Do LCI Data Allow for a Distinction Between Good and Bad Materials?
No, using Life Cycle Inventories (LCI) for comparing 1kg of material A with 1kg of material B is nonsense. LCI are only building blocks of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies. LCA, in turn, can only compare whole systems which provide the same service. Different materials have different properties and functions and/or are used in different designs – so comparisons on a material level are meaningless. LCA rather considers how the service for the user or consumer is achieved and then compares which system has the smaller environmental footprint.
