Life Cycle Analysis Unwrapped: Part 2
Introduction
In Part 1 of Life Cycle Analysis Unwrapped, we explored what Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) means and why manufacturers should care about it. This edition looks at the challenges of achieving transparency in LCA, especially when evaluating synthetic materials, and how upstream, core and downstream activities shape the bigger picture of sustainability.
Challenges in Transparent LCA for Synthetic Materials
Transparent LCAs are critical for credibility, yet they can be particularly challenging when evaluating fossil fuel-based synthetic materials, such as those used in synthetic seat covers. Unlike natural materials like leather, synthetic materials often involve:
Complex Supply Chains
Fossil fuel-based synthetics may have supply chains involving multiple stages of processing from crude oil extraction to polymer manufacturing, which may be difficult to trace. This opacity makes it challenging to accurately assess upstream impacts.
Embedded Carbon Intensity
The production of synthetic materials can involve energy-intensive processes, often powered by non-renewable resources. Quantifying these emissions with precision requires extensive data, which is not always readily available or verifiable.
End-of-Life Issues
Synthetic seat covers are typically less recyclable than natural materials like leather, leading to greater downstream environmental impacts.
By contrast, natural materials like Muirhead benefit from traceable supply chains and sustainable practices. Muirhead leather production, for example, integrates locally sourced materials and closed-loop manufacturing processes, enabling greater transparency and lower overall environmental impact. The third-party verified data supporting Muirhead’s LCA ensures accuracy and reliability, setting a benchmark for what an LCA should deliver.
Upstream, Core, and Downstream Activities: The Full Picture
- What are upstream activities? Upstream activities involve everything that happens before production starts — extracting raw materials, transporting them, and initial processing. For example, leather production begins with ethical farming practices, traceable raw materials, and sustainable transport.
- Why are upstream activities important? These activities often have significant environmental impacts. By focusing on sustainable raw material sourcing and efficient logistics, companies can tackle major hotspots in their supply chain.
- What are core activities? Core activities cover the manufacturing process itself — in our case, tanning, finishing, and engineering leather. At Muirhead, this stage benefits from cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices, ensuring efficiency without compromising quality.
- How do core activities influence overall LCA? The core stage can account for a significant chunk of a product’s carbon footprint. Improvements here, such as energy-efficient operations or waste reduction, have a powerful ripple effect.
- What are downstream activities? Downstream activities happen post-manufacturing, such as product distribution, consumer use, and end-of-life disposal. Designing products for recyclability or longer lifespans significantly reduces their downstream impact.
- How can analysing all stages enhance sustainability? A holistic approach is essential. For instance, Muirhead’s leather is designed for durability and recyclability, reducing both production waste and end-of-life impact.
A Living Tool for Continuous Improvement
Life Cycle Analysis isn’t just a snapshot; it’s a living, breathing tool. By regularly updating our data and reviewing every stage of our supply chain, Muirhead remains committed to lowering our environmental footprint. Our lowest LCA of 8kg CO₂e per m² serves as a benchmark, inspiring us to keep setting new standards in sustainability and innovation.
Coming Up
Stay tuned for the next part of this journal, where we will explore transparent LCA's and what questions should be asked to support fact-based decision-making, avoiding greenwashing.
