Measuring sustainability: life cycle assessments drive green innovation in OXIPRO

Sustainability is a buzzword in today’s world, but for real progress to happen, it must be backed by science and thorough analysis. The EU-funded OXIPRO project is a recent example of this approach, using innovative enzyme-based solutions to create more sustainable consumer products. One of its key tools in measuring and improvingsustainability is life cycle assessment (LCA). But what exactly is LCA, and why does it matter? LCA is a method used to evaluate the sustainability impacts of a product or process from its beginning to its end—a ‘cradle-to-grave’ analysis. By integrating LCA at an early stage of development and at lower technology readiness levels (TRLs), OXIPRO is exemplifying responsible innovation.