Cradle to gate is a system boundary definition in Life Cycle Assessment that covers all Activities from raw material extraction (the "cradle") through to the point where the Product leaves the factory gate, before it is transported to the end user. This boundary excludes the distribution, use phase, and end-of-life stages of the Product life cycle.
The cradle to gate approach is useful when the focus is on understanding and optimising manufacturing processes and supply chain impacts. It gives manufacturers detailed insight into the Elementary exchanges and Impacts occurring within their direct control and immediate upstream supply chain, without the added complexity of modelling consumer use patterns and disposal scenarios, which can vary significantly across markets and applications.
Cradle to gate assessments can be extended to cradle to grave analyses by including distribution, use phase, and end-of-life treatment stages. The choice between these system boundaries should be determined during the goal and scope definition phase of the Life Cycle Assessment, based on the study's intended application and the decisions it aims to support.
As Chief Operating Officer, Iris leads our organisational development and oversees day-to-day operations. Before joining 2-0, she worked in the biotechnology sector. As an LCA consultant, Iris has devoted her expertise primarily to the domains of sustainable agriculture and food production. She is dedicated to teaching LCA and is responsible for our educational efforts. Iris holds an M.Sc. in Biology – Biotechnology from the University of Copenhagen.
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Glossary terms are clearer once you have seen them applied. Our guide to what LCA is and how it works walks through the complete methodology: goal and scope, inventory modelling, impact assessment, and interpretation.
If you are working on an LCA study and want it done properly, see how we approach life cycle assessment.
