This call aims to support the implementation of key EU sustainability strategies by developing advanced, user-friendly Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tools, methods, and datasets that cover the entire lifecycle of chemicals, materials, and products while respecting planetary boundaries. Projects should significantly reduce the cost and complexity of applying LCA, especially for SMEs, and integrate digital technologies such as AI and machine learning to address data gaps and uncertainties. Emphasis is placed on aligning with EU frameworks like the Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD), fostering stakeholder engagement, promoting harmonized use of tools, and supporting policy development through multidisciplinary and international collaboration, building synergies with existing European initiatives and research infrastructures.

Expected Outcome:

Projects are expected to contribute to the following outcomes:

• Support the implementation of EU strategies such as the proposed Eco-design for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), the EU Ecolabel, the Green Claims Directive proposal, the One-Substance-One-Assessment package, the Batteries Regulation, the Critical Raw Materials Act and the Net Zero Industry Act with scientific evidence on sustainability throughout the entire life cycle of chemicals and materials,;
• Reduce significantly the cost to apply LCA at company level, including for SMEs, compared to current costs;
• Allow an efficient and simplified LCA application at early stage of design and facilitate decision making for companies and policy makers by providing user-friendly and cost-effective tools, methods and data;
• Provide advanced, reliable and predictive life cycle models and impact assessment methods, allowing for a satisfactory measurement of planetary boundaries;