B oosting Life Cycle Assessment in Small and Medium Enterprises

Boosting Life Cycle Assessment in Small and Medium Enterprises This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Programme for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement No. 265096

Bioplastics:LCA to go E-Learning course Revised version 24.02.2014 Authors: Antonio Dobon, Karsten Schischke, Jan Schneider, Jude Sherry Editors: Florian Krautzer, Rainer Pamminger, Wolfgang Wimmer

Loweryourimpact on theenvironment, heightentheimpactofyourbusiness Improving the environmental performance across your product’s life cycle can pave the way to a successful business. Using LCA to go can provide you with the information you need to inform better decision making within your business. Lower your impact on the environment and reap the benefits: Cost reductions Cut down on wastage during manufacturing and save costs by maximising efficiency Secure supply chain Identify supply risks of rare raw materials and reduce the use of rare raw materials in your products Comply with legislation Manage your environmental legal responsibilities and avoid costly changes to comply with new regulations Increase sales and diversify Reach new audiences in a fast-expanding conscious market and gain competitor advantage Achieve brand loyalty Build trust and relationships with your customers with a brand that cares

What is LCA to go? LCA to go is an online tool that measures a product’s environmental performance based on the principles of a simplified Life Cycle Based Assessment (LCA). This simplification has been developed by LCA experts since the start of the project in 2011. They have defined the most relevant boundaries, data and impact categories across seven sectors: photovoltaics, industrial machines, sensors, electronics, printed circuit boards, smart textiles and bio-based plastics. This pre-identification greatly reduces the complexity involved in undertaking a Life Cycle Based Environmental Assessment. LCA to go will enable: planners, installers or designers of photovoltaic systems to assess and communicate the environmental benefits of their systems manufacturers of plastic products to assess the environmental and optionally operational cost performance of bio-based plastics in comparison to conventional oil-based based plastics designers and producers of smart textiles to assess the environmental performance of their products designers, assemblers or producers of computer like devices to assess and communicate the environmental benefits of reliable and long-lasting products machine tool manufacturers to identify potential environmental improvement options industrial sensor providers to quantify the environmental and financial benefits of installing a sensor system designers and producers of printed circuit boards (PCBs) to assess and improve the environmental performance of PCBs

What is a Product’s Life Cycle? Every product interacts with the natural environment across its full life cycle, which includes material extraction, manufacturing, distribution, use and end of life. Energy, water and materials are taken from the natural environment while air and water pollutants and solid waste is emitted back into the environment. The most significant extractions from and emissions into the environment are measured and analysed through a life cycle based assessment to determine a products environmental performance. Understanding your product’s life cycle environmental performance can enable you to identify and priorities environmental improvements opportunities.

E-learningcourse on environmental assessmentofBio-basedplasticswiththe LCA togo online tool Introduction Step by step e-learning: Bio-based plastics • Definethescope • Collectdata • Model the Life Cycle • Enterdata • Review theresult • Interpret theresult & deriveimprovements Bio-basedplastics Case Study Definitions

Sectorspecificcourse / Step 1 1. Definition oftheproduct & scope Substeps: • Define thegoalofthestudy • Define thefunctionalunit • Define thereferenceflow • Define the product system and the unit processes • Draw a process tree • Define the system boundaries of all 5 life cycle stages • Defineotherrequirements 2 Home Definitions

1.a. Define thegoalofthestudy i. Why do I needtodefine a goalformystudy? Defininga goalhelpsyouidentifytheobjectives, applicationsandtargetaudienceofyourstudyand will allowyoutoeasilykeeptrackoftheseveryimportantfactorsthroughoutthestudy. ii. Howcan I define a goal & whatshouldbeincluded in mygoaldefinition? A goaldefinitionshouldhavethreeparts. Itshouldidentify: thereasonforundertakingthestudy (Why?); thetargetaudience (Who?); the potential areasofapplicationforthestudy (What?) iii. Can thegoalbemodifiedduringthestudy? The goalshould not bemodifiedduringthestudy. Ifchangesoccurduringthestudy, a newgoalshouldbedefinedand a newstudy (whichcantakethecurrentstudyas a basis) shouldbemade. An examplewouldbe, ifyouconduct a studyfortheengineeringdepartmentandthemarketingdepartmentwouldliketousethestudyforcommunicationpurposes. In thiscaseyoushouldformulate a newgoal, ifpossible, usetheexistingstudyas a basis, to carry out a moredetailedstudy, focusing on thenewlydefinedgoalandthe different targetaudience. Bio-basedplasticsExample

