# Explain why using a life cycle assessment (LCA) helps a company choose between two different packaging materials.

> Eduqas GCSE Chemistry — C10 Using resources · Explain · 4 marks

> A drinks company is deciding whether to use glass bottles or plastic bottles for its products. It wants to make an environmentally responsible choice.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. An LCA considers the environmental impact at each stage of a product's life
2. Stages assessed include extraction of raw materials / manufacture / use / disposal or recycling
3. LCA allows comparison of the total environmental impact of each material
4. LCA results can be subjective / may be biased because different stages are given different weightings by different people / organisations

## Key terms

- [life cycle assessment](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/life-cycle-assessment)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Chemistry](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-using-a-life-cycle-dfceedda) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.