Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Basics

How do you measure how "eco-friendly" a product is? The answer is the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method. LCA is the scientific basis behind the carbon and environmental-impact data in the Digital Product Passport.

What is LCA?

LCA is a standard method (ISO 14040/14044) for quantitatively evaluating a product's environmental impacts across its entire life cycle. With a "cradle-to-grave" approach it covers these stages:

1. Raw-material extraction
2. Manufacturing
3. Distribution and logistics
4. Use
5. End of life (recycling/disposal)

What is measured?

LCA measures not only carbon but multiple impact categories: greenhouse-gas emissions, water use, eutrophication, resource depletion and more. In the EU context, the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) methodology is often the reference.

The LCA–DPP relationship

The passport is a showcase that carries the result of an LCA. A product's carbon-footprint figure means nothing without a credible LCA study behind it. Likewise, circularity improvements (more recycled content, less waste) directly improve LCA results.

Boundary choice is critical

The most important decision in LCA is the "system boundary": cradle-to-gate or cradle-to-grave? Different boundaries produce different numbers, so the passport must clearly state which boundary was used. This transparency is part of verification and trust.

For exporters

LCA can look complex, but most manufacturers already keep the basic data (energy, materials, waste). The first step is structuring that data. To focus on the carbon side, move on to carbon footprint and the DPP.

Frequently asked questions