1.b.i Define a Functional Unit What is a Functional unit? • The functional unit is the amount of product/material and energy required to accomplish a certain function. • Example for packaging: Delivery of 1000 l of orange juice to the supermarket with 1L beverage carton, 1.5L HDPE bottle, and 0,75L glass bottle. The Functional unit here would be 1000 l of orange juice. • Example for energy consuming product: Provide 7500 h of internet service with a modem type A, modem type B and modem type C • Example for machinery: convert 1000 kg of pellets by extrusion machine A and extrusion machine B Why do I need to define a Functional unit and what is it used for? • The functional unit is used as a basis for comparisons between products, materials and equipment. This will ensure that all studied systems are fully comparable. Bio-basedplasticsExample

1.b.ii Define a Functional Unit Why do I need to define a Functional unit and what is it used for? • The functional unit is used as a basis for comparisons between products, materials and equipment. This will ensure that all studied systems are fully comparable. How can I define a functional unit? • The easiest way for define a functional unit is to identify clearly the function/s provided by the product to be analysed and then assess if the products to be analysed can either accomplish the same function or not. Functionalunit Mainfunction: Havingpainted a wall 1 m2 Paint Bio-basedplasticsExample

1.c. Define a Reference Flow What is a Reference flow? • A reference flow is the basis for calculation required to accomplish a certain function provided by a product service. • Paint example: amount of paint required to having painted 1 m2 of wall. Why do I need to define a Reference flow and what is used for? • This is essential in every life cycle assessment, since it is used as a basis for comparisons. • LCA users ensure with their use that systems under analysis are fully comparable How can I define a Reference flow? • Let’s see with an example: if the function is to having painted 1 m² of wall with water-based paint with a yield of 5 m²/L vs. a solvent-based paint with a yield of 2.5 m²/L, therefore different amount of paint will be used to paint the same wall surface. This is called reference flow and it is an essential part for comparison Functionalunit 1 m2 Amount of water-basedpaintrequiredforthefunctionalunit 1 m2/(5m2/L) = 0,2 L Amount of solvent-basedpaintrequiredforthefunctionalunit 1 m2/(2.5m2/L) = 0,4 L Bio-basedplasticsExample

1.d. Define a Product System andtheUnit Processes What is a product system? A product systems is the set of unitary processes necessary to perform the function specified in the functional unit. All inflows and outflows shall be defined. In practice, this is the whole life cycle diagram. See an example for a PLA-based carrierbagbelow. What is a unitprocess? A unit process is the minimum element for which life cycle data on inputs and outputs isavailable Whatinformation do I needtodefinetheproductsystemandtheunitprocesses? You will just need a clearidea on themaininflowsandoutflowsto a certainproductsystem Corn growing & harvesting (materials) PLA pellet processing Film extrusion PLA film Printing and die-cut Transport and delivery Use End of life Input of raw materials Outflowsbetweenunitaryprocesses Output of emissionstosoil, wateror air, solidwaste, etc. Input of water Unitprocess Input of energy Bio-basedplasticsExample

1.e.i Draw a processtree Why do I need to draw a process tree for my product system and how can I use it? Visualizing the single processes and their relation may help you understand what exactly you have to consider when collecting data for your life cycle assessment. Furthermore the development of the process tree usually helps to “not forget” parts of the product system and enables you to structure the following steps such as data collection and life cycle modeling. Where does a product life start, where does it end? Again – this depends on the product that you’re about to evaluate. But in general, the “start” is where the raw materials or the energy needed for the manufacturing of your product come from. This is important at it also shows the “coverage” of decisions that you make during the design of the product. The end of life of your product usually falls together with its disposal and / or recycling. That does not automatically mean that you have the possibility to influence what exactly happens at this stage. Bio-basedplasticsExample

