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Weaving a Sustainable Future: InTex Project Empowers African Textile Sector with life-cycle knowledge

The textile industry is growingly under pressure to embrace sustainability and shift to circular models. In Africa, the EU-funded UNEP InTex project  has been instrumental in driving this transformation. Concluding its first phase in December 2024, the InTex project empowered textiles SMEs and technical organizations in Kenya, South Africa, and Tunisia to adopt life-cycle thinking and circular practices.

A success story comes from Kenya, where Moi University, the second public University of the country, is now looking at becoming a Centre of Excellence on LCA for Kenya and East Africa, providing trainings not only to companies but also to other stakeholders of the textiles value chain. Through InTex and UNEP experts, the university built its LCA expertise and helped Kenyan SMEs in developing strategies to lower the environmental footprint of their textile products. This helped foster strong industry-academia partnerships and boosted the skills of staff in Moi.

The project also helped Moi University in fostering partnerships with institutions across the Global South. Prof Josphat Igadwa says “Thanks to a connection established during the InTex Project, with a supplier of banana fibers, Moi University joined a consortium of organizations (universities and private sector) from Kenya, Uganda and Pakistan and secured funding from SMEP, another UN funded project, to test the production of spinnable fibers from banana stems, as an alternative material for textiles”, showcasing the potential of local, sustainable resources and the value of partnerships. InTex’s success in Kenya demonstrates how capacity building and knowledge sharing empower local actors to drive sustainable development in the textile sector. Read the full interview here.

The InTex project achievements across Africa highlight the advantages of using LCA as a method to drive sustainable production choices for a competitive textile industry. Read more about InTex success stories also in South Africa and Tunisia.

Exploring the Use of Artificial Intelligence in LCA and its Ethical Implications: Share Your Insights!

The Life Cycle Initiative’s Generative AI in LCA working group is conducting a survey to understand how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being used within the LCA community, and to identify any perceived ethical risks associated with its application. We are seeking input from all LCA stakeholders, including practitioners, LCI database developers, LCIA method developers, software developers, researchers, and decision-makers who utilize LCA results.

This anonymous survey will take approximately 7 minutes to complete. The deadline for participation is March 24th, 2025. Your contribution will help shape our understanding of AI’s role in advancing (and potentially challenging) life cycle assessment.

For any questions, please contact laure-2.patouillard@polymtl.ca

Life Cycle Assessment Policy Guide Now Available in Spanish!

We are delighted to announce that our “Policymakers’ Guide to Life Cycle Assessment – Policy Brief” is now available in Spanish, making this valuable resource accessible to Spanish-speaking policymakers and practitioners worldwide. This guide provides recommendations for policymakers to identify robust, science-based LCAs that adhere to standards, have aligned goals and comprehensive scope, undergo critical review, and ensure transparency. Thanks to funding from the European Union, the guide is also being presented and discussed with various governments around the world that want to improve the use of LCA in their policymaking; if your government is interested in this, please get in touch with info@lifecycleinitiative.org.

Stay tuned! We are currently working on making the guide available in additional languages to serve our global community better. Watch for updates in our upcoming newsletters about new language versions.

Access the Spanish and English guide here!

Call for Proposals for Implementing Partners for the InTex Indonesia Project: Accelerating circularity in Indonesian textile sector

UNEP is implementing the InTex Indonesia project to promote the shift to circular textile value chains in Indonesia. This includes enhancing knowledge and technical capacity of government and businesses (mainly SMEs) in Indonesia on life cycle thinking and circular business model. The InTex Indonesia project is part of the UNEP Textile Initiative and is funded by the government of Denmark. The project builds on the experiences and network of the InTex projects that have been implemented in Kenya, South Africa and Tunisia and currently in India. InTex Indonesia will be implemented during three years in Indonesia. This call for proposals serves to identify the Indonesian-based organizations, who will be engaged in the project as national implementing partners/technical intermediaries.

Read more details and apply to become an implementing partner in Indonesia here. Deadline for applications: 14 April 2025.

Saying Goodbye to our wonderful interns: Jie and Tamino

As we reach the end of their internship period, we must bid farewell to Jie Dai and Tamino Köhne, whose contributions have enriched the Life Cycle Initiative throughout their time with us.

We are grateful for their dedication, fresh perspectives, and efforts across our various projects and activities.

As they prepare to take their next steps forward, we send them off with our warmest wishes.

Enhancing Data Interoperability: GLAD’s New Conversion Tool

The GLAD platform now features the Lavoisier conversion framework, which offers robust and up-to-date conversion between ILCD and EcoSpold 2 inventory formats. Users can customize conversions with advanced options and leverage the latest mapping tables from GLAD’s ongoing elementary flow harmonization efforts. By adding this functionality, GLAD’s directory takes a leap towards data interoperability and seamless data exchange. The Lavoisier conversion framework has been developed by the Federal University of Technology – Paraná (UTFPR) and the Brazilian Institute of Information in Science and Technology (IBICT), under the UNEP InTex Project.

