ABSTRACT
For nearly two decades, the composite community has turned its attention to the development of bio-based composites, often called natural fiber composites (NFCs). From inception, bio-based composite activities have been running on their environmental credentials when compared to conventional composites.1 Consequently, a number of life cycle assessments (LCAs) of NFCs have emerged. LCA is a tool for evaluating the environmental impacts associated with products throughout their life cycles (from extraction of raw materials to the ends of their lives-from the cradle to the grave).2,3 Generally, these studies attempt to provide the bases for the environmental claims often associated with NFCs. A range of very broad to very specific reasons are cited as the driving factors behind LCAs. We begin this chapter by taking a brief look at a few of the reasons.
