If a product is to be assessed holistically in terms of its impact on nature and mankind, it is important to consider its complete life cycle. By means of the so-called Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), all effects from the sourcing of raw materials to the disposal are considered and summed up. Important stages in this process include the production of the raw materials used, the distribution of the finished products and their application by our consumers. The result of the LCA is the holistic presentation of the products’ environmental footprint. This evaluation methodology allows us to identify the levers with which we can maximize the environmental compatibility of the product.
LCA also supports us in making sustainable decisions in the area of procurement. For example, by comparing the life-cycle data of our packaging materials, we can identify and implement ecologically optimized production practices.
Furthermore, LCAs help us to make progress in achieving our ambitious sustainability targets. Through LCA we can constitute and reduce our carbon and water footprints in our supply chain and thus, contribute directly to our focus areas “For a Climate Caring Future” and “For Regenerative Water Environments”. Also, we use LCA particularly in the focus area “For Fully Circular Resources”, which aims to achieve a closed loop for our packaging and ingredients. In addition, the procurement of sustainable raw materials is often decisive for the ecological footprint of a product, which is why we have included this aspect in our sustainability agenda CARE BEYOND SKIN with a separate focus area “For Sustainable Land Use”.