65
© 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_6
Chapter 6
Life Cycle Management: Labelling,
Declarations and Certifi cations at the Product
Level – Different Approaches
Frieder Rubik
Abstract The focus of this chapter is on external communication of product
features intended to provide professional, commercial and private consumers with
information on the characteristics of products and services . Mandatory approaches
are distinguished from voluntary ones; the chapter is focused on the latter. Based on
ISO standardization work, this chapter differentiates between qualitative, quantitative
and self-declared voluntary approaches. Section 2 presents an overview of different
concepts and approaches as tools applicable within Life Cycle Management. Section
3 deepens relevant approaches by describing some characteristic elements. Section
4 elaborates on a hierarchy, whereas the fi nal Sect. 5 summarizes the outcomes and
draws some conclusions.
Keywords External communication of product features • Consumers • Life cycle
assessment • Life cycle management • Product-related information • Sustainability
1 Introduction
Life Cycle Management (LCM) is an umbrella term denominating a business
management concept for sustainable products. It can be applied in the industrial and
service sectors with the aim of minimizing environmental, social and economic
burdens linked to a company’s product, product portfolio and brand during its entire
life cycle to enhance their overall sustainability performance and value chain.
Thus LCM facilitates continuous improvements of product/systems in terms of their
economic, social and environmental sustainability. The focus of this chapter is
on external communication of product features intended to provide professional,
F. Rubik (*)
Institute for Ecological Economy Research (IÖW) ,
Bergstr. 7 , D-69120 Heidelberg , Germany
e-mail: frieder.rubik@ioew.de
© 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_6
Chapter 6
Life Cycle Management: Labelling,
Declarations and Certifi cations at the Product
Level – Different Approaches
Frieder Rubik
Abstract The focus of this chapter is on external communication of product
features intended to provide professional, commercial and private consumers with
information on the characteristics of products and services . Mandatory approaches
are distinguished from voluntary ones; the chapter is focused on the latter. Based on
ISO standardization work, this chapter differentiates between qualitative, quantitative
and self-declared voluntary approaches. Section 2 presents an overview of different
concepts and approaches as tools applicable within Life Cycle Management. Section
3 deepens relevant approaches by describing some characteristic elements. Section
4 elaborates on a hierarchy, whereas the fi nal Sect. 5 summarizes the outcomes and
draws some conclusions.
Keywords External communication of product features • Consumers • Life cycle
assessment • Life cycle management • Product-related information • Sustainability
1 Introduction
Life Cycle Management (LCM) is an umbrella term denominating a business
management concept for sustainable products. It can be applied in the industrial and
service sectors with the aim of minimizing environmental, social and economic
burdens linked to a company’s product, product portfolio and brand during its entire
life cycle to enhance their overall sustainability performance and value chain.
Thus LCM facilitates continuous improvements of product/systems in terms of their
economic, social and environmental sustainability. The focus of this chapter is
on external communication of product features intended to provide professional,
F. Rubik (*)
Institute for Ecological Economy Research (IÖW) ,
Bergstr. 7 , D-69120 Heidelberg , Germany
e-mail: frieder.rubik@ioew.de