Which stage of a product life cycle is not affected by a change in material?

The correct choice identifies the raw material stage as not being significantly affected by a change in material. During the raw material stage, the focus is primarily on the sourcing and initial processing of materials before they are transformed into a product. At this stage, different materials can be utilized without altering the actual manufacturing processes that convert those materials into a final product.

In contrast, changes in materials can considerably influence other stages of the product life cycle. For instance, during the manufacturing stage, a shift in materials could impact the production techniques, costs, and supply chain logistics. Likewise, in the usage stage, different materials can affect the product's performance, durability, and user experience. Finally, at the disposal stage, the choice of materials can greatly influence recyclability, environmental impact, and the overall waste management strategies. Therefore, changes in materials play a crucial role in these other stages, highlighting the distinct nature of the raw material stage in relation to material alterations.