# Analysis of Selected IT Tools for Environmental Product Assessment
## 2 Literature Review
### Methods for Environmental Assessment of the Product
#### 2.2.1 Quantitative Methods  
Quantitative methods are based on precise numerical data and calculations. The outcome of the analysis in this group of methods is usually a quantitative result in particular impact categories.  
One of them is MIPS (material input per service unit). It is a holistic approach, the main idea of which is based on the concept of an \"environmental backpack\". It is a metaphor for the total amount of material resources consumed in a product's life cycle, both directly (those used to manufacture) and indirectly (used during production, packaging, service, use, maintenance, or repair) [21; 22; 23].  
LCA (life cycle assessment), on the other hand, is one of the most widely used methods. This method allows for accurately determining the environmental impacts at all stages of a product's life cycle from all processes (including manufacturing, transportation, etc.). It makes it possible to identify key areas to implement changes to reduce the environmental impact [24; 25; 26; 27].  
\begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c} \hline \hline
**Quantitative Methods** & **Qualitative Methods** & **Semi-Quantitative Methods** \\ \hline MIPS (material input per service unit) & Control charts & ERPA matrix (environmentally \\  & MET matrix (material, energy, and toxic & responsible product assessment) \\ LCA (life cycle assessment) & MET matrix (material, energy, emission) & MECO matrix (materials, energy, chemicals, and others) \\ FMEA (failure mode and effects) & Intuitive method & EQFD matrix (environmental quality \\  & & function deployment) \\ EcolIndicator 99 & SLCA matrix (streamlined life cycle \\  & & assessment) \\ ReCiPe & & Ecodesign checklist \\ EIA (environmental impact assessment) & & \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table}
Table 1: Division of methods of environmental analysis of the product. Adapted from Ref. [20].  
The next method, FMEA (failure mode and effects analysis) involves determining the possible ways in which a product or process can fail and assessing the impact of those failures. Based on evaluation criteria such as the risk, occurrence, and detection, a value from 1 to 10 is assigned (where 1 represents minimal risk, low impact, or high detectability), and then, all values are multiplied to obtain the RPN index value. The resulting value helps determine which problems should be prioritized, helping organizations more effectively identify areas for improvement [28; 29; 30].  
Another quantitative environmental analysis method is EcoIndicator 99. It is a method that aims to interpret the results of an environmental assessment by calculating the damage associated with the three categories. It involves calculating the damage that LCI (life cycle inventory) flows cause to human health, resources, and ecosystem quality. The final stage is a weighting process in which the results are multiplied by appropriate importance factors [31; 32].  
As one of the most advanced methods in product environmental analysis, ReCiPe stands out. It features a wide range of impact categories and a global calculation mechanism. The calculated impacts are assigned to different impact categories at the midpoint level (18 indicators) and at endpoint level (3 indicators) [33; 34].  
The latter quantitative method is EIA (environmental impact assessment), which evaluates the potential consequences of projects and activities on the environment, human health, and social welfare that result from the implementation of specific actions. EIA analyzes both the direct and indirect effects of activities, as well as the long-term and cumulative effects that may occur in the future on air, water, soil, biodiversity, and quality of life [35; 36].