Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), also referred to as life cycle analysis or (product) environmental footprinting, is a systematic, science-based method for evaluating the environmental impacts associated with all stages of a (food) product’s life cycle – from raw material extraction through production, processing, distribution, use, and end-of-life. LCA evaluates multiple environmental indicators. In addition to the widely known carbon footprint (climate change), it also considers impact categories such as water use, land use, eutrophication, and resource depletion.
By offering detailed insight into a product’s environmental footprint, LCA enables companies to identify where impacts occur along the life cycle (hotspots) and how they can be effectively reduced.
How can LCA insights be used?
Life cycle assessments provide valuable insights into the environmental footprint of your (food) product, which can be used in many ways:
- Hotspot analysis: identifies which life cycle stages or processes contribute most to the overall impact
- Sustainability strategies: LCA results can serve as input for sustainability strategies, to define sustainability targets and monitor progress.
- Comparisons: Assess how your product performs in comparison to other products.
- Sustainability communication and reporting: LCAs can be used to substantiate external claims, and can serve as input for ecolabels, ESG disclosures (e.g. scope 3 emission aaccounting) and other marketing and communication purposes
- Scenario modelling: evaluate the impact of changes in sourcing, packaging, or formulation to inform product development
- B2B communication: Share footprint data with supply chain partners, customers, or investors.
- Support for Funding Applications: Provide evidence of environmental impact reduction when applying for sustainability-related subsidies or grants.
Beyond carbon footprint: understanding LCA impact categories
An LCA looks further than just the carbon footprint (in this article you can read more on the difference between two methods), and considers a holistic and complete set of environmental indicators, referred to as impact categories, that provide a complete overview of a product’s environmental impact. Most commonly considered impact categories include:
LCA impact categories
- Climate change/ carbon footprint (GHG emissions, expressed as CO2-equivalents)
- Land use
- Water use
- Eutrophication
- Acidification
- Particulate matter formation
- Human toxicity and ecotoxicity
- Resource depletion (minerals and fossil fuels)
- Ozone depletion
- Photochemical oxidant formation
- Ionizing radiation
LCA uses different impact assessment methodologies to translate inventory data (e.g. energy use, emissions) into environmental impacts as listed above. Commonly used methods include ReCiPe and the Environmental Footprint (EF) method developed by the European Commission. Each methodology applies different models, indicators, and units. For example, water use in ReCiPe is typically expressed as the volume of water consumed, whereas in the EF method, it’s adjusted for local water scarcity.
How to make sense of all these impact categories? Usually we just have a look at he most relevant impact categories. For food products, impact indicators like ionizing radiation or ozone depletion are usually of less relevance. The PEF (Product Environmental Footprint) framework provides useful guidance on the most relevant impact categories for different product groups, including food.
Another way to simplify interpretation is by using methods that aggregate multiple impact categories. The EF single score for example, uses normalization and weighting to combine all impact categories into one weighted value. The ReCiPe Endpoint Indicators link midpoints (e.g. GHG emissions, water use) to their longer-term effects on human health, ecosystems, and resource availability. Also monetization approaches, such as external costing, express al environmental impacts in terms of euros or dollars.
Even though less common, life cyce assessments can also be used to identify social impacts throughout the product’s life cycle, through a method called “social LCA”.
How is a life cycle assessment performed?
LCA follows a standardised methodology as set out in ISO 14040 and ISO 14044, structured into four interrelated phases:
Goal and Scope Definition
This phase defines the purpose of the study, the intended audience, system boundaries (e.g., cradle-to-gate or cradle-to-grave), functional unit (e.g. 1kg or one serving size of product), impact categories, and methodological assumptions (e.g., allocation rules, cut-off criteria).
Life Cycle Inventory (LCI)
Data is collected on all relevant inputs and outputs – such as energy use, water consumption, emissions, and waste – across each life cycle stage. Primary data is typically collected from the client’s operations, complemented by secondary data from established databases (e.g., ecoinvent, Agri-footprint).
Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA)
The inventory data are translated into environmental impacts using characterisation models. This step often uses mid-point indicators aligned with for example ReCiPe or EF methodologies, and may be expanded with normalisation and weighting for interpretation. Specialised LCA software is used to do the modelling.
Interpretation
Results are critically evaluated to identify key contributors (hotspots), assess data quality and uncertainty, and formulate conclusions and improvement opportunities aligned with the defined goal. Results can be communicated in the form of reports, visual summaries, presentations or tools.
Depending on the intended application, additional steps such as sensitivity analysis, uncertainty analysis, or third-party review may be included.
For a more practical overview of what to expect when conducting a life cycle assessment and how the process looks like, you can read this article. Interested in the environmental footprint and hotspots of food products, have a look at this article!
LCA standards and guidelines
LCA methodology is governed by internationally recognised standards that ensure scientific robustness, consistency, and credibility. The foundational framework is set by the ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 standards, which define the principles, requirements, and procedures for conducting and reporting LCA studies. These standards are widely accepted across industries and serve as the basis for comparability and third-party verification.
For applications within the European context, the EU Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) initiative offers a harmonised methodology for environmental footprinting, including product-specific Category Rules (PEFCRs) that ensure consistent modelling and interpretation across product groups.
Other relevant frameworks include, amongst others, the GHG Protocol Scope 3 Standard (relevant when aligning LCA with corporate carbon accounting), and the Social LCA Guidelines by UNEP/SETAC (when assessing social impacts).
Adhering to these standards enhances transparency and credibility, particularly when results are used for external claims, environmental labelling or potential regulatory compliance.
Interested in starting a life cycle assessment?
A life cycle assessment (LCA) provides a robust, science-based approach to measure environmental effects, identify hotspots, and guide sustainability strategies. Whether you’re working on internal improvements, communication, or reporting – we’re here to support you.
At Foodprintsight, we offer tailored LCA services – from quick carbon scans to full ISO-compliant studies, adjusted to your needs and budget.
Get in touch to explore how we can help, or have a look at our services to learn more.
