Life Cycle Analysis

BUILDING COMPETENCY IN-HOUSE

Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) is a methodology that allows us to assess the impact our products, processes and activities have on the environment from conception, through use, through to end of life.

In 2022 we started to systematically apply LCA to our new product development process. We selected the software tool OpenLCA and trained additional staff, to build our internal knowledge and to enable efficient collaboration with external specialists when required.

The LCA process involves calculations based on a range of factors, such as raw materials purchased, transportation, energy use in our plants, packaging, and waste. We use the data to understand and minimise the enivronmental impacts of our products and drive changes. There are three main types of LCA: Cradle to Gate, Cradle to Site and Cradle to Grave. The diagram below shows which stages of a product’s life are assessed within each type of LCA. Cradle to Gate and Cradle to Site are the stages that Gurit has the most control over. And working with the wider industry, we can indirectly impact the other stages.

Challenges encountered include the lack of LCA data for raw materials and therefore the uncertainty of assumptions being aligned enough to provide reliable – and comparable – data. Furthermore, disruptions and inflation may lead to a frequent changes of both suppliers, transportation means and distances and certain product components, further adding complexity to the task.

HOW WE WILL USE LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENTS (LCA) FROM 2023 ONWARDS

The company’s ambition in 2023 is to use this knowledge to further expand LCA data throughout the Gurit product ranges. We plan to roll out a scheme of training and awareness to integrate it more readily into our daily business activities and decision making.

Use LCA to demonstrate with data the benefit of using plant-based or recycled chemicals in our products. It will also allow us to optimise our manufacturing processes to reduce our environmental impact.

Our procurement team will continue to use LCA data to evaluate suppliers, change to lower carbon supply-chains or reduce transportation emissions.

We anticipate the use of LCA data to engineer structures not only for weight and performance but also for environmental impact, something customers are increasingly demanding. Our structural composite engineering team engages with customers and other stakeholders on this topic.

The use of LCA will allow us to assess different end-of-life technologies and innovations to ensure that we invest in environmentally-credible solutions.

Extract from Gurit Sustainability Report 2022