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Growing Interest in Life Cycle Assessment in Latin America

Ensuring the increasing use of life-cycle approaches is more important than ever. In early April, Llorenç Milà i Canals, Head of the UNEP Life Cycle Initiative, embarked on a mission to Mexico to raise awareness and participate in multi-stakeholder dialogues about the importance of LCAs. He discussed capacity building on the use of life-cycle approaches to plastic pollution solutions during meetings with Mexico’s Ministry of Environment (SEMARNAT) and the City of Mexico’s Department of Environment (SEDEMA) governments. He further delivered a keynote speech in the most important LCA conference in the region, the XI International Conference on Life Cycle Assessment in Latin America (CILCA 2025).

SEMARNAT expressed their willingness to engage in technical discussions to provide a strong evidence-based approach to develop regulations rooted in LCA, such as EPR, eco-design, and eco-labelling. SEDEMA highlighted the need to address key obstacles such as behavioural changes and limited human and financial resources to strengthen its environmental activities.

CILCA 2025 was successfully held from April 7th to 11th at the Engineering Institute of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and organized by the Mexican Life Cycle Assessment Network, bringing together a diverse group of participants, including LCA practitioners, researchers, small-scale sustainability entrepreneurs, government decision-makers, and corporate sustainability leaders. A total of 163 attendees (60% women) from 21 countries across Latin America, North America and Europe participated in the conference. In his keynote speech, Llorenç presented UNEP’s views on the use of LCA towards sustainable consumption and production and finance and economic transformation.

UNEP’s contributions to LCA through the Life Cycle Initiative over the past two decades were appreciated and referenced throughout the conference. Eduardo Garza, Director on Sustainable Production and Consumption of Industrial Activities at SEMARNAT, highlighted the importance of LCA in supporting policies. Participants from several countries of the region expressed their willingness to explore UNEP’s potential role in hosting LCA data (e.g. national databases) through the LCA data platform GLAD, acknowledging that GLAD’s role in global architecture for LCA datasets is even more relevant than data. The main conclusions of CILCA 2025 included the importance of anchoring the Circular Economy scenarios in Life Cycle Assessment studies, expanding the scope of LCA methodologies to include region-specific methods and characterization factors for Latin America, advancing the development of national Life Cycle databases, and strengthening partnerships with governments and private sector to promote more sustainable public policies and production-consumption systems.

Save the Date: Life Cycle Initiative General Assembly at LCM 2025 Conference

The Life Cycle Initiative will be present at the LCM 2025 conference and will host its first in-person/hybrid General Assembly on 11th September 2025, from 13:00 to 14:30. Members are invited to save the date in their calendars. Those attending LCM 2025 are encouraged to join in person, while others can participate online.

In addition, interested members keep a watch for the upcoming call for nominations for the Steering Committee elections, which will be shared closer to the event.

Call for a coordination Consultant for the textiles UNEP InTex project in Indonesia

The UNEP Textile Initiative is looking for a Jakarta-based consultant for the Intex Indonesia project “Accelerating the transition of the Indonesian Textiles Sector towards Circularity”. The consultant will work with UNEP’s Consumption and Production Unit and the Life Cycle Initiative and contribute to the implementation and review of activities of InTex Indonesia. Key tasks include liaising with government partners, UNEP offices, and implementing partners, supporting stakeholder engagement, organizing the InTex Indonesia Inter-Ministerial Advisory Group, reviewing technical outputs, and assisting with outreach, training, and workshops.

Find more information

2024 Life Cycle Initiative Annual Progress Report

The Life Cycle Initiative 2024 Annual Progress Report is out! It provides a comprehensive overview of our activities, milestones achieved in 2024 and outlook for 2025.

The Annual Report highlights the Life Cycle Initiative’s 2024 achievements in advancing life-cycle thinking worldwide and providing decision-makers from governments and businesses with science-based information that enables sustainable development pathways. A major milestone was the launch of GLAM V1.0.2024.10—the first consensus based global guidance for life cycle impact assessment method—setting way for consistency and transparency in sustainability assessments. The Initiative also released a Policymakers’ Guide to LCA. Practical application of life-cycle approaches expanded through targeted work in sectors such as textiles (via the InTex India project), plastics (capacity building in Thailand), buildings (whole life cycle policy recommendations), and mining (guidance on energy transition minerals).

