1. LCA/LCI improves insight about the PLA production
chain,highlighti ng areas in which PLA
does well,areas of potential concern,and areas
where more data is required. As a result,caref ul
LCA can help prioritize efforts to improve
environmental performance.
2. LCA/LCI information is used to make further
environmental/economic improvements in the
PLA production chain,su ch as process improvements
and the selection of raw materials,en ergy
sources,pr oduction locations and waste management
routes.
3. Information collected through an LCI/LCA
process provides insight into how to position
PLA products in the marketplace.
4. The results of LCA are useful to Cargill Dow in
achieving transparency and in responding to
requests for information.
5. LCI data can be used to calculate contributions
to particular impact categories. This information
is used to benchmark environmental performance
against the petrochemical polymers and other
incumbent competitor products.
6. Published LCI/LCA data for PLA can be used by
external LCA practitioners (governmental agencies,
academics,non-go vernmental organizations,
customers and consumers) in performing and
improving their own studies.