A product life cycle encompasses the complete sequence of stages that a product passes through, from its initial creation to its final disposal. This includes the production phase, where raw materials are extracted and transformed into the finished product, the use phase, where the product fulfils its intended function, and the final disposal phase, where the product reaches the end of its useful life and is treated, recycled, or discarded.
In the context of Life Cycle Assessment, the product life cycle is the basis for analysing environmental impacts across all stages of a product's existence. ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 establish this cradle-to-grave perspective as essential for comprehensive LCA studies.
The concept differs from the marketing definition of product life cycle, which describes market-oriented phases: introduction, growth, maturity, and decline. Whilst the marketing perspective focuses on commercial performance and market dynamics over time, the LCA perspective focuses on physical transformations and environmental exchanges throughout a product's physical existence.
This enables practitioners to identify environmental hotspots across the entire chain of activities, from raw material extraction through manufacturing, distribution, use, and end-of-life management.
The term "product chain" is used synonymously with product life cycle.
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.