1.e.ii Draw a processtree Whatis a processtree? A process tree is a flowchart, where all relevant material flows, energy flows, emissions and other streams are depicted.The process tree should represent all life cycle stages needed to properly model the product. An example is used in Step 1.d. and another example for a PLA bottle is shown below – please be aware that there is no “defined” structure as the extent and quantity of single processes depends on the modeled product. The process tree should refer to a known quantity of product – if possible, to the functional unit. Excluded stages Cap and label omitted for simplification purposes Injection Strech Blow moulding (ISB) 24,6 kg 25,36 kg NY-VLC 8670 km PLA preform injection (1st stage ISB) Stretch Blow Moulding (2nd ISB) Drying pellets Filling of the bottles PLA pellets (corn based) Nebraska-NY1756 km (>32t) 25,36 kg 25,36kg VLC-HU 450 km (7,5-16t) 0,76 kg Waste of pre-forms and bottles(3%) 24,6 kg Supermarket/end-user (consumer) Packaging and delivery End-of-life of the bottle (20% composting) Distribution centre HU-BCN 276 km (>32t) BCN-BCN 56 km (7,5-16t) BCN-BCN 25 km Packaging for delivery: strech film, shrink film, pallet EUR 58,7634 kg 34,1634 kg (Transportpackaging) Bio-basedplasticsExample

1.f.i Define the system boundary for all 5 life cycle stages Why is it important to define the system boundary for all 5 lifecyclestages? You should define clearly which are the boundaries of your product system. This shouldbedonefor all 5 lifecyclestages, namely Materials, Manufacturing, Distribution, Useand End oflife. Let‘ssee some examples: • Should the packagingmaterials be included? Yes, if relevant per unit of product (usually for big products or when a reduced amount of products are delivered). • Should the impact to produce and maintain the equipment be included? Yes, if the production is small and repair/maintenance operations are often required. Howcan I definethesystemboundaryfor all 5 lifecyclestages? The easiestwayfordoingthatistocreate a tabletoregisterwhichaspectshavebeeneitherconsideredor not. This will allowyoutotracktheprocessesincluded in yoursystemandeasilymovetoyourlifecyclediagram. An exampleisshownon thefollowingslide: Bio-basedplasticsExample

1.f.ii Define the system boundary for all 5 life cycle stages Bio-basedplasticsExample

1.g. Define otherrequirementsforthesystemboundary Whatotherrequirementsarethereforthesystemboundary? Appartfromdefiningyouproductsystemanddrawingyourprocesstreeitis also importanttodefineyour Temporal, Geographicaland Technological requirements. This meansthatyoushoulddefinefirst, howoldthedatathatyouintendtouseshallbe, whichgeographicalboundariesyouintendtoset, especiallyforthemanufacturingsiteandplaceofuseforyourproductandfinallywhetheryouwanttoinvestigateonespecifictechnologyor do an assessmentfor a representativefamilyofproducts. Why do I needtodefineotherrequirements? Definingthese additional requirementshelpsyouset a perimeterforyourstudyareaandvalidatesyourresults, helpingyoureachyourstudygoalandenablingyoutocommunicatetheresultsmoreclearly. Bio-basedplasticsExample

Sectorspecificcourse / Step 2 2. Collectdata Substeps: • Identifynecessarydata • Define thedepthandqualityofdataneeded • Identify & keeptrackofdatasource • Identifyandtrackthedataquality 1 3 Home Definitions

2.a.i Identifynecessarydata Whatdataneedstobecollectedandhowcanthisbedone? Data will beneededthroughout all lifecyclestagestomodeltheproductlifecycleproperly. Somedataneedstobecompiledbyyourself, whichdefinesyourproductorsystem, but yourdata will becomplementedbysomebackgrounddata on e.g. electricitygenerationorupstreamrawmaterialsproduction. Ifrequiredforyoursector, youmightneedtocollectdataasfollows: FortheMaterialsstage, identifythematerialsused; datamightcomefromthespecificationorexperts FortheManufacturingstage, collectdataon Electricityconsumptionformanufacturingofpartsandassemblyofthe final product. This canbedoneby: • measuringtheenergyconsumptiondirectlyattheproductionline • devidingtheelectricityconsumptionoftheentireproductionlinethroughthenumberofunitsproduced Waste generated in the manufacturing of parts and assembly of the final product. Bio-basedplasticsExample

2.a.i Identifynecessarydata Whatdataneedstobecollectedandhowcanthisbedone? If required for your sector, you might need to collect data as follows: For the Distributionstage, collect data on shipping distances as well as packaging materials used FortheUsestage, estimatelifetimeandusepatterns, determinethecountry / regionwheretheproductorsystemisused FortheEnd oflifestage, collectdata on currentdisposalandrecyclingpracticeandestimate, whichend ofliferoute mightbetakenbyyourproduct. Bio-basedplasticsExample