Explore the Annual Report

Report of UNEP’s Executive Director (Part 1) to UNEA-7: Priorities for advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet

Part 1 of the report of UNEP’s Executive Director Inger Andersen, to the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) suggests possible areas for UNEA-7 resolutions for the consideration of Member States. Addressing the need for a comprehensive approach that involves identifying and removing hazardous chemicals and adopting sustainable production and consumption practices, the report reviews the following priorities: (1) Addressing the global hydrological cycle, (2) Tackling nutrient pollution, (3) Critical Energy and Digital Transition Minerals, (4) Protecting the Earth’s shield by protecting the stratosphere, and (5) Deploying and scaling environmentally sustainable Artificial Intelligence.

For more information, please visit Documents and Resources -> Meeting Documents.

Global Framework on Chemicals OEWG

The first meeting of the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) for the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC) will be held from 24–27 June 2025 at the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Punta del Este, Uruguay. During multistakeholder activities and side events, participants will also focus on topics such as the life cycle assessment of chemicals (including approaches such as the chemical footprint), emerging policy issues, capacity building, and the integration of safe and sustainable chemicals management practices across economic and industrial sectors.

Prior to the conference, 22-23 June, the Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC) will host a “Global Workshop on National Chemicals Systems” aimed at strengthening national chemicals legislation and institutional capacities.

For registration information and to view a detailed programme, visit Open-ended Working Group (OEWG) of the Global Framework on Chemical.

A warm welcome to Life Cycle Initiative’s new interns: Slaveya, Fernando, and Merci

We are pleased to introduce the three new interns in the Life Cycle unit, who started working with us recently and will support the team until October 2025.

My name is Slaveya Zaharieva, and I am from Bulgaria. I recently completed an MPhil in Environmental Policy at Cambridge University, where I was studying environmental policy, economics, and law and researching legal loopholes that slow down the effective implementation of environmental projects and policies. Previously, I completed a Master’s in International Affairs and Sustainability at the Geneva Graduate Institute, and a double-major B.A. in Global Affairs and Economics at Yale University. I have also worked on human rights advocacy, project management, communications, environmental research and analysis, and project implementation analysis for startups, NGOs, and international organizations.

My name is Fernando Giareta Cezar, and I’m originally from Santa Maria, Brazil, and moved to Europe in 2022—first for an internship in Agronomy, and later to pursue a Master’s in Environmental Protection at the University of Hohenheim in Germany, which I completed last year. During my studies, I also spent a year at Wageningen University through the Erasmus+ program, focusing on sustainability analysis and environmental management. I have experience supporting research and field work, as well as working as a junior consultancy analyst with a focus on sustainability and innovation in the agri-food sector.

My name is Merci Fourte Yusuf, and I’m from Bandung, Indonesia. I’m currently studying in the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree Program in the International Masters of Technology and Management of Circular Economy, with mobility periods in UCT Prague, University of Oviedo, and Åbo Akademi University in Finland. I previously worked for two years at Life Cycle Indonesia as a Data Analyst, where I supported clients with EPDs, LCA, including applying the Life Cycle Initiative’s S-LCA guidelines, and provided training in LCA software. Before that, I spent a year working at a plastic waste management company in Indonesia as a business development and operation staff.

Biogenic Carbon Project

To build on the lessons learned during Phase 1 of the project and set the stage for a more impactful Phase 2, we are looking for a new implementing partner to bring fresh momentum and the right expertise to help us achieve our goals. We take this opportunity to thank the University of Bath for their support and contributions to the project throughout 2024.

We are now actively exploring potential new partners, and while this process may slightly shift our timeline, we anticipate restarting activities in August or September this year. As we prepare for the next phase of the project, we are taking this opportunity to revitalize participation and engagement within the working groups. If you are an expert and interested in contributing to Phase II, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please reach out to us at fernando.giaretacezar@un.org to express your interest.

We appreciate your continued support and look forward to sharing more updates soon. 

