Life cycle assessment as a communication tool in customer-supplier relationships

Abstract

As companies consider incorporating Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approaches into their strategic business planning, it is important that they recognize the role this tool can play in improving their competitive position. One area in which LCA is contributing to business success is as a communication tool within the customer-supplier relationship. Unlike traditional product information, such as performance and cost, a consensus communication tool does not yet exist to communicate environmental attributes. An abridged LCA is one methodology gaining acceptance within industry as a technique for supporting environmental claims. This paper describes a format for using LCA within the customer-supplier relationship.