2.a.ii. Identifynecessarydata:Materials and Manufacturing What is a decision rule for mass inclusion? Why do I need it? How can be defined? A decision rule is a very easy rule aimed at exclude certainmaterials/ manufacturingprocessesfor which the contribution to the global environmental impact is assumed as negligible. Let‘s see an example for an internet mobile modem based on the bill ofmaterials Decision rule: Exclude all materials, contributing less than 1 % of the total weight of the final product. These components can be excluded as they do not represent more than 1% of total materials to the product system, reducing substantially the efforts for data collection!!! Be careful not to exclude small amounts of high impact materials such as rare earth metals. Bio-basedplasticsExample

2.a.iii Identifynecessarydata:Distribution, Use, End oflife: Multiple clients I have a numberof different clients, how do I accountforthisandwhatdata do I need? Clients can be in a range of different locations, using and disposing of the productin different ways.To deal with these differences, LCAs use scenarios as shown in Step 3. The datayourequire will depend on thescenarioyouareinvestigating. As an example, if you know where you ship a certain product by market share, then you may develop a table as shown below: You can then develop one scenario as an average for your product, ie. assumingthatyouaretheoreticallysellingoneproductunit50% toPoland, 40% to France and 10% toSweden. Alternativelyyoucanspecificscenariosforspecificclients. The requiredinformationremainsthe same. Often, if you cannot find specific informationsuch as the exact transport distance, start with a conservative estimate and identify whether it is a relevant part of the LCA before spending too much time on getting very detailed and accurate figures.

2.b.i Define thedepthandqualityofdataneeded Towhatlevelofdetailandtowhataccuracyshouldthedatabecollected? The requiredlevelofdetaildepends on theimportanceof a certaindataset: Iftheoverallresultisknowntodependlargely on oneentry, thedatashouldmeet a high levelofaccuracy. Forexample, thisisextremelyimportantwhencertainenteredvaluesaremultipliedby a very large factor. In thesecasestheaccuracyofenteredvaluehastobevery high whereasforlessimportantdataitis not requiredtoinvest large amountsof time toachieve a high levelofdetail. Frequentlyonly 10-15 dataentriesdetermine 80% ormoreoftheresult, so effortsshouldbemadetogetthese 10-15 dataentriesright. Someexamples: As electricity in use, isfrequentlyhighly relevant, itisimportanttoenterthecorrectlocationandthecorrespondingelectricitygrid mix. If a productisusedoverlongperiodsof time overitslifetime, thisbecomesevenmore relevant. Preciousmetalsareminedandprocessedwith high environmental impactsandoccassionalydominatethewholeassessment. Gettingtheamountofpreciousmetalsright, evenifitisonlymilligrams, isof high importance in thesecases. The amountofwashingdetergentneeded in a singlecyclebecomesveryimportantiftheproductisdesignedto carry out thousandsofwashingcyclesoveritslifetime. Bio-basedplasticsExample

2.b.ii Define thedepthandqualityofdataneeded Can I firstgatherroughdatatogain an understandingoftheproduct‘s environmental impactandaddmoredetaileddatalater? Yes, get a firstimpressionoftheecoprofileofyourproductbeforedecidingwhichdatashouldbeimproved. Ifyouare not sureattheoutsetoftheanalysis, which environmental hotspotstoexpect, gothroughtheassessmentwithsomedefaultdataorworstcaseassessments. Check theresults. Refinedataentries. Get a feelingformost sensitive dataentries. Refine the assessment step by step. Please see an example below of a first rough assessment: Global Warming (kg CO2-eq) Rectangular PLA clamshell 115 x 80 mm (1000 units) Unitaryweight: 12.5 g Improve the amount of raw materials used, the processing and packaging requirements for delivery to customers

2.c.i Identify& keeptrackofdatasource Wherecan I find thedata I am lookingfor? Gooddatasourcesare: Productspecifications Supplierdata, although environmental dataisrarelycoveredbyanysupplychaindatamanagement Bill ofmaterials, whichhoweverfrequentlylacks relevant environmental data Material Safety Data Sheets Complementarylifecycledata in casethetoolyouareusingdoes not featurethebackgrounddatasetsyouarelookingfor; freepublicavailabledatasourcesinclude: • CPM: Life Cycle Inventory data from projects at Chalmers Universityhttp://cpmdatabase.cpm.chalmers.se/ • Databases hosted andupdated by industry associations, like Plastics Europe: http://www.plasticseurope.org/plasticssustainability/eco-profiles.aspx Bio-basedplasticsExample

