Which stages are part of a Life Cycle Assessment?

A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) evaluates the environmental impacts associated with all stages of a product's life from cradle to grave. This process begins with the extraction of raw materials, continues through manufacturing processes where the product is created, and includes the transportation of the finished product to market. Each of these stages contributes significantly to the overall environmental impact of a product.

In particular, the extraction phase involves acquiring the necessary raw materials and can entail significant energy use and emissions related to mining or harvesting resources. Manufacturing then considers the processes and energy consumption needed to turn these raw materials into a final product. After manufacturing, transportation addresses the emissions and energy associated with moving products to distributors and consumers.

This comprehensive view across the product's life cycle helps in identifying opportunities for reducing environmental impact, improving efficiency, or switching to more sustainable materials. Thus, the stages highlighted in the correct answer accurately align with the defined structure of a Life Cycle Assessment.