Background Report for a UNEP Guide to Life Cycle Management: A Bridge to Sustainable Products

This document synthesizes the principles, drivers, and practice of Life Cycle Management (LCM) as a management framework that applies life-cycle thinking to products and services to advance sustainability across environmental, social, and economic dimensions. It explains LCM entry points, a stepwise Plan-Do-Check-Act implementation, and integration with ISO-based systems, ecodesign, supply-chain collaboration, and internal communication structures. It details stakeholder engagement, communication instruments (including labeling and product declarations), and the use of life-cycle costing to align environmental improvements with business strategy. Sectoral applications span product development, process management, urban planning, and challenges specific to developing countries, supported by case studies illustrating practical benefits and barriers. Emphasis falls on iterative goal setting, performance indicators, and continuous improvement across the value chain.