Question

Suggest a reasonable choice of functional unit for use in a life cycle assessment (LCA) of each of the following products. In each case write a sentence or two justifying your choice.                                                                 [8 marks]

-Paint used for decorating

-Washing powder                     

PLEASE DO IT ON COMPUTER

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Answer 1

1. The coverage determines the amount of paint used per square meter facade, at the optimal thickness of the dry paint film. Durability determines the period of time the paint film will last. In most paint LCAs the coverage is defined as the technical required film thickness and is considered equal for all paints. Considering the durability of the paint, it depends on the technical lifespan of the paint.

2.        Under the study's conditions, it is concluded that compact detergents (both powder & liquid) are environmentally preferable detergent formulations, mainly due to the lower use of chemicals, resulting in benefits on aquatic toxicity, eutrophication, ozone depletion and photochemical smog. The detergents industries mainly use imported raw materials, the environmental impacts that are associated with the life cycle of the products are confined with the release of phosphate during oil extraction from palm tree, and the emission of carbon dioxide at the time of processing and raw material and product transportation. In addition to these, there is also at some extent environmental pollution related with consumption.