The five stages that LCA and PCF considers:

1. Raw material production and distribution: Emissions associated with the production and distribution of a product’s ingredients and packaging.

2. Process manufacturing: Emissions associated with the manufacturing of raw materials into the final product.

3. Distribution and retail: Emissions relating to the transport and storage of the finished product to different locations for sale and consumption. This marks the exit point of where the product would leave its factory gates.

4. Use phase: Emissions associated with the procurement and use of the finished product by the consumer.

5. End-of-life: Emissions associated with the disposal and recycling of the finished product by the consumer. 

The measurement boundary refers to the extent of coverage when measuring the environmental impact or carbon footprint of a product. Businesses conduct LCAs or PCFs using three main approaches, each offering a different level of insight 

Cradle-to-gate approach:
This approach measures the environmental impact of the initial stages of the product's life cycle, from raw material extraction to the manufacturer's gate. Data is collected in order to gain insights into the initial stages like raw material extraction, transportation, and production. The assessment stops before the finished product leaves the manufacturing plant. It is also one of the simplest and least expensive approaches to understanding a product’s footprint

Cradle-to-grave approach:
This approach encompasses the entire life journey of a product, from raw material extraction (the cradle) to the end of the product's life, including use, maintenance, and disposal (the grave). It is useful because it provides businesses with a complete picture of their product's carbon footprint, enabling them to take active measures to reduce it

Cradle-to-cradle approach:
(IN DEVELOPMENT, NOT YET AVAILABLE)
This approach also includes the phase where the product is recycled or reused, starting a new cycle. It is the most comprehensive assessment, promoting circularity, reuse, and recyclability. Cradle-to-cradle ensures that old products do not go to waste but have their materials repurposed, enhancing material efficiency and reducing waste. This approach conserves resources during production.

Wastage refers to the quantity of ingredients lost during a product's manufacturing process. As a result, additional measures are required to effectively treat the waste.

Loss refers to the quantity of ingredients lost during a product's manufacturing process, such as water that evaporates during production. This does not require waste treatment.

Various industries, including food and beverage (F&B) manufacturers, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) manufacturers, food retailers, and construction companies, can significantly benefit from conducting a PCFs or LCAs.

1. F&B manufacturers can use PCFs to identify environmental hotspots in their supply chains. They can determine stages where emissions, waste, or resource use is highest, and then implement targeted changes to reduce overall carbon footprint. Some examples are: optimising ingredient sourcing, improving energy efficiency in production, and reducing packaging waste

2. Through PCFs, FMCG manufacturers can redesign products to use less energy and resources, incorporating more sustainable materials. This reduces overall carbon footprint and meets growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products. Sustainable decisions made as a result of PCFs can also save costs, boost brand value, and improve customer relationships

3. Food retailers can assess the sustainability of their products and operations through PCFs. This enables them to choose suppliers with lower environmental impacts, optimise transportation logistics, and reduce waste through better inventory management. These efforts create a more sustainable supply chain and strengthen the retailer's environmental credentials

4. Construction companies can benefit greatly from PCFs by assessing the sustainability of materials and processes. PCFs help identify eco-friendly materials and methods, reduce the carbon footprint of construction activities, and promote green building standards.

Depending on data availability and product complexity, an LCA can take months to complete due to its comprehensive nature and stringent auditing requirements.

PCF offers a faster way to get a clear picture of a company’s carbon footprint, especially when time is of the essence. While not a replacement for a full LCA, PCF quickly highlights key emission areas, making it easier to prioritise carbon reduction efforts. It also complements the LCA process by filling in gaps, particularly in understanding supply chain emissions.

By using PCF across a portfolio and reserving LCAs for the most strategic products, businesses can achieve a more refined approach to carbon management. Accurate PCF data empowers companies to make informed decisions, set realistic sustainability goals, and take decisive action towards reducing emissions and achieving decarbonisation targets.