Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Applied to Incorporate Ornamental Rock and Mineral Waste Into the Life Cycle of New Products

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the application of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology in the incorporation of ornamental rock and mineral waste into new products. Theoretical Framework: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a robust and internationally recognized methodology used to measure the environmental impacts associated with the entire cycle of products and processes. Its application is a strategic way to support more sustainable decisions, especially in the face of challenges such as natural resource scarcity and environmental regulatory pressure. LCA enables a detailed analysis of environmental implications, favoring sustainable decisions in various sectors, and is not limited to the evaluation of products or analysis of waste incorporation in academia. The industrial sector itself has also shown interest in using it to assess environmental performance. Method: The research used the Proknow-C method and bibliometric analysis with Science Mapping, employing the tools R, RStudio, and Bibliometrix to select relevant articles. The search for articles was carried out by applying specific strings and keywords in the Scopus and Web of Science databases. The data were organized and analyzed according to the MCDA (Multiple Criteria Decision Analysis) method, according to the InOrdinatio equation. Results and Discussion: The bibliometric analysis, performed using the R, R Studio, and Bibliometrix library tools, allowed for the analysis of 1,494 published articles. The results highlight the need for more comprehensive research on the environmental feasibility of waste reuse. Although the studies analyzed point to advances in the application of these wastes in materials such as concrete and mortar, they highlight the importance of considering the environmental impacts throughout the entire life cycle of the products. Research Implications: This study contributes to the field by expanding the dissemination of LCA application, addressing technical, environmental, and economic issues, and promoting research on the reuse of mineral waste. Originality/Value: By integrating methods such as ProKnow-C and Science Mapping, this research offers an updated and critical view of the state of the art in Life Cycle Assessment, enabling the quantification of inputs and outputs in the production process. In this way, the environmental, economic, and social performance in the production of new products is evaluated, considering the incorporation of ornamental rock and mineral waste into the production chain as input.