Cradle-to-Grave in LCA: What Is It & How Does It Work?

Cradle to grave in LCA

The term “Cradle to Grave” is completely intertwined with the scientific method Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). LCA is thé scientific method to measure all environmental impacts of a product. Cradle-to-grave is one of several “life cycle models” you can choose in your measurements – and determines the scope of insights you gain from your LCA.  […]

Cradle-to-Cradle in LCA: What Is It & How Does It Work?

Ecochain: cradle to cradle in LCA-definition

Cradle-to-cradle or cradle to cradle, does not let old products go to waste. Instead, a product’s materials and components are repurposed or recycled. This keeps materials “in the economic loop” and saves energy during production. Win-win. The “circular economy” received increasing international attention since 2010. Its main purpose: revolutionize how materials are used in our […]

Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) – 2024 Overview

Sustainable products

What is the Ecodesign Directive? The European Ecodesign Directive (Directive 2009/125/EC) sets ecological standards for the design of specific product groups in the member states of the European Union. It works alongside its “sister directive,” the Energy Labeling Regulation, which governs the energy labeling of such products—commonly seen on appliances like fridges and washing machines. […]

Here’s how Orbia Building & Infrastructure (Wavin) created 13.000 environmental footprints

In this case study you’ll find: Why readily available environmental information confers a competitive edge to construction-related producers. How Ecochain Helix enables large-scale producers to conduct and verify product-LCAs in bulk. The difference between EPDs and environmental profiles – and how the latter communicates LCA results effectively and cheaply. Why and how Wavin created 39 […]

10 Common LCA Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Like anything data-related, life cycle assessment (LCA) results are susceptible to mistakes or oversights along the way. Bewaring common mistakes and self-assessing your performance can save you money on professional reviews, and increases your hands-on LCA knowledge! To get a reliable and accurate LCA, in this article, you’ll learn about the most common mistakes (such […]

Maximizing the Power of Plant-based Cheese: Willicroft’s Journey from Assumptions to Effective Climate Action

In this case study you’ll find: How user-friendly LCA software Mobius elevated environmental insights by consolidating all data on a single platform – and shook up Willicroft’s assumptions about the environmental impact of their products.Sustainable product design in practice – replacing an impactful former main ingredient.Willicroft’s stance on food labeling, carbon taxation, and balancing environmental […]

Why a life cycle assessment is essential for sustainable product design

How a life cycle assessment is important for sustainable product design

Without knowing your company or product’s environmental impact, it’s almost impossible to know where to begin and what changes you need to make. This is why a life cycle assessment (LCA) is a critical starting point for sustainable product design. There’s an urgency for action as climate change has become a global crisis, and the time […]

EU law will ban ‘climate-neutral’ claims by 2026

False product claims such as “eco friendly”, “carbon neutral” and “biodegradable” could be a thing of the past. The EU is moving ahead with plans to eradicate greenwashing, which is the use of misleading green labeling claims and ads. The plan The EU Parliament and Council have reached a provisional agreement on new rules to […]

Sustainability in Product Design: How To Improve Today

We all know it – consumption is ruining our planet. Therefore, it’s vital to make the products we need more sustainable. Luckily, choosing “greener” raw materials only scratches the surface of what Sustainable Product Design can do – how about enhancing the durability and repairability of your products, or leveraging sustainable consumer behavior with your […]

How to Verify Your LCA Results

LCA verification & critical review - Ecochain

How do you know you can trust someone’s LCA results? Well, LCA is a scientific method. And, akin to peer review in science, when verifying an LCA, independent experts give their “approval stamp”. Here, you’ll learn about the different protocols for verification and how to get your LCA verified. Verification confirms: The LCA complies with […]