LCAs (and more generally, life cycle sustainability assessments encompassing environmental, social, and economic issues) provide a wealth of information about the environmental sustainability of products and services and identify opportunities to improve. However, LCAs are based on a complex methodology that includes many technicalities, assumptions, and uncertainties. Thus, LCA results can be both challenging to communicate, even for experts, and difficult to interpret for people not familiar with the method. Yet an effective communication is key to persuade the target audience to take action and to ensure that LCAs have a real impact on the ground.

Within this session, abstracts are welcomed focusing on tactics that are applied to successfully communicate LCA results among businesses (B2B), from businesses to consumers (B2Cs) and from LCA experts from academia and consultancy to their commissioners. We invite abstracts that discuss practical tips on language, tools, visual representations, including eco-labelling and other simple communication messages built upon complex LCA data; strategies put in place to avoid conscious or unconscious green washing in communicating LCA results; communication approaches to effectively overcome the distance bias of the environmental impacts, which are usually relegated to the future or affect regions far away from where we live.

This is an industry-labelled session, which means that we will give priority to abstracts from companies and enterprises willing to present their hands-on experience in communicating LCA results.

There are a number of drivers making the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria into business strategies an absolute must requiring often fast-paced action for an increasing amount of companies. This implies not only the quantification of sustainability indicators and their monitoring over time, but also the definition of quantitative sustainability objectives including timelines and strategies to reach them. Important legal drivers are new or upcoming EU legislations such as the Directive (EU) 2022/2464 on Corporate Sustainability Reporting or the Directive (EU) 2019/1937 on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence and the EU Sustainable Finance classification system for sustainable economic activities (‘taxonomy’), as well as national legislation related to climate change. An additional driver is consumer demand on product sustainability information, e.g. ecolabeling. These create a domino effect from larger to smaller companies and from the end towards the beginning of supply chains as larger companies are facing obligations requiring them to request ESG related information and data from their suppliers, even if these are not (yet) themselves legally obliged to define ESG criteria and goals. This session is dedicated to share experiences and bottlenecks when incorporating quantitative, ESG criteria into the business strategy with a particular focus on LCA and science-based targets and how science and research can contribute to improving their definition, implementation, monitoring, achievement, and communication to society, ensuring true societal benefits as well as discerning real achievements from greenwashing.

This is an industry-labelled session, which means that we will give priority to abstracts from companies and enterprises willing to present their hands-on experience using LCA studies and results.

Consumer demand for environmentally responsible products continues to increase, driving more companies to create sustainable products, processes, and services to meet such demand. As a response to this, a growing number of businesses are using life cycle related tools (from simplified or hot spots analysis to full environmental and social LCAs, as well as a broad range of different footprints such as carbon, water, or biodiversity) to benchmark their products and activities against prior performance and corporate objectives. The outcomes of these experiences are key to support science-based decision-making processes, and to guide improvement actions and implementation of innovation strategies. However, conducting partial or full LCAs is complex, including dealing with lacking data, proxies, and assumptions.

Within this session, abstracts are welcomed focusing on food case studies presented by companies, both at product and organisation levels. We invite abstracts that discuss motivation, utility, barriers, pros and cons, … of using life cycle-based tools in a company-related context, either for internal or external purposes. Abstracts covering joint assessments of nutrition and environmental/economic/social aspects, which still are quite scarce (but also so relevant) at a company level, should be submitted to the “Combined nutritional and environmental assessment of foods and diets” topic.

This is an industry-labelled session, which means that we will give priority to abstracts from companies and enterprises, either as individual entities or as part of regional/national associations, willing to present their hands-on experience in applying and using life cycle-based tools.

GHG and climate change impact have always been a key feature of LCA. Given the climate emergency context, the GHG balance is one of the most investigated impacts of value chains through full or partial LCA studies. GHG accounting is essential for all stakeholders, from producers and businesses wanting to improve their practices and communicate to consumers about their efforts, to policy makers trying to align national strategies with multilateral commitments, through to academics and consultants who are called upon to contribute to accounting consistency and thoroughness. Although the impact pathway is quite straightforward compared to other impact categories such as toxicity for instance, there are still several issues at both inventory and impact assessment stages. At the inventory stage, GHG accounting in relation with biogenic carbon, LULUC and offset marketing, notably, still lack consensual trans-sectorial approaches. In addition, there is still a lack of knowledge and great uncertainty regarding other GHG, such as N2O from tropical farming systems or CH4 from some artisanal processing, among many others. At the impact assessment stage, which may sometimes overlap with the inventory as exemplified by biogenic GWP, there have been recent methodological developments that need to be explored - such as new climate metrics - and further that still need to be uncovered, notably down the impact pathway between midpoint and endpoint impact indicators. This session welcomes all papers dealing with GHG accounting issues at both inventory and impact assessment stages, providing that those papers present new perspectives on the mentioned issues and/or new proposals to overcome them.

