Life cycle analysis is an internationally recognized method of examining the total environmental burden associated with a product and its use. It provides an assessment of the environmental inputs and outputs of a product, beginning with the extraction of the resource and continuing through the manufacturing and associated energy consumption, distribution, use, disposal, recyclability and renewability. This concept is often referred to as a "cradle-to-grave" assessment and the effect a material has upon the environment.Historically, the forest products industry has been criticized by environmental organizations as an industry harmful to the environment. The perceived deleterious effects are usually focused on …