Describe manufacturing and packaging as stages in life cycle assessment.

Manufacturing and packaging are critical stages in a life cycle assessment (LCA), which evaluates the environmental impacts of a product throughout its life. During the manufacturing phase, raw materials are transformed into finished products, consuming energy and generating waste. Packaging, on the other hand, protects the product during transport and storage but also contributes to resource use and waste generation. Understanding these stages helps identify opportunities for reducing environmental impacts, such as using sustainable materials or optimizing production processes to minimize energy consumption.