The most basic obligatory function of food – its nutritional value – has often been overlooked in LCA food studies. This is now changing as an increasing number of LCA studies address the nutritional value of food items, meals and diets alongside their environmental impacts. Integrated assessment raises many methodological and application-related issues, and therefore we welcome abstracts for this topic. Issues to be addressed include: i) combining different methodologies and/or methodological approaches to incorporate the nutritional dimension of food into LCA studies; ii) nutritional LCA (nLCA) case studies comparing different types of food (such as meat, dairy, and plant-based  milks), meals, or diets (Mediterranean, vegetarian, vegan, flexitarian, low carbon, etc.), and applying one or different modelling approaches; iii) contributions that go beyond the integration of nutrient indices in nLCA by quantifying both beneficial and detrimental impacts of foods and diets on human health; iv) nLCA-based assessment of the influence of different food environments on dietary choices (e.g. related to consumption of alcohol, soft drinks, tobacco).  Apart from nLCA contributions, under this topic we also welcome abstracts from outside LCA that address combined assessment of nutrition and environment and that can inspire future developments in LCA. 

Agroecology is a dynamic concept that has gained prominence in scientific, agricultural, and political fields. It is promoted to contribute to transforming food systems by applying ecological principles to agriculture and ensuring a regenerative use of natural resources and ecosystem services while also addressing the need for socially equitable food systems. Soil health is one of the 13 principles of agroecology. Soil is the foundation of our terrestrial ecosystems, and soil health is crucial to global food production. The positive effects of agroecological practices on soil quality and its relation to the provision of ecosystem services are not always captured in LCA. In fact, there is no standardized and agreed-upon framework, for assessing soil degradation in LCA.

In this session, we welcome abstracts developing or applying LCA methods to assess the impacts of conventional and agroecological practices on soil health and their role in the provision of ecosystem services for a range of spatial scales. Particularly, we invite contributions that focus on i) estimating soil microbial effects; ii) measuring ecosystem service flows in physical terms (e.g. soil organic carbon, soil erosion resistance, salinization, mechanical filtration); iii) their integration to provide indicators and aggregates for policy-making; iv) the provision of ecosystem services and their on-site (same soil) and off-site (life cycle perspective) effects. In addition, abstracts applying consequential approaches to assess the indirect impacts of transitioning to agroecological food systems, are also encouraged.

LCA is a data intensive methodology. Even relatively simple systems can require thousands of datasets to model processes along the entire life cycle. Due to their strong dependence on natural resources, agricultural systems are highly variable. To deliver meaningful results that can effectively support decision making, we need to reflect the variability of agricultural production due to pedo-climatic conditions and to management. Furthermore, the different phases along the supply chain including processing, packaging, storage, transports, retail and consumption need to be represented. This requires flexible models able to reflect the variance in emission and impacts, efficient tools for their calculation and comprehensive databases.

We welcome contributions presenting innovative approaches in inventory modelling such as the use of resources (e.g. land, water, biotic resources) and emissions. We encourage presentation of tools for a flexible and comprehensive modelling on the one hand and for simplified approaches such as streamlined assessment tools for non-expert target audiences. Presentations of new or significantly updated databases including new regions or new sectors are also invited. Contributions related to alternative and novel food products are welcome that can support transition to a more environmentally friendly food system.

Crop production, which forms the basis of all agricultural systems, has been the subject of agricultural LCA since the beginning. Because crop-production systems continue to evolve, as do the LCA methods used to assess them, the LCA of crops remains a relevant and active topic of research.

Within this session, abstracts are welcomed that focus on the sustainability or impacts of the production of any crop or crop product, at any level (e.g. field, farm, region, country). We particularly invite abstracts that consider estimates of sustainability/impacts (environmental, social and/or economic), on-farm innovations (e.g. digitization, artificial intelligence), smart agrifood systems, strategies to reduce on-field crop and food losses, assessment of avoided impacts, estimates of uncertainty in results, and quantification of absolute sustainability (i.e. planetary boundaries).

