Question

what is cradle to grave, grave to the gate boundary and define each steps with an example

Answer 1

Cradle to grave is a type of life cycle analysis where the assessment starts from the origin of the product to the disposal of the product. So this is a full life cycle analysis

There are 5 phases in cradle to grave assessment.

1. Extraction of raw material

2. Manufacturing

3. Transportation

4. Usage

5. Disposal or recycle

Transportation usually comes after all the steps even though it is mentioned only one time.

So Cradle means the extraction of raw material and grave is the disposal. So product life cycle assessment done for all these stages are called Cradle to grave assessment.

Eg. Manufacturing of clothes- the phases will be

1. Extraction of fibre

2. Manufacturing into cloths

3. Transportation or distribution

4. Usage

5. Disposal or recycle

Cradle to gate is a partial life cycle analysis where it only assess the product until it reaches the factory gate before it reaches the consumers. So the phases will be

1. Extraction of raw material

2. Manufacturing

3. Transportation

This method reduces the complexity of life cycke analysis and better insights on internal processes can be known.

Eg- Manufacturing of cloths- the phases will be

1. Extraction of fibre

2. Manufacturing of clothes

3. Transportation or distribution