Lifecycle assessments (LCAs) are comprehensive evaluations of the environmental impacts of products, services, or processes from cradle-to-grave. They cover all stages from raw material extraction, manufacturing, and usage to disposal or recycling. By providing detailed insights into each stage, LCAs help organizations identify opportunities to reduce environmental impacts, enhance efficiency, and support sustainability goals. There are several ways LCAs unlock value and promote sustainability.

 

Identifying Hotspots and Efficiency Improvements

LCAs enable companies to pinpoint areas within their supply chain and production processes that have the highest environmental impacts. This identification allows for targeted improvements, such as reducing energy use, minimizing waste, or sourcing materials more sustainably.

General Motors (GM), a major player in the automotive industry, uses LCAs to improve the sustainability of its vehicles. Through comprehensive lifecycle assessments, GM identified that a significant portion of the environmental impact of its vehicles comes from the materials used in manufacturing and the energy consumed during the vehicle’s lifetime. By focusing on these hotspots, GM has made strides in using lighter materials, such as aluminum and high-strength steel, to reduce vehicle weight and improve fuel efficiency. Additionally, GM has invested in renewable energy sources for its manufacturing plants, further reducing the environmental impact of its vehicle production process. 2023 Sustainability Report Journey to Zero (gm.com)

Similarly, Procter & Gamble (P&G), a multinational consumer goods corporation, utilizes LCAs to identify environmental hotspots within its product lines. One notable example is the Tide laundry detergent. Through lifecycle assessments, P&G discovered that the largest environmental impact came from the energy required to heat water during washing. In response, P&G reformulated Tide to perform effectively in cold water, significantly reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with the product’s use phase P&G History (pg.com) . This change not only improved the product's environmental footprint but also provided cost savings for consumers.

 

Enhancing Product Design and Innovation

Incorporating LCA insights into the product design phase can lead to the development of more sustainable products. Designers can choose materials and processes that have lower environmental impacts, enhancing the product's sustainability profile.

Philips, a global leader in health technology and consumer electronics, leverages LCAs to drive innovation in product design. For instance, in the development of its energy-efficient LED lighting, Philips used LCAs to compare the environmental impacts of traditional incandescent bulbs, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), and LED bulbs. The assessment revealed that LED bulbs have a significantly lower environmental impact due to their longer lifespan and lower energy consumption. This insight led Philips to prioritize LED technology in its product lineup, resulting in more sustainable lighting solutions for consumers and businesses alikeLedinaire_waterproof_EcoSet__Environmental_product_declaration.pdf (philips.com).

Likewise, Herman Miller, a renowned furniture manufacturer, integrates LCAs into its product design process to enhance sustainability. For its Aeron chair, Herman Miller conducted a comprehensive lifecycle assessment to identify opportunities for reducing environmental impact. The company opted to use recycled materials, including recycled plastic, in the chair's construction. Additionally, the design was optimized for durability and ease of disassembly, facilitating recycling at the end of the chair’s life. These innovations resulted in a more sustainable product that meets high standards of performance and aesthetics Environmental Product Declaration: New Aeron Chair (hermanmiller.com).

 

 

Supporting Regulatory Compliance and Reporting

Governments and regulatory bodies increasingly require companies to disclose the environmental impacts of their products. LCAs provide the necessary data for compliance with these regulations and support transparent reporting.

BASF, one of the world's largest chemical producers, utilizes LCAs (Life cycle assessment (LCA) for ChemCycling® (basf.com) )to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and to support sustainability reporting. By conducting LCAs for its products, BASF can identify environmental impacts across the entire lifecycle, from raw material extraction to disposal. This comprehensive understanding allows BASF to comply with various international regulations, such as the European Union’s REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) and to produce detailed sustainability reports. BASF’s commitment to transparent and scientifically-backedenvironmental data helps build trust with regulators, customers, and stakeholders.

Novartis, a global healthcare company, employs LCAs (Novartis Environmental Sustainability Strategy )to ensure regulatory compliance and support sustainability reporting. By assessing the environmental impact of its pharmaceutical products throughout their lifecycle, Novartis identifies critical areas for improvement, such as reducing waste and emissions in production processes. The insights gained from LCAs (Case study*: Breezhaler® Carbon Footprint | Novartis )help Novartis comply with stringent environmental regulations, such as the European Union’s directives on waste management and chemicals. Additionally, the company uses LCA data to produce transparent sustainability reports, demonstrating its commitment to environmental stewardship and building trust with stakeholders.

Driving Supply Chain Sustainability

LCAs help companies understand the environmental impacts across their entire supply chain, including upstream and downstream processes. This comprehensive view allows for better collaboration with suppliers and more sustainable procurement practices.

Nestlé, the world's largest food and beverage company, conducts LCAs to assess the environmental impacts of its products from farm to fork (Quality that goes beyond the cup | Nestlé Global (nestle.com). By identifying hotspots in its supply chain, Nestlé has worked with suppliers to implement sustainable farming practices, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve resource efficiency. This collaboration not only reduces environmental impacts but also enhances supply chain resilienceNespresso LCA Executive Summary Quantis 2020-02-25(1).pdf (nestle-nespresso.com).

 

Communicating Sustainability Credentials

With increasing consumer demand for sustainable products, companies can use LCA results to communicate their sustainability efforts credibly. This transparency helps build consumer trust and differentiate products in the market.

LEGO, the renowned toy manufacturer, uses LCAs to communicate the environmental impacts of its products and packaging. By transparently sharing this information, LEGO demonstrates its commitment to sustainability and strengthens its brand reputation. This communication is particularly important in the toy industry, where parents are increasingly concerned about the environmental impacts of the products they buy for their children LEGO Plants Made From Plants - About Us - LEGO.com.

Lifecycle assessments are powerful tools that unlock value and drive sustainability across various industries. By identifying environmental hotspots, enhancing product design, supporting regulatory compliance, driving supply chain sustainability, and enabling credible communication of sustainability efforts, LCAs help companies achieve their sustainability goals and build consumer trust. Furthermore, the robust data provided by LCAs prevent greenwashing by ensuring that environmental claims are scientifically grounded and transparent. As more companies adopt LCAs, the shift towards more sustainable products and practices is likely to accelerate, benefiting both businesses and the environment.