A company carries out a life cycle assessment (LCA) for a plastic drinks bottle. Outline what is assessed at each of the four stages of a life cycle assessment.

1. Extraction and processing of raw materials – the energy and chemicals used to mine or harvest the feedstock and to produce the polymer.
2. Manufacturing and packaging – the energy, water and emissions involved in converting the polymer into bottles and in producing the packaging materials.
3. Use and operation – the transport of the bottle to the consumer, the energy for any refrigeration or handling during its use, and any waste generated while it is in use.
4. Disposal – the transport to the waste facility, the energy and emissions from recycling, incineration or landfill, and the final environmental impact of the bottle’s end‑of‑life.