A life cycle assessment of disposable cold cups conducted for Starbucks Coffee Company and NatureWorks LLC compared cups and lids made out of polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polylactic acid (PLA). The report states: "The life cycle phases of the beverage cup and lid product systems that were studied include:  

∎ Cradle-to-polymer factory gate pellet production for PET, Ingeo, and PP,  

∎ Pellet transportation to converter,  

∎ Conversion of pellets into cups and lids, 

∎ Transport of cups and lids to Starbucks shops,  

∎ Waste disposal in landfill." 

What type of life cycle boundary does this statement imply? Discuss its benefits and shortcomings.