Isra-Mart srl:Report: Growing LCA software market aims to cut cost of green supply chains

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Isra-Mart srl news:

The increasing availability of cheaper and more user friendly life cycle analysis (LCA) software applications is making it easier for firms to control the environmental impact of their supply chain, a new report has found.

Independent analyst Verdantix has published research evaluating 18 new IT tools available to corporate social responsibility executives and product managers, and designed to help them meet sustainability targets.

It found that over the past two years, more businesses have needed help to measure and report their greenhouse gas emissions. A range of new software suppliers, such as Bluehorse Associates, Bureau Veritas and CleanMetrics, have entered a market previously dominated by complex and expensive software products.

"Very accurate product LCA studies are costly and can take weeks to complete," the report said. "New suppliers focus on bringing solutions to mainstream business concerns such as strategic decision-making, product design and communications."

It also found that these new software suppliers are creating customised products to solve different business problems. Some offer to evaluate the environmental performance of materials at the design stage, or produce software dedicated to a particular industry.

Several suppliers, such as PwC, also offer consultation services to complement the software as part of efforts to provide a bespoke service.

However, Verdantix warned that potential buyers might find it difficult to navigate in the rapidly evolving market. As such, it urged businesses to first make a shortlist of their options based on their target – for example, achieving product compliance with environmental regulations, optimising their supply chain, or designing or marketing a sustainable product.