Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) has evolved from a reactive, one-off assessment tool into a proactive, systematic approach that drives sustainable packaging design. Initially, businesses conducted LCAs sporadically - often in response to regulatory pressure or reputational risks. Today, LCA is embedded in decision-making, guiding packaging innovation from concept to production and from raw material inputs through to end-of-life.

This transformation allows businesses to integrate sustainability at every stage, ensuring data-driven choices that minimise environmental impact while balancing performance, cost, and compliance. As sustainability expectations rise across industries, sustainability assessments will become less optional. Suppliers and manufacturers are increasingly required to provide science-based sustainability data both up and down the supply chains. Companies that fail to implement rigorous LCA practices risk being excluded from procurement opportunities.

The growing emphasis on LCA is being driven by both the carrot and the stick-regulatory compliance mandates stricter sustainability reporting and eco-design principles, while businesses and consumers actively seek to do the right thing. Those who proactively embrace LCA gain a competitive advantage, securing long-term cost savings, meeting compliance standards, and aligning with shifting market demands for sustainable solutions.