We encourage practitioners to explore this new functionality on the GLAD platform and share their experiences with us.

UNEP at Bharat Tex 2025

Bharat Tex 2025, held in New Delhi from 14–17 February, is a global textiles event organized by a consortium of Textile Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) with support from the Ministry of Textiles of India.  UNEP actively contributed to the event, within the framework of the InTex India project, by hosting a Masterclass on Systems Thinking and Life-Cycle Approaches for the industry, facilitated by Claudia Giacovelli, UNEP Programme Management Officer and Zubeida Zwavel, Founder-Director, CARES South Africa. UNEP participated in multiple panel discussions, focused on LCA in jute and other natural fibers, sustainability in the handloom sector, and knowledge exchange between textile clusters on existing sustainability and circularity initiatives. The UN work in India, including the InTex India project, was showcased at the One UN Pavilion at Bharat Tex. The executive summary of the Sustainable Fashion Communication Playbook was also launched in Hindi to make sustainability communication more accessible and impactful in the Indian context.  A meeting with India’s Minister of Textiles also reaffirmed UNEP’s partnership with India and the joint commitment to shifting the textiles sector towards circular practices.

Training of trainers on Product Environmental Footprint (PEF)

On 13 February 2025, a Training of Trainers session on LCA and LCA-based approaches such as the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) was conducted in New Delhi under the InTex India project. Facilitated by Claudia Giacovelli (UNEP) and Zubeida Zwavel (CARES South Africa), the training reaffirmed the importance of South-South cooperation. The trainers shared insights, examples and learnings from how textiles SMEs and countries are adopting LCAs for business decisions. Participants included project partners from the Center for Responsible Business and the Center for Environment Education. As part of the project, these two organizations will support SMEs in Surat and Karur textile clusters in assessing and mitigating environmental impacts in their production processes. Life-cycle approaches, such as PEF, provide a standardized framework for evaluating the environmental footprint of products across their life cycle, enabling informed sustainability decisions.

The Materials Hub Showcases Whole Life-Cycle Approach at Dresden Nexus Conference

 The Global ABC’s Materials Hub co-led by the Life Cycle Initiative and the Green Buildings Council of Costa Rica will be featured at the Dresden Nexus Conference (DNC 2025), hosted by UNU-FLORES from April 8th to 10th, 2025, in Dresden, Germany. This session, scheduled for April 9th, offers a great platform to present the Hub’s work to a specialized audience engaged in integrated environmental resource management.

Key highlights will include launch of the Sustainable Public Procurement Flagship Initiative Launch by the OPN, and to present its menu of actions, that are heavily based on life cycle knowledge. Additionally, the session will see the launch of the new bio-based materials compendium, a significant output of the Hub’s work. Further, the session will showcase case studies that illustrate the application of the 10 whole life cycle recommendations for the Buildings Breakthrough. The Hub’s contribution aligns with UNU-Flores’s increasing focus on resource management, and in particular building materials, offering opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange.

IOMC event on “Economic and Industry Sector Engagement and Action to Implement the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC)”

At the fifth International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5), held in September 2023 in Bonn, Germany, delegates from around the world representing governments, industry and civil society adopted a new “Global Framework on Chemicals: For a Planet Free of Harm from Chemicals and Waste” (GFC). The GFC includes 5 Strategic Objectives and 28 Targets, many of which require life-cycle approaches applied to economic and industry sectors along value chains.

In response to a call from ICCM5 to develop an Implementation Programme to engage economic and industry sectors, the Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC) organized a global, multi-stakeholder workshop in Paris, France from Monday 24 – Wednesday 26 February 2025. The Life Cycle Initiative participated with Prof. Peter Fantke to raise awareness of life-cycle methods such as USEtox and their relevance in metrics requested by the GFC targets, such as the chemical footprint approach mentioned in its target D6.

Follow-up discussions to promote further consideration of life-cycle approaches in the overall context of the Global Framework on Chemicals are being planned for the first meeting of the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) to be held in June 2025 in Uruguay (see next article below).

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, 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, once available, visit unep.org/global-framework-chemicals.

Sustainable Menstrual Products: Making a Difference

A recent BBC Future article, “Pads, pants or cups: Which period product is the most climate-friendly?“, highlights the environmental benefits of reusable menstrual products, particularly menstrual cups. The article draws upon LCA research, echoing findings from a Life Cycle Initiative-supported metanalysis that demonstrates the significantly lower impact of cups compared to disposable options. While cups offer a clear environmental advantage, the article also acknowledges the importance of context, including cultural preferences and access. The Life Cycle Initiative encourages informed choices, recognizing that even small shifts towards reusability can substantially reduce the environmental footprint of menstrual products.

Explore the Environmental Footprint (EF) Methods

The Environmental Footprint (EF) methods developed by the European Commission provide meticulous guidelines for calculating the life cycle environmental impacts of products and organisations.

If you’re interested in learning more, check out the new website !
You’ll find everything EF-related, including information on Product Environmental Footprint Category Rues (PEFCRs) for specific products .

