How does Cradle to Grave differ from Cradle to Gate?

The concept of "Cradle to Grave" refers to a comprehensive approach that assesses and evaluates the entire lifecycle of a product, from its initial creation (the 'cradle') through all stages of production, usage, and ultimately to its disposal (the 'grave'). This includes not just manufacturing but also product design, raw materials sourcing, distribution, consumer use, and end-of-life considerations such as recycling or disposal.

The alternative term, "Cradle to Gate," specifically looks at the lifecycle stages up until the product is ready for sale, excluding subsequent use and disposal phases. This can significantly limit the assessment by omitting the environmental impacts and resource usage that occur after the product leaves the manufacturing facility.

Thus, the distinction lies in the scope of consideration for environmental and lifecycle impacts, where "Cradle to Grave" offers a holistic view, making it clear why encompassing the full lifecycle of a product is the correct assessment of the broader implications of production and consumption.