Life cycle assessment (and environmental footprint) to support food labelling schemes: an overview of current proposals and future directions

Abstract

Sustainability labelling gained prominence in food policy discourse in recent years, particularly in Europe, although its effectiveness in influencing consumer behaviour remains uncertain. This work explores selected sustainability food labels in the EU, reviewing sustainability indicators and the underlying life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies. It addresses methodological approaches, and how they apply LCA with reference to the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) method recommended by the European Commission. Four labels were identified from a comprehensive product database, focusing on labels applying LCA and quantifying multiple impacts, while an additional one was identified from the current EU panorama. An evaluation framework was developed on the relevant methodological aspects, encompassing governance, transparency, and clarity. Interviews with label developers complemented the analysis, along with a review of criticisms of LCA and PEF for labelling purposes. Four are scoring labels providing graded and colour-coded visuals, while one is still under development. Methodological adaptations to the PEF were common, and non-LCA sustainability assessments accounted for aspects such as farming management, social issues, and biodiversity. Labels varied in transparency, stakeholder involvement, and clarity. Criticisms of LCA include its reductionist approach, data gaps, and lack of robust methodologies for assessing biodiversity. While sustainability labelling is important to guide sustainable choices, labels need to be part of a broader policy mix and should be underpinned by clear goals and robust methodologies. This analysis will help to develop evidence-based policy instruments for sustainable consumption and set the basis for a harmonized labelling system.