Comparison of simplified LCA and matrix methods in identifying the environmental aspects of products

In order to effectively integrate the environmental aspects into the product design and development processes, it is crucial to identify the environmental aspects related to a product system within a relatively short period of time by using appropriate assessment tools. In this study, a simplified LCA (SLCA) and the environmentally responsible product assessment matrix (ERPA) methods were evaluated and the usefulness as a tool for identifying the environmental aspects of products in eco-design was examined. The case studies of the cellular phone and vacuum cleaner systems showed that the SLCA and the ERPA methods provided different information but they complement each other to some extent. While the SLCA generates more information on the inherent environmental characteristics of a product system so that it may be useful for new design/eco-innovation, the ERPA gives more information on the potentials for improvement in the product so that it can be effectively used in eco-redesign.