2. Life-cycle inventory (LCI)

Due to the poor availability of data so far, this area poses a particular challenge. Only a small proportion of quantitative data is available from statistical or comparable sources. As yet there are no module data for central processes or intermediate products (e.g. cotton manufacturing, plastics manufacturing, transport). The upstream chains are often complex and involve suppliers from many countries. Whilst small material inputs can often be disregarded for LCA purposes, when it comes to analysis of social conditions, small companies in the upstream chain can be highly relevant.

The depth of analysis can be varied depending on the question being addressed (qualitative assessment, expert judgement, if-then assumptions, semi-quantitative or quantitative data collection).

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