Abstract

This article explores the intricate challenges associated with incorporating animal welfare variables into Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), a widely utilized tool for assessing the environmental impact of products and processes. Animal welfare, a multifaceted concept encompassing physical health, behavior, and emotional well-being, introduces a unique set of difficulties due to its subjective nature, limited data availability, and temporal and spatial variability. The integration of ethical considerations requires stakeholder engagement, the development of standardized metrics, and advancements in technology for reliable data collection. Education, regulatory frameworks, and interdisciplinary collaboration are identified as essential components for addressing these challenges. As society places increased importance on ethical considerations, navigating the complexities of animal welfare within LCA becomes paramount for a more comprehensive and ethically informed approach to sustainability assessments.