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Life cycle approaches featured at OEWG for the GFC

On 23-27 June, the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) of the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC) met in Uruguay. The GFC strategic objectives and targets are rooted in the consideration of life-cycle approaches to ensure safe and sustainable chemicals management. This includes the consideration of chemical footprint approaches, which featured in a couple of hybrid technical sessions led by UNEP during the multi-stakeholder day (26 June).

Several approaches related to chemical footprinting were considered, including the Chemical Footprint Project, Cradle-to-Cradle, LCA/EPDs/USEtox, and WBCSD’s PSA, as well as perspectives from industry representatives such as Tarkett, Case Medical, Clariant and Philips. A diverse audience, both on-site and online, contributed to defining several key takeaways, including:

• Markets increasingly demand transparent communication on chemical risks and impacts across the value chain. The key starting point that all approaches require is the collection of data on chemicals use, combined with emissions and impact potentials. Industry is already using several chemical footprint methodologies, supporting companies in reducing the use of hazardous substances.
• An opportunity for greater harmonization was identified to enhance comparability and credibility, e.g. on the definition of “chemicals of concern” and common terminology.
• Participants identified opportunities for further action, including the development of guidance for sector-specific application of chemical footprint approaches, stronger industry engagement and commitments to using chemical footprint approaches connected to specific GFC targets, Harmonization of chemical footprint nomenclature, and work towards an international standard to align efforts.

Life-cycle approaches and methodology will also be critical in the work on measurability and indicators that is an integral part of the GFC, and there is significant potential for alignment with GLAM’s latest recommendations on impact indicators for human health and ecosystem burden linked to chemicals toxicity. This could be e.g. at the level of headline and process indicators for the GFC. The practical application of chemical footprints is also being explored in the context of several industry sector programmes, which are being defined for the GFC:

• Textiles: opportunities were identified to cover the entire value chain while addressing textiles specific issues on data and traceability, occupational and community health and safety and chemicals of concern, including through the application of chemical footprint approaches. There are multiples solutions that have been tested and that can be scaled for the traceability and impact assessment of chemicals used in the textile sector, e.g. through digital technologies.
• Electronics: again, existing tools and good practices require scaling and increased accessibility to include all actors in the value chain to estimate impacts from chemicals on human health and ecosystems.
• Construction: the need for systemic change, innovation, and private sector engagement was highlighted, noting that long-lasting buildings can create legacy chemical risks if unsafe materials are used. Strong policymaking, industry leadership, and global collaboration -especially in developing countries – are essential for advancing safer construction, with potential for a dedicated GFC implementation programme and closer engagement with the Global ABC.

These exchanges reflect growing interest in using life-cycle approaches to support implementation of the GFC through quantitative approaches like chemical footprinting.

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 11 September 2025, from 13:00 to 14:30. This event is open to all members of the Initiative, who are invited to save the date in their calendars. Those attending LCM 2025 are encouraged to join in person, while others can participate online. More information including a link to the registration form for the General Assembly will be sent to members of the Initiative separately.

Remember: membership in the Life Cycle Initiative is open year-round: you can complete the online application form at any time to join the Initiative.

This year, the election of three new representatives to the Steering Committee of the Life Cycle Initiative is going to take place a week after the General Assembly in September. According to our governance rules, one seat from each constituency (government, business, science & civil society) rotates annually. This year, since the General Assembly will take place in hybrid mode, the election will kick-off remotely in the week immediately following the close of the General Assembly. The applicants will have an opportunity to send their application, along with a short, recorded video.

This year, institutional members from the following regions are eligible for election to the Steering Committee:

• Government: Africa, North America, West Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean
• Business: Asia/Pacific, North America, West Asia, Africa
• Science & Civil Society: Africa, West Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean

Institutional members with experience in life cycle themes who are based in the regions noted above and are interested in being a candidate in the Steering Committee election are encouraged to apply. We will send more information to members of the Initiative, including election details about and a link to the online candidacy applications.

Policy Dialogue on Life Cycle Approaches

On 14 May, the Life Cycle Initiative held a meeting with government representatives to discuss the role of life-cycle approaches in policy. A brief review of LCA in policy was shared, followed by discussions on how LCA can support science-based policy decision-making. The session also covered UNEP’s Medium-Term Strategy (MTS), updates on the Global LCA Platform, and the Life Cycle Initiative’s A policymakers’ guide to LCA. Participants supported further integration of LCA into national policies and UNEA-7 outcomes, emphasizing the need for reliable data, clear guidance, and connections to procurement, trade, and emissions.

