In this article, we will use the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) framework to spotlight environmental, economic and social dimensions for companies to consider at each life-cycle stage. We will demonstrate how activities can positively impact SDGs or at least minimise negative impacts, and examine how personal care companies are integrating sustainability into everyday operations and across functions.
It is important to note that this is not a full LCA, as such examinations are typically conducted on individual products in a more comprehensive manner. However, we find the LCA a useful framework to explain how different life-cycle phases may impact sustainability, to show how actions can reverberate throughout the life-cycle, and to demonstrate that when efforts coalesce, sustainability can strengthen competitiveness, protect the environment, and lead to a better quality of life for all.
Design
Over the last 50 years, demand for water has