2.c.ii Identify& keeptrackofdatasource Howto deal withdatagaps? Bepreparedtofilldatagapsbymeansofestimatesandassumptions. Engineers, designers, procurementstaffandothertechnicalexperts in yourcompany will beabletoprovideyouwithgoodestimatestofilldatagaps. Note anydatagapsandtrytorevisitthemifthey turn out tobe relevant in theresults. Even large enterprises do not havereadilyavailabledata on environmental issuesthroughoutthewholeproductlifecycle. Even environmental datafromtier 1 suppliersisrarelyavailableandsuppliersare not preparedtoprovideany such dataconsistently. Thereisnostandardforsuppliershowtocalculateandreportlifecycledata. Bio-basedplasticsExample

2.c.iii Identify& keeptrackofdatasource Howtoinquireforsupplierdata? A real lifeexample…. e-mail product manager to his supplier contact: Bio-basedplasticsExample

2.c.iv Identify& keeptrackofdatasource Howtoinquireforsupplierdata? A real lifeexample…. Reply 4 months later: Bio-basedplasticsExample

2.c.v Identify& keeptrackofdatasource Howtoinquireforsupplierdata? A real life example…. What is the problem: Delayed reply As the inquiry was not very precise it is not clear at all, which methodological assumptions where made by the supplier (which processes are included, are upstream processes included and how are they accounted?) Ranges stated: Which value to calculate with? Recommended approach is “worst case”, but check sensitivity whether result changes significantly with average / best case values, then further clarification would be worthwhile Values are way too high for the production of semiconductors; further communication unveiled, that carbon footprint data includes power consumption in use, not only manufacturing Recommendations: Communicate closely with your supplier. Make clear your requirements and expectations. Provide clear guidance. Given the intensive communication required until you might get hold of robust data don’t target at a full supplier coverage with your inquiries. Ask only for the most important parts, components and materials. Bio-basedplasticsExample

2.d.i Identify and track the data quality Whatismeantbydataquality? For an engineeritmightbehardtounderstand, that environmental lifecycledataissubjecttonumerousassumptions, approximations, partlyguess-workandthusuncertainty. Data qualityessentiallyis an indicatorofhowgood a givendatasetandtherelatedresultsofmodellingrepresentthe „real“ lifecycleof a productorsystem. As longasdatacomesdirectlyfromyourproductandproductionline, dataquality will be high, but frequentlyyou will havetosourcedataforprocessesandlifecyclestages, whichare not underyourdirectcontrol. Thendataqualitycomesintoplayas a crucialissue. Bio-basedplasticsExample

2.d.ii Identify and track the data quality HowisdataqualitydefinedandwhatistheData Quality Indicator? Typicallydataqualityhasfivedimensions: (1) Reliability Isthedatabased on measurements, verifiedbyanybodyoronlyestimated? (2) Completeness How large isthe sample thedataisbased on? Isitrepresentative? (3) Correlationsin Time Howoldisthedata? (4) Correlationsin Geography Doesthedatastemfromtheregion, wheremycomponentsareproducedordoesthedatarefertosomeotherlocations? (5) Correlationsin Technology Are componentsandrawmaterialsprocessedwiththe same technologyasforthesystemtobeassessed? Keep in mind: The Data Quality Indicator in the „LCA togo“ toolismeanttoassessthequalityof YOUR dataentries, not ofthebackgrounddata in thetool. The userhastojudge, whether a backgrounddatasetisappropriatefortheintendeduse! Even a high qualitybackgrounddatasetappliedtothewrongraw material yields a wrongresult. Bio-basedplasticsExample

2.d.iii Identify and track the data quality How is data quality defined and what is the Data Quality Indicator? continued… In a simplifiedversion, theassessmentofthedataqualityisaggregated in oneofthreepossible Data Quality Indicatorscores: high Data quality low • Reliability • Completeness • Correlationsin Time • Correlationsin Geography • Correlationsin Technology • DQI • score Bio-basedplasticsExample