UNEP Highlights Role of LCA and Data Openness at China Carbon Neutral Expo

On 05 June, UNEP’s Associate Officer in China, Ms. Sinjia Liu, delivered a keynote presentation at the China Carbon Neutral Expo, titled International Carbon Footprint Data Openness and Mutual Recognition. The presentation underlined how Life Cycle Assessment is increasingly informing climate- and trade-related policies, including mechanisms such as the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). UNEP highlighted the Global LCA Data Access platform as a practical tool supporting transparent, science-based, and interoperable data sharing across borders.

Connecting HiQLCD datasets to GLAD

As part of ongoing efforts to enhance global life cycle assessment (LCA) data infrastructure, the Life Cycle Initiative welcomes the continued integration of China-specific datasets into the Global LCA Data Access (GLAD) network. The High-Quality Life Cycle Database (HiQLCD), developed through collaboration among Chinese government bodies, industry, academia, and other stakeholders, contributes regionally representative inventory data across sectors such as energy, chemicals, metals, construction, transport, and electronics.

Built in alignment with UNEP’s Global Guidance Principles for LCA Databases and ILCD format standards, HiQLCD supports data interoperability and consistency. To date, 6,224 datasets have been made available through GLAD, with plans to expand to approximately 30,000. A sample from the Shanghai Government’s Shanghai Life Cycle Database (SHLCD) has also been submitted for testing, with broader integration anticipated. This progress supports the global availability of transparent, high-quality LCA data to inform decision-making and policy development.

Advancing Circularity in the Indian Textiles sector through the UNEP InTex Programme

On 06 June 2025, an awareness-raising workshop was held under the InTex India project in Karur, with Industry participants from all surrounding textile clusters. The session brought together nearly 100 participants, including small and medium enterprises, local manufacturers, exporters, industry associations, and local government officials. Organized in collaboration with the Centre for Responsible Business, and local actors such as the Karur Textile Manufacturers Exporters Association, Karur Weaving and Knitting Factory Owners’ Association Limited and the Confederation of Indian Industry, the workshop marked a significant step toward building local ownership and deepening understanding of circularity in textiles. The session raised awareness of life-cycle approaches as a powerful quantification tool to guide sustainability choices and highlighted the importance of circular practices as a way to ensure preparedness and competitiveness in the global textile value chain. High on the agenda remains the need to collaborate within and among textiles clusters. The UNEP InTex project, in association with the Ministry of Textiles of India, is establishing a Cluster Knowledge Exchange Mechanism and is facilitating the co-development of a shared sustainability vision for Karur for its transition to circularity.

As part of the InTex India project, beneficiary SMEs in the cluster will receive technical assistance and capacity-building support to calculate their environmental hotspots using LCA and define innovative strategies for product and process optimization.

EU Green Week Partner Webinar: Catalyzing Textile Circularity from Asia to Europe

On June 17, The Life Cycle Initiative participated in the EU Green Week’s partner event “Catalyzing Textile Circularity from Asia to Europe”, engaging with stakeholders such as manufacturers, brands, retailers, textile industry associations, and consultants to advance textile circular economy practices. The webinar focused on the current status of circularity in textiles, the needs and potential in the Asian market and trade with Europe, as well as on different strategies, existing toolkits, best practices and transformative approaches for textile circularity across Asia-Europe supply chains.

As part of the workshop, UNEP programme officer Claudia Giacovelli spoke about how Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a powerful tool to quantify and reduce the environmental impacts of textiles and is key to advance circularity in the textile value chain. Examples from the UNEP InTex project in Africa and India spotlighted how SMEs, with proper guidance, can succeed in assessing their environmental hotspots and in crafting informed strategies for process and products improvements, overall reducing their environmental impacts, and those of the sector.

Accelerating Circularity in the Built Environment: Key Takeaways from WCEF2025

UNEP and partners co-hosted an Accelerator Session during the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) 2025, focusing on how measurement, policy, and practice can jointly advance circularity in the built environment. Held on 15 May, the session opened with a strong message: “We are not just building for today, we are harvesting the future,” setting the tone for a discussion on aligning efforts toward a near-zero emission and resilient sector.

