the starting point of the design process and translates the results into concrete choices regarding material, lifespan, and circularity. In this way, environmental data becomes a steering tool rather than a final report. View Product Footprint.
Frequently asked questions about LCA and product design
Because an LCA shows where in the life cycle the greatest impact occurs. That insight points precisely to where design choices make the biggest difference.
The phases or materials that weigh most heavily in the environmental impact of a product. That is where the greatest design gains lie.
As early as possible in the design process. At that point, most choices are still open and the impact can be best influenced.
Yes. A single LCA substantiates design choices and simultaneously forms the basis for an EPD and the product footprint.
Do you want to use an LCA as a starting point for circular design? View Product Footprint or Regenerative design, or contact us to explore the possibilities.
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