Comparative Environmental Impact Information based on LCA Methodology.

1. Comparative Environmental
Impact Information
based on LCA Methodology.

2. Introduction to the material in these slides
Long-lasting insecticide treated mosquito nets (LLINs) perform an important function in protecting and
improving the lives of millions of people, but their distribution represents a large volume of plastic and
significant manufacturing and transport operations. In recent times questions have been asked about the
environmental impact of the distribution of these LLINs.
Industry has a responsibility now, more than ever, to take a holistic view of environmental impact (including
contributions to climate change and resource consumption) and an additional responsibility to reduce its
impact in this regard.
Life Cycle Assessment is a scientifically recognised method to perform environmental impact analysis. It
takes into account the collective environmental impact associated with all stages of the life cycle of a
product (including raw material extraction; resources and energy used during production; emissions
associated with freight and transport as well as end-of life waste management).
These slides summarise the results of a comparative Life Cycle Assessment conducted with LifeNet
(polypropylene) compared to two main brands of polyester and polyethylene nets. In this case, the
comparison is based upon the function provided by LifeNet (the provision of effective protection for two
people against malaria for a period of time equivalent to 30 washes of the net).

3. Comparative results - Global Warming Score
The comparative position of LifeNet against polyethylene
and polyester nets is shown in the graph below. This
illustrates the different contributions of the three products to
the concentration of Greenhouse Gases within the
atmosphere (shown as CO2 equivalents). This data has
been generated as part of the Life Assessment methodology
(carried out in compliance with ISO 14040-44).
Conclusion: Under the conditions of the Life Cycle
Assessment, LifeNet has less impact on climate change
than both polyester and polyethylene nets. To perform the
same function, twice as much CO2 equivalents are
generated with polyethylene nets and nearly twice as much
with polyester nets. For every one million LifeNet distributed
and used that’s a difference of 6–8 million kilograms of CO2
equivalents.

4. Comparative results - Impact on Ecosystem Quality
The comparative position of LifeNet against polyester and
polyethylene nets is shown in the graph below. This
measures key environmental impact indicators (such as;
acidification; ecotoxity; and europhication) and reflects the
loss of natural habitat equivalent to damages generated by
the product life cycle. The impact of the products are
represented by Potentially Disappeared Fraction (PDF).
This is within a certain period of time (year) over an area
(m2) per kilogram (kg) of the product.
Conclusion: Under the conditions of the Life Cycle
Assessment methodology the distribution and use of LifeNet
results in a lower impact on the environment than polyester
and polyethylene nets. For every million LifeNet distributed
and used this results in 0.8 – 0.9 pdf*m2*year lower
pollutant emissions per year.

5. Bayer LifeNet – Water Consumption
The comparative position of LifeNet against polyester and
polyethylene nets is shown in the graph below. This is an
indicator of the sum, in litres, of all the water used during the
life cycle of the product to achieve the function as defined in
the LCA.
Conclusion: LifeNet results in less water usage than both
polyester and polyethylene nets.

6. Bayer LifeNet – Overall Resource Consumption
The comparative position of LifeNet against polyester and
polyethylene nets is shown in the graph below. This relates
to the non-renewable energy and the mineral extraction
used along the products life cycle. This is quantified in Mega
Joules (MJ).
Conclusion: Under the conditions of this Life Cycle
Assessment the manufacture, distribution and use of
LifeNet consumes less total resources than other polyester
and polyethylene nets.

7. Putting This Into Perspective
The data presented in this booklet can
also be considered in the following terms
(this table represents the differences per
functional unit or one single LifeNet):
For a distribution of 1 million nets, the environmental
benefit from choosing LifeNet over polyester or
polyethylene nets is equivalent to:
• Saving 120 million litres of water
• Reducing the emissions associated with global
warming equivalent to driving a small European car
28 million kilometres
• Preserving 800,000 m2 of forest