This study is a part of the LCA4All project which aims to explore how SMEs are using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and what are the challenges faced by them in adopting this method. To understand SMEs' knowledge of LCA, a qualitative analysis based on Philip Mayring's qualitative content analysis method was carried out. Eleven semi-structured interviews with manufacturing SMEs were conducted and analysed. A total of 29 categories under 6 clusters were developed based on the analysis. This paper discusses mainly four key categories identified as part of the qualitative content analysis in detail: motivation, data availability, tool evaluation, and level of information. The results showed that factors such as external pressure due to regulations and customer demands are the main reasons for SMEs to carry out LCA or related studies. Key barriers identified include limited subject expertise, time and resources, the higher cost of tools, and poor data availability. SMEs often adopt a reactive approach to sustainability and prefer simpler methods such as carbon foot printing to comprehensive LCAs. The findings highlight the need for simplified, user-friendly and cost-effective LCA tools, supported by training, accessible data, and clear guidelines. This preliminary study provides a foundation for the development of an interactive LCA platform tailored to SMEs for improving their knowledge about LCA and guiding them to systematically perform LCA, facilitating the broader integration of LCA into their sustainability strategies.
Ambooken et al. (Wed,) studied this question.