2.d.iv Identify and track the data quality Whyisdataqualityandkeepingtrackofdataqualityimportant? Assessingthedataqualityhelpsyou toget an impression, howreliableyouroverallassessmentresultis, and toimproveyourdatacollectionstrategytoenhancetheoverallqualityoftheassessment Examples: Indicativedatafor Distribution is „nicetohave“ but „indicative“ levelforManufacturing iscriticalandshouldbeimproved!  ok, lifecyclestageswithhighestimpactfeature high dataquality Data quality can be adjusted in the LCA to go tool by clicking Bio-basedplasticsExample

Sectorspecificcourse / Step 3 3. Model the Life Cycle Substeps: • Review available data and bring it into a useful format, making assumptions where necessary • Develop Scenarios for the Materials stage • Develop Scenarios for the Distribution stage • Develop Scenarios for the End of life stage 2 4 Home Definitions

3.a.i Review availabledataand bring itinto a usefulformat, makingassumptionswherenecessary How can I best review the data and identify data gaps? Use a table to track data gaps is the easiest solution for doing that. Put there which data is necessary and optional as well as the assumptions you made. Example for a bottle for mineral water: Bio-basedplasticsExample

3.a.ii Review availabledataand bring itinto a usefulformat, makingassumptionswherenecessary Can I make assumptions to fill these data gaps with estimates? Yes, of course. Assumptions are needed to reduce data collection efforts and must be clearly stated for a proper interpreation of results. How can I relate the data to my functional unit? Using the reference flow. Please seeStep1.c • What’sbetter? • A final result which does not consider the impacts of producingthe PLA bottle • Achieving a more complete total resultwhichincludes a conservativeestimatefortheprocess Assumption: assume default data about strech-blow moulding of PLA available in LCA to go bio-based plastics tool I cannot find suitable LCA data regardingthestrech-blow moulding of a PLA bottle!!!!!! Bio-basedplasticsExample

3.b. Develop Scenarios formaterials & processing What is a scenario for materials in the context of an environmental assessment with the LCA to go tool? A scenario could be very useful when different raw material compositions need to be analyzed. For instance, when different concentrations of additives are considered (e.g.: pigments, stabilizers, etc.). This can also be done in case of different processing techniques and processing parameters. Why are scenarios useful and when are they used? Scenarios are useful because they allow for the comparison of different product compositions. Each scenario essentially models what happens when a product may be processed with different amount of either raw materials or additives (e.g.: 5% wt pigment, 1% wt pigment, etc.) and processing parameters How many scenarios should I define for the raw material stages? This depends clearly on your interests. Our recommendation is to have a share of opinions with the people responsible of material/product development in your company. This can be done having a range of different compositions, processing techniques & parameters, which are suitable in accordance with the desired properties of the product. Bio-basedplasticsExample

3.c.i Develop Scenarios for Distribution What is a scenario in the context of an environmental assessment with the LCA to go tool? A scenario represents a possiblesituationapplicabletotheproduct in distribution, useand/ordisposal. Why are scenarios useful and when are they used? Scenarios are useful because they allow for the comparison of different possible situations the product may be found in and to allow for an environmental assessment, even if the exact distribution path, or use intensity or disposal method is unknown. Each scenario essentially models what happens when aproduct may be distributed to a range of different destinations and/or used in different intensities (e.g.: distribute PLA clamshell to Austria or Mexico, landfill of carrier bag vs. incineration, etc.). Howmanyscenariosshould I defineforthedistributionstage? This dependsgreatly on the relative importanceofthedistributionstagecomparedtootherstagesin thelifecycleofyourproductaswellasthedifferencebetweenthe individual scenarios. Werecommendthatyoustartwith a worstcasescenariotoidentifythe relative importanceofthedistributionstage. Ifitis relevant in theproductlifecycle, itisbesttodevelopseveralscenariosbased on themarketshareoractualdistributiondata. The LCA goalmay also play a role, maybeyouwouldliketodevelop a scenariofor a specificcustomerormarket. Bio-basedplasticsExample

3.c.ii Develop Scenarios for Distribution How can I define a scenario for the distributionstage? Collectasmuchinformationasfeasibleon theweightoftheproduct, thelocationthatyourproductisshippedto, themethodoftransportandthepackagingused. Combine theinformationwithassumptionsandestimatestobuild a ‚complete‘ pictureforthedistributionofyourproduct. Market Market share 40% National(Spain) 500 km Market share 5% + Europe (Sweden) 1270 km 780 km Overseas (Brazil) Market share 55% + Manufacturingplant in Spain 1120 km 6900 km Bio-basedplasticsExample

