What You Need to Know About Life Cycle Assessment in the “Agri‐Food Sector” for Sustainable Business Strategies in SMEs: A Bibliometric Analysis

ABSTRACT The agri‐food sector faces growing sustainability challenges, including resource depletion, waste, and greenhouse gas emissions. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a key tool for evaluating environmental impacts, yet its adoption among small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) remains limited. Through bibliometric analysis and thematic clustering, this study identifies three key dimensions of LCA research: circular economy integration, ISO 14040 compliance, and localized supply chain applications. Circular metrics like the material circularity indicator (MCI) support SMEs in enhancing resource efficiency by aligning environmental and economic goals. ISO 14040 ensures methodological consistency and supports informed decision‐making. Case studies demonstrate LCA's practical benefits in reducing waste and promoting regional sustainability. The study proposes a tailored framework to embed LCA in SME operations, offering strategies to align agri‐food supply chains with global sustainability goals. Future research should explore digital and AI‐based tools to streamline LCA and support real‐time decisions.