Digital Product Information Systems (DPIS) Global Framework – Expert Consultation Invitation

The One Planet Network (OPN) is pleased to invite you to an online consultation on May 21st, 2025, at 12:00-13:00 (CEST). This consultation will help create a global framework for Digital Product Information Systems (DPIS), which will play a key role in promoting sustainable practices and a circular economy. The Life Cycle Initiative is collaborating with OPN on this initiative to ensure adequate integration of life-cycle information in the framework.

The interactive session will gather technical and strategic input on how data can best support the core functionalities of DPIS to enhance traceability, transparency, and informed decision-making across product life cycles.

Insights from LCA experts and practitioners will help shape harmonized data categories and subcategories that work across sectors and regions.

Interested in attending? Click here to register.

Special Issue: Prospective Life Cycle Assessment: Recent Advancements and Future Directions

The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment (IJLCA) invites submissions for its Special Issue on Prospective Life Cycle Assessment: Advances and Future Pathways. This issue aims to enhance prospective LCA knowledge and practice by tackling key challenges. The IJLCA welcomes research articles, short original communications, reviews, and case studies exploring innovative methods, tools, and applications for prospective LCA. Contributions can focus on methodological advancements, practical case studies, comprehensive reviews, or critical viewpoints to shape the future of LCA.

Deadline of submission: 30 November 2025. 

More information

IATA’s public consultation on “Harmonized life cycle assessment methodology for single-use plastic products and their alternatives in the airline sector”

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is preparing a harmonized methodology for measuring the environmental impacts of single-use plastic products and their alternatives in the airline sector, following recommendations shared in the “Reassessing single-use plastic products in the airline sector” report.

IATA is opening the guidance on the LCA methodology for public consultation by stakeholders through a survey. The survey aims to collect information from LCA practitioners and industry stakeholders who use LCAs to ensure transparency, relevance, and effectiveness of this guidance. The consultation period is from 22 April to 31 May 2025.

Find out more information here.

Brazilian Institute for Science and Technology Information’s survey on professionals’ perception of the relevance of LCA in evaluations of circular initiatives

The Laboratory of Information for Sustainability of the Brazilian Institute for Science and Technology Information (LIS IBICT) is conducting a survey as part of the research project “Analysis of the Complementarity of Life Cycle Assessment for Measuring and Evaluating Product Circularity”.

The survey aims to analyze the perception of circular economy professionals regarding the relevance of LCA in complementing the evaluation of circular initiatives. It takes 10-15 minutes to complete.

For questions, please contact thiagorodrigues@ibict.br.

Zero Waste International Day’s 2025 Theme: Towards Zero Waste in Fashion and Textiles

The International Day of Zero Waste on March 30, 2025, themed “Towards Zero Waste in Fashion and Textiles” this year, highlighted the fashion industry’s critical role in addressing waste and pollution from the fashion and textile sector. Events in New York, Nairobi, Paris, Ningbo City, China underscored the importance of fostering circularity and sustainable production in the textile sector to tackle the global waste crisis. In reducing pollution, waste and emissions from the fashion and textile sector, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) has been identified as a key science-based tool, guiding design decisions to minimize waste, boost resource efficiency, and reduce environmental impacts in the textiles value chain.

Discover how LCA continues to drive change through the UNEP Life Cycle Initiative’s InTex Approach, and read more about InTex success stories in South Africa and Tunisia.

World Circular Economy Forum: Accelerating Circularity in the Built Environment – From measurement to policy and practice

15 May 2025 • 8:00 – 9:30 (GMT-3) /13:00 – 14:30 CEST (Online)

This Accelerator Session will present three internationally recognised policy recommendations for circularity in the built environment, developed through a consensus-driven process under the GlobalABC Materials Hub (hosted by UNEP and co-led by the One Planet Network and the Life Cycle Initiative).  The session will focus on the importance of setting a circularity baseline and developing robust policy and measurement frameworks, including the Global Framework for Action on Sustainable Public Procurement and the National Circularity Assessment Framework for Buildings. Practical tools and inspiring global case studies will show how the 10 Whole Life Cycle Recommendations for the Buildings Breakthrough are being implemented to drive real-world circularity transformations.

More information

1st International LCA Symposium: Circular Water and Nutrient Management

4-6 June 2025 • Barcelona, Spain

The Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona announces its first International Life Cycle Assessment Symposium exploring circular water and nutrient management in food production. The event will bring together experts to discuss LCA applications in circular practices, urban agriculture, and local food systems. With limited capacity, interested participants should submit abstracts by March 15, 2025.

