Life cycle assessment for selection processes on materials

Within a research project executed by several industrial companies, trade unions and scientific institutions life cycle assessment of the floor panel cover of a motor-car was worked out. The project aimes at an evaluation of the opportunities and limitations of such an assessment for the selection process of products and materials, neither than at the establishment of a ''hit-list'' for the products or materials itself. After evaluating the functionel requirements of a motor-car panel floor cover and technical solutions four possible product-alternatives, different in the stages of practical use and development, were selected for further investigations. The data inventory started with the extraction of raw materials necessary for the final product, going through all pre-products along the life cycle and ending at the final product, its application and its use. The after use phase of the product could not be included due to technical reasons, As a result it can be stated, that life cycle assessment reveals a lot of enviromental data along the life cycle in all entities involved and can mark up some weak points on special positions. However, life cycle assessments of course donot cover all decision relevant aspects; they are an additionel and valual information basis for technically reasonable and economical projects or developments.