Practice IB Design Technology (First Exam 2027) Topic C3.2 Life-cycle Analysis with authentic exam-style questions for both SL and HL students. This question bank focuses on the exact syllabus content for C3.2 Life-cycle Analysis and mirrors Paper 1, 2 style where relevant.
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A global electronics company is redesigning its product packaging and logistics system to reduce environmental impact across its product life cycle. Designers are using LCA to make data-informed decisions.
Figure 1 shows a delivery truck being loaded with cardboard shipping boxes.
Identify the life-cycle stage represented in Figure 1.
Outline two reasons why transport contributes significantly to a product's environmental footprint.
Figure 2 shows people throwing old electronic items into a household waste bin.
Describe three environmental consequences of disposing of electronic products in general waste.
Compare landfill disposal with e-waste recycling for electronic appliances.
Explain two ways designers could use the data in Figure 3 to make more sustainable decisions.
Evaluate the usefulness and limitations of life-cycle analysis when comparing different packaging materials.
A product development team is analysing the environmental footprint of food containers to improve packaging choices for an upcoming eco-conscious brand launch. Their focus is on raw material sourcing, energy use, and end-of-life impact.
Figure 1 shows a stack of raw aluminium sheets ready for industrial use.
Identify the life-cycle stage shown in Figure 1.
Outline two environmental impacts of aluminium extraction.
Figure 2 shows a compostable paper-based food container next to a traditional plastic container.
Describe three factors a designer would consider when selecting between paper and plastic containers in terms of environmental impact.
Compare the end-of-life (disposal) stage for paper and plastic containers.
Explain how storage and warehousing affect the life-cycle environmental footprint of a product.
Evaluate how life-cycle analysis helps a designer choose between two packaging options based on sustainability.
What does this diagram of a product’s life from extraction to disposal represent in sustainability analysis?
Which life-cycle stage does this image of a factory represent?
What feature distinguishes full LCAs from other environmental tools?