Which of the following stages is NOT part of a life cycle assessment?

A life cycle assessment (LCA) evaluates the environmental impacts associated with all stages of a product's life, from raw material extraction through to disposal. The standard stages typically included in an LCA are manufacturing and packaging, transportation, and use and operation.

Manufacturing and packaging involve the processes of creating the product and securing it for delivery, which encompasses resource extraction, processing, and packaging materials used. Transportation assesses the environmental impact of moving the product from the manufacturer to the user. Use and operation consider the product's performance and energy consumption throughout its lifespan.

Public perception, while it can influence consumer behavior and decision-making, is not considered a formal part of the life cycle assessment. It does not directly affect the measurable environmental impacts or resource usage that LCA aims to quantify. Therefore, this aspect does not fit within the structured framework of LCA stages, focusing on the quantifiable processes and impacts throughout the product's life cycle.