Advancing Environmental Improvement in PPE: Life Cycle Assessment

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a scientific methodology used to measure the environmental impacts of a product, process or service across its entire life cycle – from raw material extraction to disposal. Governed by international standards such as ISO 14040 and ISO 14044, LCA provides the data-driven insights needed to inform product and process design, ensure regulatory compliance and drive sustainability strategies. As global markets shift toward stricter environmental policies and greener procurement practices, LCA is rapidly becoming essential for companies seeking to future-proof operations and build trust with stakeholders.

SGS solutions

With over three decades of leadership in sustainability and scientific excellence, we continue to shape global best practices and standards. Through our IMPACT NOW for sustainability initiative, we have unified our sustainability solutions under four strategic pillars: Climate, Nature, Circularity, and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Assurance. Under the Circularity pillar, we offer a full suite of LCA services, including environmental product declarations (EPDs), Material-Related Product Information (MRPI®) and solutions for reuse and recycling optimization.

Our services help businesses align with global market requirements, including European frameworks such as the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) and the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), enabling compliance while accelerating progress toward a climate-neutral, nature-positive and pollution-free future.

Case study: LCA for a leading PPE manufacturer in China

A safety footwear manufacturer in Zhejiang, China, engaged us to conduct an independent LCA of its industrial steel-toed boots. With buyers in Europe prioritizing environmentally responsible procurement, the company wanted to:

• Ensure compliance with EU sustainability requirements
• Create credible EPDs
• Identify areas for operational and material improvements
• Strengthen its ESG positioning

Project description

Our LCA study covered the full life cycle of the product, revealing key areas for improvement:

• Raw material selection and manufacturing – identified as resource-intensive
• Disposal – landfill and incineration present environmental risks, while material separation complexities limit recyclability under current systems

The data provided in the completed LCA has enabled the company to:

• Provide transparent, credible product sustainability information to European buyers
• Support EPD development aligned with EU and global standards
• Identify and prioritize improvements in material selection, production efficiency and waste management
• Strengthen its sustainability narrative and ESG positioning across key markets

Conclusion

For manufacturers in the PPE sector, LCA is more than a compliance tool, it is a strategic asset. With our comprehensive LCA and circularity services, companies can accelerate their environmental goals, reduce risk and remain competitive in a sustainability-driven marketplace.

Learn about IMPACT NOW for sustainability.

For further information, please contact:

Eric Wang, PhD
Connectivity and Products, Softlines
Global Technical Innovation & China R&D
m: +86 (0)21 6115 6893
t: +86 (0)21 6115 6893