Don’t miss the Learning Materials with a series of webinars and videos to help you start on your EF journey!

Contribute to shaping UNEP’s Global Environmental Data Strategy (GEDS)

As we continue advancing environmental data systems worldwide, we’re excited to invite you to contribute to shaping UNEP’s Global Environmental Data Strategy (GEDS). Mandated by UNEA resolution 4/23 and the Ministerial Declaration, GEDS aims to establish a comprehensive framework for data-driven environmental action. To shape this strategy, UNEP is engaging stakeholders from governments, academia, civil society, the private sector, and other UN agencies to foster collective reflection and input. The consultation focuses on five key pillars: data governance, data quality and provenance, interoperability, inclusive access, and capacity building. Insights from this process will inform a strategy document with recommendations for Environment Ministers ahead of the next UN Environment Assembly.

We would greatly value your expertise and input to this online survey by 21 March 2025. Feel free to share the link to the survey with relevant stakeholders.

Public Review Open for UNECE Recommendation on Supply Chain Transparency at scale

Product sustainability claims and corporate sustainability disclosures form the basis for evaluation of progress against sustainability targets. Recommendation No. 49 has emerged in response to an increasing demand for policy action to enhance the trustworthiness, accuracy, and verifiable integrity of such claims and disclosures. Its development was mandated by member States to contribute to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (ECE)’s cross-cutting objectives focusing on advancing the circular and digital transformations for sustainable development.

Consult all the documentation relevant for the public consultation and the Recommendation itself here. Contributions are welcome using the official submission channel until 23 March 2025.

Materials Hub webinar for the LAC Region (in Spanish)

27 March 2025 • 10:00 – 11:30 (GMT-5) Panama time (Online)

Under the leadership of the GlobalABC Materials Hub, and in collaboration with the Life Cycle Initiative and the UNEP Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, a webinar is being organized to explore how global collaboration and circular, sustainable public procurement can accelerate the transition to resilient and near-zero emission buildings (NZERBs). The session will present updates from the GlobalABC Materials Hub working groups, as well as key tools such as the National Circularity Assessment Framework for Buildings and the 10 Whole Life Cycle Recommendations for the Buildings Breakthrough initiative. Additionally, we will facilitate a regional dialogue to identify challenges, local needs, and concrete solutions to drive the transformation of the built environment in Latin America and the Caribbean.

More information

CIRP Conference on Life Cycle Engineering

7-9 April 2025 • Manchester, UK

CIRP is organising the 32nd CIRP Conference on Life Cycle Engineering (CIRP LCE 2025), to be held in Manchester,  United Kingdom, from 7th to 9th April 2025. The conference website will be regularly updated to provide you with the latest information.

More information

XI International Conference on Life Cycle Assessment in Latin America – CILCA

7-11 April 2025 • Mexico City, Mexico

CILCA 2025 aims to showcase methodological advancements, discussions, success stories, and technological innovations supporting the life cycle approach as the scientific foundation of the circular economy. Abstract submissions on the theme “Life Cycle Assessment as the basis of the circular economy: production, consumption, and more sustainable societies” are welcomed.

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Llorenç Milà i Canals, Head of the Life Cycle Initiative, will deliver a plenary lecture (Conferencia Magistral) as keynote speaker on April 8th, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM.

More information

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)

Join this dynamic accelerator session to explore three key internationally recognized policy recommendations for circularity in the built environment, developed through a consensus-driven process under the GlobalABC Materials Hub (hosted by UNEP and co-lead with the One Planet Network and the Life Cycle Initiative). We will discuss the need for a baseline to mainstream circularity, the importance of measuring circularity at national and building levels and showcase practical tools for assessment. The session will also feature global case studies, illustrating how the 10 Whole Life Cycle Recommendations for the Buildings Breakthrough are being implemented to drive real-world circularity transformations. Don’t miss this opportunity to shape the future of sustainable buildings!are being implemented to drive real-world circularity transformations. Don’t miss this opportunity to shape the future of sustainable buildings!

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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.

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

9-12 September 2025 • Palermo, Italy

We invite industry professionals, policy makers and researchers to submit proposals for engaging and informative sessions that explore the conference theme: From Global to Local – Methods, Tools and Best Practices for an Efficient and Effective Sustainable Transition.

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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 DTU 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 and welcomes abstract submissions on science-based targets and cross-sectoral sustainability challenges until April 1^st, 2025.

More information

Horizon Europe project ENKORE seeks a PhD researcher to develop Material Flow Analysis and Risk Assessment models for sustainable healthcare products. Master’s degree in industrial ecology, safety science, or related fields required. Joint PhD degree opportunity from both institutions.

Interested in this position?
Please contact Dr. Marco Cinelli (m.cinelli@luc.leidenuniv.nl)

Quantis – Branch Lead Footprinting

Quantis seeks an experienced Branch Lead for their Footprinting/LCA team in Germany. The role involves leading a team of 4, steering solutions development, and managing knowledge in LCA projects. The ideal candidate will have 10+ years of experience, strong scientific background in LCA, and proven leadership skills.

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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