Livestock play a major role in sustainable food systems. While being an important source of nutritious food and generating fundamental income streams the sector has also been largely criticized for its contribution to environmental degradation. To avoid unacceptable global environmental change, we need to change towards more environmentally friendly and responsibly livestock systems and reconsider the role of livestock in our food systems.

Within the session, abstracts are welcomed that address the environmental sustainability of cattle, ovine, caprine, poultry and pig systems. We encourage abstracts that present sustainability measurements of newly established or underexposed systems, or address the impact of innovations, such as feed innovations or strategies to improve circularity. Environmental aspects can be addressed within the broader concept of sustainability, also covering social and economic aspects, and livestock systems might be either viewed in isolation (farm or chain level) or as part of a (circular) food system. Finally, we welcome abstracts that address methodological challenges and uncertainty estimates of impacts and quantification of absolute sustainability (i.e., in relation to the planetary boundaries).

Fisheries and aquaculture systems are an important source of animal protein in numerous countries throughout the world, especially in Atlantic and Mediterranean Europe, Southeast Asia and certain coastal African and American nations. Numerous studies on the environmental sustainability of these systems have been published in recent years; however, there is still a lag with respect environmental management studies conducted in terrestrial systems. This lag is not only limited to the number of case studies produced, but also to a lack of environmental metrics to measure impacts in the ocean.

Therefore, in this session we welcome abstracts that focus on methodological advances linked to the fisheries and aquaculture sectors aimed at expanding marine-related environmental impacts in LCA studies (e.g., depletion of fisheries, accounting for damage related to marine plastics or antimicrobial resistance, etc.). In addition, studies that link environmental impacts to the measurement of other pillars of sustainability (e.g., social and economic indicators, including LCSA studies), or aim at linking fishery and aquaculture impacts to planetary boundaries, will also be appreciated. Case studies for these systems should comprise, but not limited to, a quantification of a broad number of environmental indicators, including newly constructed impact categories, uncertainty analyses and the effects of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems and human health. Beyond conventional fisheries and aquaculture production systems, contributions linked to feed production for the aquaculture sector and other indirect human consumption pathways (e.g., enrichment nutrients), freshwater fisheries and integrated aquaculture system studies will be accepted in this session.

Environmental assessments of food production and consumption face particular challenges that require careful consideration in the development and use of life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) indicators and methods. Indicators for some impact categories highly relevant to food systems are still missing, such as those related to ecosystem services and soil quality (cf. “Integration of agroecology and soil health in LCA” topic). Impact indicators for marine ecosystems are generally underrepresented in LCAs but critical for the assessment of fisheries and mariculture. The environmental impacts of the food sector are site dependent and more so than those of other economic sectors. Characteristic impact categories like land use and water use vary greatly across the world. Temporal differentiation is also important, for example, when comparing the impacts of long-lived greenhouse gases with short-lived ones like methane from enteric fermentation of ruminants or when assessing the impact of crop irrigation that varies seasonally, as does water availability. With the development of emerging food products, like novel plant-based and lab-grown animal product alternatives, prospective assessments also gain importance. They allow for fairer comparisons to established food products by predicting the impacts of emerging products under a higher maturity. Under this topic, we invite abstracts presenting the latest advances within LCIA pertinent to field crops, terrestrial animal husbandry, aquaculture, and fisheries that lead to improved accuracy of such assessments. We especially welcome abstracts introducing new characterization factors, addressing regional and temporal differentiation, and providing guidance for prospective assessments. Abstracts focusing on the integration of soil quality and soil ecosystem services and their application to unravel the differences between conventional and agroecological practices should be submitted to the “Integration of agroecology and soil health in LCA” topic.

In recent decades, advancing toward a more sustainable and equitable future has been a fundamental goal of governments and regions. Achieving this objective entails shifting away from the "conventional" way in which interactions between economic activities and the environment have been generated to minimize environmental impacts and enhance social well-being. Circular economy, sustainable agriculture, renewable energies, local material development, and different sustainable management strategies have emerged as solutions to the environmental challenge. However, assessing the effects of these strategies on territories is a crucial stage to ensure the transition towards a more sustainable economy and territories.

Within this session, abstracts are welcomed focusing on evaluating the sustainability of land planning policies. We invite studies that use tools such as territorial LCA, agent-based modelling, national footprints, input-output, and material flow analysis, to inform decisions on the territorial planning of agrifood systems.