The session featured the launch of two key tools: the Actions Menu for sustainable and circular procurement in construction, and the National Circularity Assessment Framework for Buildings, developed with UNOPS and UN-Habitat. Both tools aim to support evidence-based decision making by integrating life cycle thinking into planning and policy processes. Pilot applications in Senegal and Bangladesh also offered early insights on material flows and reuse potential at national level.

Global case studies on retrofitting, material reuse, and design for circularity were presented, alongside new tools such as WBCSD’s Circularity Transition Indicators and UN-Habitat’s CiCoSa Toolkit for Sub-Saharan Africa. The session underscored that circularity is already taking shape in communities worldwide. Discussions emphasized the importance of adopting a life cycle approach to guide national strategies, support consistent measurement frameworks, and inform decisions that reduce environmental impacts throughout the life cycle of the built environment.

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Latin American Consultation on the Global Framework for Digital Product Information Systems (DPIS)

To support global efforts in advancing the circular economy and life-cycle approaches through digital innovation, the Digitalization for Circular Economy (D4CE) Initiative partners and UNEP are convening a regional consultation with stakeholders from Latin America on 7 July in Brazil.

This in-person consultation will focus on gathering regional perspectives on the development of a Global Framework for Digital Product Information Systems (DPIS), including tools such as Digital Product Passports (DPPs). DPIS play a vital role in increasing transparency across value chains by making information on product life cycles, environmental performance, and recyclability accessible and actionable. DPIS also support mechanisms such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), helping ensure producers are accountable for the end-of-life of their products. The consultation will introduce participants to the proposed structure of the global framework—its core functionalities, technical elements, data categories, and governance considerations.

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Call for feedback on the first “Guidance for applying absolute environmental sustainability assessment on activities at different scales”

Researchers from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), University College London (UCL), and the European Commission Joint Research Centre (EC-JRC) have collaboratively developed the first “Guidance for Applying Absolute Environmental Sustainability Assessment (AESA) on Activities at Different Scales”.

This guidance represents a major step in advancing Absolute Environmental Sustainability Assessment (AESA), integrating the concepts of Planetary Boundaries (and other carrying capacities) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate the environmental burdens of activities against these absolute references.

The beta version of the guidance is available here, and the LCA community is invited to provide feedback, which will be instrumental in refining the guidance, expected to be published in early 2026. The feedback survey is available here and can be completed by 31 October 2025.

Call for Abstracts for S-LCA 2026

Abstract submission for the 10th International Conference on Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA 2026), that will be held in Jakarta, Indonesia, from 17–19 June 2026, is now open. Submissions will be evaluated by a Scientific Committee, and selected authors will be invited to present their work. Under the theme “Unity in Diversity”, the conference invites researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to contribute insights that strengthen the role of Social LCA in addressing global sustainability challenges. Deadline for submissions: 15 October 2025.

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Open-access textbook on Life Cycle Assessment: Celebrating its 10th anniversary

Looking to learn Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) independently and want a structured guide to support your learning journey? Prof. Olivier Jolliet’s team published the textbook Environmental Life Cycle Assessment, now celebrating its 10th anniversary. Three years after its release, the team made it openly accessible to help learners worldwide. The book takes you step by step through each phase of the LCA process.

If you prefer a more visual and interactive approach, you can complement your learning with the corresponding Life Cycle Assessment MOOC (also, open access unless you opt for a certificate). You can read praise by previous participants to make up your mind.

PEFCR Apparel and footwear

The LCA-based Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) method provides a standardized approach to measure and communicate the environmental impacts of products across their life cycle. PEF enables consistent modeling of material flows, emissions, and waste. To ensure comparability and reliability, Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCRs) are developed for specific product groups.

The European Commission recently approved 8 new PEFCRs, marking the conclusion of the environmental footprint transition phase and recognizing the extensive efforts of the Technical Secretariats. These PEFCRs will provide a common, science-based reference supporting the improvement of product footprint assessments across different sectors such as synthetic turf, apparel and footwear, dairy, beer, marine fish for human consumption, pet food, feed for food producing animals or cut flowers and potted plants.

