Perspectiva de ciclo de vida

The ability to understand and apply a life cycle perspective to business processes not only redefines how we interpret the impact of our products, but also how we set our organizational priorities. With this approach, special attention is paid to how our decisions affect the environment and society at large, challenging traditional practices that tend to focus exclusively on costs and margins.

What is the life cycle perspective?

The life cycle perspective focuses on all the impacts generated by our actions at each stage of the product cycle. From design to final disposal, each component participates in a chain of effects that interlinks economy, society and environment. This approach emphasizes that every product and every action has a consequence and, in an increasingly interconnected world, can lead to what is known as the "butterfly effect".

How is the product life cycle structured?

We can divide the life cycle into key phases:

• Design: Crucial moment where sustainable decisions that minimize negative impacts can be integrated.
• Manufacture: This considers the raw materials and energy used, as well as the waste and pollution generated.
• Product use: Reflects efficiency and sustainability in its daily use.
• Product as waste: Time to evaluate the possibilities of recycling or proper disposal.

What are the differences between qualitative and quantitative analysis?

Within the life cycle, we can adopt two types of analysis:

1. Life Cycle Analysis (LCA): Focuses on quantitative data, such as contribution to climate change and resource use.
2. Life Cycle Perspective: Considers impacts, although in a less specific and more qualitative way.

An example from the industry is Levi's jeans, where its impact is measured in terms of water consumed or effect on climate change.

Why is it important to adopt this perspective?

Adopting a life cycle view allows companies not only to be more responsible, but also to innovate and optimize their production processes in an environmentally and socially conscious way. This not only tends to resonate well with today's consumers, who value sustainability, but also presents opportunities for long-term savings and efficiency.

Benefits for companies and consumers

• For businesses: Increased operational efficiency, reduced costs associated with waste and improved corporate image.
• For consumers: More sustainable products and transparency about their environmental impact.

Adopting a life cycle perspective is not just a trend, but a necessity in a world desperately seeking to become more sustainable. As professionals and consumers, it is essential to motivate companies to take these concepts into account and to keep learning and continuously improving.