Existing food systems generally have negative environmental impacts. Increased demand for animal-based protein is associated with high GHG emissions, a high water and land footprint, adding to the climate crisis and pressure on scarce resources.  At the same time food is a necessary component of human life. It is imperative to urgently advocate for diets that are both nutritious and have minimal environmental footprints. Furthermore, novel and emerging foods must also be culturally and socially acceptable while remaining affordable for everyone and be within the planetary boundaries. It is foreseen that human dietary shifts (e.g. plant-based meat substitutes, microalgae and insects as well as cultured meat) could be the right approach.

Within this session, abstracts are welcomed focusing on assessing environmental impacts of conventional and new products, particularly regarding different sources of protein supply and demand and novel foods, including for instance new sources of vitamins and extracts of algae, fungi, plants, and animals rich in nutrients and used as supplements. We also encourage abstracts that apply (not develop) prospective LCA to predict the impacts of emerging food products (methodological advances on prospective LCA should be submitted to the “Life cycle impact assessment: new developments” topic). 

The planet is at the gates of the fourth industrial revolution, where 4.0 technologies and digitization are modifying the industrial paradigm worldwide. In this sense, during the last decade, a huge number of technological and operational innovations have been applied in food systems to foster responsible sourcing, minimize food waste, and reduce the environmental and social impacts of food production and consumption. Personalized nutrition, blockchain, process sensorization, and addition of additives and preservatives, are some of the innovations that can considerably enhance socioeconomic and environmental sustainability of the food sector.

Within this session, abstracts are welcomed focusing on the implementation of innovative technologies or practices applicable beyond the farm gate, i.e., processing, packaging, distribution, use and end of life. We encourage submissions:  i) discussing barriers and opportunities of new technologies from a sustainability angle, ii) assessing changes on environmental and social impacts due to the implementation of cutting-edge technologies and operational practices (TRL 6-9), iii) innovative strategies to reduce food loss and waste along the value chain.

Undertaking life cycle assessments (LCAs) for agri-food products within developing and emerging economies is met with an array of challenges encompassing data availability, model accessibility, and reluctances among stakeholders to engage in these endeavors. The diversity of production systems prevalent in developing countries poses a data scarcity issue, particularly evident in the varied systems of small-scale farms and integrated models adopted by medium to large cropping systems. The distinctive natural and societal contexts, inherent in developing regions, necessitate the adaptation of emission models and impact assessment methods. An additional hurdle arises from the limited awareness among diverse stakeholders regarding the benefits of conducting LCA studies and embracing circular economy principles.

In this segment, we eagerly invite abstract submissions originating from developing and emerging economies that outline approaches and case studies focusing on i) data collection, storage and availability, ii) the calibration of emission and impact assessment models to tropical systems, iii) assessments of local production systems, including family-based systems and integrated Crop-Livestock-Forestry Systems, as well as evaluations of local food products, iv) exploration of circular and bioeconomy prospects, and v) strategies for involving stakeholders in LCA studies. We extend an invitation to companies, enterprises, and researchers enthusiastic about showcasing their studies and insights.

Olive oil is a staple food in the Mediterranean context. It is the primary source of plant-based fat in these regions, where it is praised for its nutritional value and for its association with a positive impact on human health thanks to its properties for protecting against some diseases. Moreover, it is a traditional symbol of the Mediterranean diet, and its production has a fundamental socio-economic role in the Mediterranean region. However, there are some environmental issues associated with the production of olive oil, such as its impact on land degradation linked with the agricultural production phase, or the impact of the by-products obtained during its transformation phase.  

Within this session, abstracts are welcomed focusing on the quantification of the sustainability of olive oil, particularly from an environmental perspective and including its nutritional value. The session encourages abstracts addressing these aspects in the context of potential substitutional products, such as alternative oils and fats (palm oil, sunflower oil, butter, etc.). We invite abstracts that account for different practices and techniques that can affect the environmental and nutritional performance of olive cultivation and oil extraction, including, but not limited, to: use of different agricultural practices (cultivation methods, level of intensification and mechanization, irrigation practices), extraction processes, by-products treatment, valorisation alternatives, the consideration of the quality of the product obtained, and the differentiation between olive tree varieties in their regional contexts. We also encourage abstracts on case studies with good quality primary data from different geographical regions that help increase the availability of up to date, representative and reliable inventory data.