117
© The Author(s) 2015
G. Sonnemann, M. Margni (eds.), Life Cycle Management,
LCA Compendium – The Complete World of Life Cycle Assessment,
DOI 10.1007/978-94-017-7221-1_10
Chapter 10
Sustainability Improvements and Life Cycle
Approaches in Industry Partnerships
Peter Saling
Abstract Prioritizing sustainability as a key strategic focus and managing it similar
to other parts of business such as marketing and sales, leading companies have been
able to better identify and manage risks as well as enhance brand value and corporate reputation. With industry partnerships a holistic approach is possible. Common
metrics, shared value chain data and joint sustainability management form the basis
of a successful cooperation. Decision-making processes can be supported effi ciently
and infl uence the whole product system, thereby facilitating clear, measurable value
creation throughout the supply chain. Industry partnerships with implementation of
innovative business models are a key enabler for companies to realize more sustainable solutions.
Keywords Eco-effi ciency analysis • Econsense network • Life cycle assessment •
Life cycle management • PlasticsEurope • Sustainable solution steering •
Sustainability
1 Introduction
Awareness of sustainability in business decisions has an increasing importance for
different stakeholders. To develop more sustainable solutions which meet society’s
needs is a key challenge in industries along the whole value chain.
There is a growing awareness in the fi nancial market that a company geared
towards sustainable development in order to outperform peers over the long-term
while minimizing risks.
P. Saling (*)
BASF SE, Sustainability Strategy , Ludwigshafen , Germany
e-mail: peter.saling@basf.com
© The Author(s) 2015
G. Sonnemann, M. Margni (eds.), Life Cycle Management,
LCA Compendium – The Complete World of Life Cycle Assessment,
DOI 10.1007/978-94-017-7221-1_10
Chapter 10
Sustainability Improvements and Life Cycle
Approaches in Industry Partnerships
Peter Saling
Abstract Prioritizing sustainability as a key strategic focus and managing it similar
to other parts of business such as marketing and sales, leading companies have been
able to better identify and manage risks as well as enhance brand value and corporate reputation. With industry partnerships a holistic approach is possible. Common
metrics, shared value chain data and joint sustainability management form the basis
of a successful cooperation. Decision-making processes can be supported effi ciently
and infl uence the whole product system, thereby facilitating clear, measurable value
creation throughout the supply chain. Industry partnerships with implementation of
innovative business models are a key enabler for companies to realize more sustainable solutions.
Keywords Eco-effi ciency analysis • Econsense network • Life cycle assessment •
Life cycle management • PlasticsEurope • Sustainable solution steering •
Sustainability
1 Introduction
Awareness of sustainability in business decisions has an increasing importance for
different stakeholders. To develop more sustainable solutions which meet society’s
needs is a key challenge in industries along the whole value chain.
There is a growing awareness in the fi nancial market that a company geared
towards sustainable development in order to outperform peers over the long-term
while minimizing risks.
P. Saling (*)
BASF SE, Sustainability Strategy , Ludwigshafen , Germany
e-mail: peter.saling@basf.com