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Calculating marine impacts of materials shedding in LCA

In the context of the recently approved EU’s Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCR) for Apparel and Footwear, assessing fibre shedding and its impact on the marine environment is now mandatory when communicating PEF study results. Calculations rely on data from The Microfibre Consortium and are further refined using marine impact factors developed by MarILCA (Marine Impacts in LCA). Started as a project of the UNEP Life Cycle Initiative and integral part of the Global LCA Impact Assessment Method (GLAM), MariLCA allows integrating potential environmental impacts of marine litter, especially plastic, in Life Cycle Assessment results, with the goal of creating a more comprehensive picture of potential environmental impacts, for the moment to marine biota, and identifying trade-offs associated with the use of plastic and other materials in a product system.

The current version of the microfibre (and microplastics) impact assessment, just published in the Journal of Cleaner Production, already includes impacts in the water and sediments species of the marine environment and updates are already on the way to cover other relevant environmental compartments like freshwater, air and land and various other improvements.

AWARE 2.0 Launches with Enhanced Water Scarcity Assessment

AWARE2.0, the updated version of the AWARE method for assessing water scarcity impacts in Life Cycle Assessment, has now launched! This refined version of the AWARE model maintains the original output while delivering more precise water scarcity footprint assessments.

AWARE2.0 introduces several improvements, including refined calculations for river deltas, inland sinks, and subdivided river basins, a better representation of basin areas, increased responsiveness of environmental water requirements to seasonal flow patterns, and a more appropriate water consumption definition. AWARE2.0 uses a 30-year dataset for up-to-date water availability, relies on WaterGAP2.2e for more reliable results, and incorporates technical refinements on environmental flow curves and realistic basin areas.

More information about the updated AWARE2.0 model can be found here, and more information about the Water Use in Life Cycle Assessment (WULCA) working group can be found here.

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.

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

9-12 September 2025 • Palermo, Italy

LCM 2025 Conference will be 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.

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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.

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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.

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UL Solutions – Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Practitioner
UL Solutions is seeking a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Practitioner to support UL Solutions LCA services. The practitioner will help advance customer product or system environmental impacts and develop full LCAs, including data management, comparative analytics, reporting, third party reviews and/or reduction strategies, support LCA modeling development and client project management for LCA services. This exciting opportunity offers the chance to contribute to UL Solutions expanding LCA services team and services, perform client facing work and scale solutions to help customers evaluate and reduce their environmental impact.

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UL Solutions – Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Practitioner
UL Solutions is looking for a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Practitioner to support UL Solutions LCA services and join their growing team. The practitioner will work with global clients to assess and improve the environmental performance of their products and systems by conducting full LCAs in line with ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 standards, modelling environmental impacts, developing reports, supporting third-party reviews, recommending reduction strategies, collaborating with clients to understand their goals and the LCA process, and managing projects independently, ensuring quality, timeliness, and profitability.

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Joint Research Centre (JRC) – Project Officer – Harmonisation of Carbon Accounting Methodologies
The EU Joint Research Centre (JRC) is seeking an expert in carbon accounting methodologies with a strong background in modelling to strengthen their industrial decarbonisation team. As part of the Clean Industrial Deal, the Commission is looking to harmonise EU carbon accounting methodologies, and the JRC is looking for an expert who can help develop analytical models to estimate GHG emissions in energy-intensive industries, in line with the requirements of the EU ETS and CBAM. Deadline: 30 August 2025.

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UNEP – Digitalization and Sustainability Specialist
UNEP is seeking a Digitalization and Sustainability Specialist to advance the Consumer Information Programme’s efforts in digital innovation for product sustainability by developing the Global Framework for Digital Product Information Systems (DPIS). This 12-month role, starting 1 September 2025, involves drafting and revising the DPIS framework, providing technical oversight for pilot projects on DPIS, facilitating stakeholder consultations, and coordinating with internal and external partners on topics like EPR and chemicals. Candidates need a postgraduate degree and at least five years of experience in circular economy, digital technologies, or sustainable development.

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Unilever – Sustainability Science Leader – LCA
Unilever is seeking a Sustainability Science Leader to join a team of experts in our Safety, Environmental and Regulatory Science (SERS). This is an exciting opportunity for anyone wishing to use their scientific expertise to make a significant positive impact, whilst working in a supportive, team-based environment. This is a science role requiring deep technical knowledge in life cycle assessment (LCA) and related approaches and will be focused on developing science strategy and partnerships as well as, conducting collaborative research to help advance life cycle assessment and related approaches.

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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!