More information

12th International Conference on Life Cycle Management (LCM 2025)

9-12 September 2025 • Palermo, Italy

Participants are invited to attend the LCM 2025 Conference, a premier global forum on environmental, economic, and social sustainability, held under the theme “From Global to Local – Methods, Tools and Best Practices for an Efficient and Effective Sustainable Transition”. Taking place every two years, this event unites practitioners, academics, industry leaders, NGOs, and public institutions to advance life cycle approaches in strategic and operational decision-making. LCM 2025 will showcase innovative methods, tools, and best practices to drive an efficient and effective sustainable transition.

The Life Cycle Initiative will be present at LCM 2025, hosting a session on textiles and its General Assembly during the conference. 

More information

From Less Bad to Good Enough: Conference on Absolute Sustainability

30 September – 2 October 2025 • Elsinore, Denmark

The Centre for Absolute Sustainability at Denmark’s Technical University announces its first conference addressing the transition from incremental improvements to absolute sustainability. This three-day event will bring together experts to explore how society can thrive within Earth’s ecological limits. The conference features renowned speakers on science-based targets and cross-sectoral sustainability challenges.

More information

10th International S-LCA Conference 2026 – First Time in Asia Pacific in Over Two Decades

17-19 June 2026 • Jakarta, Indonesia

The 10th International Conference on Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA 2026) will bring together researchers, industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to advance social sustainability in life cycle thinking. Under the theme “Unity in Diversity,” S-LCA 2026 will explore the role of social impact assessment in fostering inclusive sustainability, strengthening cross-industry collaboration, and addressing global challenges. The event welcomes stakeholders from academia, businesses, financial institutions, NGOs, media, producers, and civil society, representing diverse regions and industries.

More information

Rolex – Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) Expert 

The Impact and Sustainability Department of Rolex is looking for a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) Expert to conduct complex, multi-criteria LCAs of products and services and lead a network of technical analysts. Responsibilities include prioritizing and validating LCA requests, ensuring consistency and reliability of results across company divisions, and managing the internal analyst network. The expert will also centralize LCA expertise, prepare reports, monitor regulatory trends, and train internal teams. Candidates must have a relevant university or equivalent degree, at least 5 years of LCA experience, proficiency with life cycle analysis modeling tools (e.g. Simapro), and knowledge of databases (e.g., Ecoinvent).

More details

Norwegian University of Science and Technology – Researcher on global supply chain sustainability and biodiversity conservation 

The Industrial Ecology Programme is looking for a Researcher for a 1-year position (up to 14 months) to analyze biodiversity impacts in global supply chains for EU Horizon projects (RAINFOREST and BAMBOO). The role involves investigating biodiversity footprints, developing impact assessment methods, leading scientific publications, and communicating findings to academic, public, and policy audiences. Candidates should have a PhD, data analytics experience, and a strong publication record.

More details

Technical University of Denmark (DTU) – Assistant Professor Tenure Track in “Macroscale Sustainability Assessment” 

DTU is looking for candidates skilled in developing MRIO models, integrating spatiotemporal environmental/social data, combining MRIO with other models for prospective footprinting, incorporating future scenarios, hybridizing LCA with input-output tables, and linking data to planetary boundaries for sustainability assessment. The assistant professor will focus on multi-region input-output (MRIO) and computable general equilibrium (CGE) model development and support quantitative sustainability assessment of large-scale systems with a foresight/prospective approach.

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Technical University of Denmark (DTU) – Assistant Professor Tenure Track in “Absolute Sustainability Assessment” 

The position aims at developing science-based solutions for addressing society’s grand environmental sustainability challenges in a team of international front-runners in quantitative, life cycle based, and absolute sustainability assessment. The assistant professor will focus on life cycle impact assessment method development, linking life cycle assessment with Earth systems’ biophysical limits (e.g. Planetary boundaries) for absolute environmental sustainability assessment (AESA).

More details

Note that we cannot accept contributions of a commercial nature. LCNet is released bimonthly in the beginning of January, March, May, July, September and November; please send us your piece approximately two weeks before the release date. We look forward to your contributions in disseminating life cycle knowledge from global policy and business agendas! 

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