3.d. Develop Scenarios forthe End oflifestage How can I define a scenario for the End oflifestage? Try todefine the most common scenarios forend oflifeas function of the geography as well as the userpreferencesandbuildthescenariosaccordingtoyourspecifiedgoalforthe LCA. A Scenario mayconsistofonepath (e.g. Incineration) fortheentireproductorof different pathsforeachraw material (e.g. Copper->Recycling, PVC casing->Incineration, Steel->Landfill) Howmanyscenariosshould I definefortheEnd oflifestage? Commonly, threescenariosaredistinguished in theEnd oflifestage: Recycling, IncinerationandLandfill. As always, check theimpactofthelifecyclestagerelative tootherlifecyclestagesbeforeinvesting a lotoftime andefforton buildingscenarios. Pleasefind an example for plastic packaging (2010 from Eurostat): Bio-basedplasticsExample

Sectorspecificcourse / Step4 4. Enterdata Substeps: • Enterdatain the LCA togo online tool • Understandwhythedataisneededandwhathappenswiththeentereddata 3 5 Home Definitions

4.a.i Enter data in the LCA to go online tool Wherecan I find thetool? Youcanaccessthetoolfromtheprojectwebsitehttp://tool.lca2go.eu/users/sign_in . You will needtoregisterandcreate an accountfirstbeforeenteringdata. Bio-basedplasticsExample

4.a.ii Enter data in the LCA to go online tool Howcan I enterdataintothe LCA togotool? Create a newproduct Customizedlifecycleforeachsector Bio-basedplasticsExample

4.a.iii Enter data in the LCA to go online tool Howcan I enterdataintothe LCA togotool? Create a newproduct Go to „Introduction“ forfurthersectoralguidanceordirectlyto„Data entry“ Self-assessmentofthequalityofyourdataentries Calculateresults; will showresultsonly, ifyouhaveentered a completedataset Optional economic assessment for the bio-based plastics tool. Only for costs under the operational and/or financial control of the SME Model yourproductlifecycle Sectoralguidance on dataentries Bio-basedplasticsExample

4.a.iv Enter data in the LCA to go online tool Howcan I enterdataintothe LCA togotool? Create a newproduct Go to „Introduction“ forfurthersectoralguidanceordirectlyto„Data entry“ „Data entry“: Makeentriesforyourproductlifecycle Comprehensivedataentrytemplatestomodelthelifecyclestagesonebyone Bio-basedplasticsExample

4.a.v Enter data in the LCA to go online tool Howcan I enterdataintothe LCA togotool? Create a newproduct Go to „Introduction“ forfurthersectoralguidanceordirectlyto„Data entry“ „Data entry“: Makeentriesforyourproductlifecycle Click „Next step“ tomovetothenextlifecyclestage Bio-basedplasticsExample

4.a.vi Enter data in the LCA to go online tool Can I save thedataandreturnto finish thedataentryat a later time? All yourentereddataissavedunderyouraccount, onceyouclick or You will find yourproductslistedunder „My Products“ in the top rightcorner online trainee Bio-basedplasticsExample

4.a.vii Enter data in the LCA to go online tool Can I save thedataandreturnto finish thedataentryat a later time? Just click on the „status“button to return to your data entries any time Bio-basedplasticsExample

4.a.viii Enter data in the LCA to go online tool Can I save thedataandreturnto finish thedataentryat a later time? Click on the duplicateicon to make a copy of your product entries for calculating a variant Can thedatabeseenby a thirdparty? No. Your data is stored on the web server of the online tool, but it is only accessible with your account details. The user password is encrypted and even the host is not able to read it. Therefore, only the user can access their own data. Bio-basedplasticsExample

dataentry 1 dataentry 3 Results dataentry 2 dataset 1 dataset 2 dataset 3 4.b.i Understand why the data is needed and what happens with the entered data What happens with the entered data? Your entered data is used as input parameters for a mathematical model. This model links your entered data with background datasets to calculate the results for your product. Internal data model Internal database Materials Manufacturing End of life Bio-basedplasticsExample dataentry 4

B oosting Life Cycle Assessment in Small and Medium Enterprises