The definition phase of the objective and the scope,

The inventory analysis phase,

The environmental impact assessment phase, and

The interpretation phase.

There are different types of stroke depending on the focus and the application that will be given. Next, different classifications are described in a schematic way

• Descriptive: for informational purposes only (eg: for marketing, design of a new product, etc.).

• Comparative: comparison 
between products or with a standard between the old and new versions, to achieve an eco-label or simply to improve the product.

• Prediction: to help in the decision of a change of raw materials or sources of supply, to support the definition of new product strategies, etc.

• Attributional: describes the environmental behavior of a product throughout its life cycle.

• Consequential: describes the effects that can cause changes in the life cycle of the product.

• ACV "from cradle to grave": includes all stages of the life cycle of the product, from the extraction of raw materials to the management of end-of-life waste.

 • ACV "from cradle to gate": includes only the stages of extraction, processing and transport of raw materials and manufacture of the product (up to the factory door).

• ACV "from gate to gate": includes only the stages of production.

https://repositori.udl.cat/bitstream/handle/10459.1/60254/ealegrec.pdf?sequence=1 

There are a series of rules that are directly applicable to the ACV methodology. These norms, of international scope, are:

- ISO 14040: 2006. Environmental management. Analysis of the life cycle. Principles and frame of reference.

- ISO 14044: 2006. Environmental management. Analysis of the life cycle. Requirements and guidelines.

- These standards, in turn, annulled and replaced ISO 14040: 1998, ISO 14041: 1999, ISO 14042: 2001 and ISO 14043: 2001

The UNE-EN ISO 14040 standard defines life cycle analysis as a technique that allows the quantitative collection and evaluation of environmental aspects and the potential impacts associated with a specific product. Therefore, the main objective of these two standards is to standardize this process, defining exhaustively the phases to follow to develop the methodology.

- Impacts on non-renewable resources

- Global warming potential (carbon footprint)

- Potential for deterioration of the ozone layer

- Acidification potential

-Potential for photochemical creation of ozone

- Use of energy

- Use of water

- Toxicity (human, terrestrial, aquatic)

Identification of the critical points in the productive processes.

Optimization of the system in the short term and reduction of the environmental impact.

Strategic planning: optimization of processes and reduction of risks associated with competitiveness with similar products.

Marketing and advertising: improves the image of the brand.

Access to international markets and compliance with current environmental regulations (Ley Grenelle 2) and future ones.

Positioning before the Retail Sector (TESCO, Metro Group, M & S, Wal-Mart, Pepsico, etc.).

Admission to differential market niches: possibility of expanding the market.

Selection of specific environmental performance indicators for each product.