Proposed model for assessing the contribution of the indicators obtained from the analysis of life-cycle inventory to the generation of industry innovation

Abstract

The analysis of a product life cycle (through its inventory) can be used to identify opportunities to improve the environmental aspects of the product, which can result in innovations for the organization. Therefore, it is important to assess the relationship between Life Cycle Inventory and innovation. This study proposes a model to assess the contribution of the indicators obtained from Life Cycle Inventory to the generation of industry innovation. To construct the model, indicators of the Life Cycle Inventory of aluminum packaging for soft drinks were used, relating to natural resources, secondary raw materials, air emissions, liquid effluents, solid waste. In addition, innovation indicators related to the categories of innovation, innovative activities and information sources (obtained from the latest edition of Technological Innovation Research of the Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística), related to the manufacturing sector of metal packaging were also used. The proposed model used statistical methods to analyze the relationship between these two variables. The following tests were used: normality of the data, Pearson correlation, Spearman correlation, formulation of the regression equation and coefficient of determination. Based on the proposed model, it is possible to identify the points of correlation between the Life Cycle Inventory and innovation. This will enable organizations to guide actions more efficiently and specifically to enhance product innovation.