Understanding Product Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and the EU Ecodesign Regulation for Sustainable Products

On March 26, 2025, KPMG’s ESG & Sustainability Consulting team hosted an insightful webinar focused on Product Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and the newly introduced EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation. These topics are crucial for companies aiming to align with increasingly stringent EU sustainability standards.

Key Highlights from the Webinar

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Explained

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a systematic method used to evaluate the environmental footprint of products throughout their entire life cycle—from raw material extraction, manufacturing, and usage to disposal. Experts Nina Mihajlović and Marijana Marjanović outlined key steps in conducting an LCA, emphasizing compliance with international standards.

Participants discovered:

• How environmental emissions differ when analyzed at an organizational level versus a product-specific level.
• The creation and importance of an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), which transparently communicates a product’s environmental impact.
• Practical approaches to calculating product carbon footprints.

EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation

The second part of the webinar delved into the EU Ecodesign Regulation, which sets mandatory sustainability requirements for products placed on the EU market. This regulation aims to promote circular economy principles by improving product durability, reusability, and recyclability.

Key tools highlighted:

• The Digital Product Passport, a new digital tracking system that facilitates transparency and traceability across the sustainable value chain.
• Adoption of standards and methodologies that ensure compliance and support sustainable product development.

The Importance for Businesses

With the EU’s growing focus on environmental sustainability, domestic and international companies must understand and implement processes like LCA and comply with the Ecodesign Regulation to remain competitive and responsible. These regulations reflect the EU’s commitment to reducing environmental impacts and driving the transition towards sustainable products.

Conclusion: A Step Forward in Sustainability Education

This webinar concluded KPMG’s first series of online ESG seminars, reflecting strong industry interest and a growing need for education on environmental sustainability frameworks.

For businesses and professionals invested in organic and sustainable practices, mastering LCA and the EU’s Ecodesign Regulation represents a vital step toward minimizing environmental footprints and meeting regulatory expectations.

Presented by Nina Mihajlović, Senior Manager, ESG & Sustainability Consulting, KPMG Serbia and Montenegro.

For detailed guidance and consultation on integrating LCA and Ecodesign principles, contact KPMG’s ESG & Sustainability Consulting team.

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