Raw materials

Extracting and processing raw materials — obtaining the resources from which the product is made and preparing them for manufacture.

A life-cycle assessment (LCA) considers those effects across four stages: obtaining raw materials, manufacturing the product, using it and disposing of it. Looking at the whole life helps prevent one stage from hiding effects elsewhere.

Important inputs include raw materials, water and energy. Consequences can include depletion of finite resources, damage to habitats, occupation of land, and the release of solid waste or pollutants into the air and water.