Life cycle assessment
Meaning
What is a life cycle assessment?
A branded article is a product that is sold under a clearly defined manufacturer’s brand and is characterized by an independent identity, consistent quality and a high recognition value. In contrast to private labels, branded products focus on the manufacturer’s brand.
In the food industry, branded products cover all product categories – from drinks and snacks to frozen and dairy products. They are often emotionally charged, heavily advertised and established in the market over the long term. Branded products stand for trust, orientation and brand promise.
Why life cycle assessments are relevant for food brands
Food brands are under increasing pressure to present their environmental impact transparently and implement credible sustainability measures. A sound life cycle assessment creates a reliable basis for this.
The most important advantages:
- Fact-based decisions: Comparison of different packaging solutions
- Reduction of the CO₂ footprint: identification of hotspots
- Credible communication: avoiding greenwashing
- Support for regulatory requirements
Life cycle assessments help to manage sustainability strategically instead of just optimizing it selectively.
Best practices for packaging & brand strategy
Integrating life cycle assessment into development processes at an early stage
When selecting materials and packaging concepts, the environmental impact should already be examined. In this way, later corrections can be avoided and more sustainable solutions can be developed in a targeted manner.
This is where sustainability strategy, packaging development and material consulting come together.
Communicating results clearly
Life cycle assessments are complex. The most important findings should be translated into simple messages for consumers – for example through CO₂ information, pictograms or brief explanations on the packaging or online.
You can find inspiration for transparent sustainability communication in the MILK. cases:
