LCA Certifications: A Sustainability Guide

Team Untrash

June 3, 2025

3 Min Read

In today’s world, businesses are increasingly expected to operate in environmentally responsible ways. One way they meet these expectations is by performing a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). But what exactly is LCA, and why is it important?

What is LCA?

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a scientific method used to evaluate the environmental impact of a product or process throughout its lifecycle. This includes:

Raw material extraction

Production and manufacturing

Transportation and distribution

Use by consumers

End-of-life disposal or recycling

By analyzing each stage, companies can identify areas where they can reduce emissions, minimize waste, or improve resource efficiency.

Why Do Companies Need LCA?

1. Global Recognition: Certifications based on LCA help companies gain credibility in global markets, essential for exporting products.
2. Regulatory Compliance: Some international markets require environmental certifications before products are allowed entry.
3. Cost Savings: Identifying inefficiencies in energy and material usage reduces operational costs.
4. Consumer Trust: Transparent sustainability practices enhance brand reputation and build trust among eco-conscious consumers. 

Key LCA Certifications and Their Benefits

1. ISO 14040: Principles and Framework

• Focus: Establishes the foundational steps for conducting LCA.
• Benefits: Helps companies analyze inputs and outputs, evaluate environmental impacts, and create consistent reports.
• Providers: TÜV SÜD, DQS, BSI Group

2. ISO 14044: Requirements and Guidelines

• Focus: Offers detailed technical guidance for reliable LCA execution.
• Benefits: Ensures accurate impact assessments and credible results.
• Providers: SGS, Bureau Veritas, DNV

3. ISO 14067: Carbon Footprint of Products

• Focus: Measures greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for specific products.
• Benefits: Enables companies to quantify emissions and improve processes.
• Providers: TÜV Rheinland, Intertek, Carbon Trust

4. PAS 2050: GHG Allocation in Shared Processes

• Focus: Guides emissions allocation in systems with multiple outputs.
• Benefits: Encourages fair allocation, whether based on economic value or physical properties.
• Providers: BSI Group, TÜV SÜD

5. Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)

• Focus: Third-party verified documents outlining a product’s lifecycle impact.
• Benefits: Boosts transparency by showing detailed metrics like carbon footprint and energy use.
• Providers: IBU, GICIA, UL Environment

6. Cradle to Cradle Certified®

• Focus: Encourages circular product design for reuse or safe disposal.
• Benefits: Evaluates products on sustainability, from material health to water stewardship.
• Providers: Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute

7. EU Ecolabel

• Focus: Certifies products meeting high environmental standards for the European market.
• Benefits: Increases product credibility and appeals to EU consumers.
• Providers: National Competent Bodies in EU member states. 

Tips for Indian Companies Exploring LCA

• Indian companies aiming to expand globally should prioritize LCA certifications to meet international standards and increase market appeal.
• Start with ISO 14040/44 for a strong foundational framework, then consider ISO 14067 or EPDs for product-specific assessments.
• Collaborate with reliable certification providers like TÜV SÜD or SGS to ensure compliance and credible assessments.
• Adopting LCA practices not only aligns with global sustainability trends but also opens up opportunities for partnerships and increased consumer trust.

How can Untrash help?

Untrash can be a trusted partner for companies looking to achieve LCA certifications. By providing precise LCA Analytics for products, including carbon footprint, solid waste, and water usage, Untrash simplifies the complex process of life cycle assessment. Our tools deliver actionable insights that not only help meet certification standards but also enable companies to communicate their sustainability efforts transparently.

Conclusion

LCA certifications empower businesses to measure, improve, and communicate their sustainability efforts. By adopting these certifications, companies not only gain global recognition but also contribute to a greener future. Whether you’re starting locally or aiming for international markets, incorporating LCA is a critical step toward environmental responsibility and long-term success.

What is Untrash?

If reading this article about global LCA Certification has made you interested in understanding more about it, that means you care about Sustainability as a business. Untrash enables new-age brands to accurately measure, manage, and highlight the environmental footprint of their organization & products, providing a clear and authentic story of sustainability to consumers and stakeholders with transparency. Book a demo here to learn more about Untrash.