This working group was created in 2018 with the support of the Life Cycle Initiative of UNE Environment and the Forum for Sustainability through Life Cycle Innovation (FSLCI), with the objective of integrating potential environmental impacts of marine litter, especially plastic, in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) results. This will lead to a more comprehensive picture of potential environmental impacts in order to identify trade-offs associated with the use of plastic and other materials in a product system.
Provide a first Framework paper developing and illustrating the different impact pathways associated with marine litter to be developed and identify the gaps and building blocks (January 2019 – December 2019).
Coordinate and launch different research projects (Master’s and PhDs) aiming at filling identified gaps and act as a central scientific reference on the topic to avoid overlaps (2019 - 2022), welcoming members who are working and contributing on the topic. Findings and updates are regularly discussed with stakeholders via a platform and workshops.
Consensus building (2023-2025). Deliver a harmonized and consensus-based impact pathway framework and methods addressing plastic litter impacts (and potentially other complementary marine impacts) in LCA.
Continue ongoing improvement of developed methods and development of additional impact pathways (2026 - …).
Growing evidence suggests that marine plastics represent a substantial challenge to marine biodiversity with over 500 species which are known to be affected by entanglement, ingestion, and ghost fishing.
(UN Environment, 2018)
CIRAIG (Co-Chair)
PUCP (Co-Chair)
In addition, a number of engaged researchers contribute to the project. You can learn more about them and their projects here!
