Product Stewardship and Life Cycle Assessment Audit Checklist for Chemical Industry

A comprehensive audit checklist for evaluating product stewardship practices and conducting life cycle assessments in chemical industry organizations, ensuring alignment with ISO 14001 environmental management standards and principles of sustainable chemistry.

Get Template

About This Checklist

Product stewardship and life cycle assessment are critical components of sustainable chemical management and ISO 14001 compliance. This Product Stewardship and Life Cycle Assessment Audit Checklist is designed to help chemical companies evaluate their product development processes, assess environmental impacts throughout product lifecycles, and ensure responsible product management from cradle to grave. By systematically reviewing product design, raw material selection, manufacturing processes, use-phase impacts, and end-of-life considerations, organizations can minimize their products' environmental footprint, enhance safety, and drive innovation in sustainable chemistry. This comprehensive checklist addresses key areas such as green chemistry principles, eco-design practices, hazard communication, product safety assessments, and strategies for reducing environmental impacts across the entire product life cycle.

Learn more

Industry

Chemicals

Standard

ISO 14001 - Environmental Management Systems

Workspaces

Research and development laboratories
product testing areas
Office Buildings
Manufacturing Facilities

Occupations

Product Development Manager
Environmental Scientist
Chemical Engineer
Regulatory Affairs Specialist
Sustainability Manager
1
Is there a documented product stewardship policy in place?

Please provide details if applicable.

To ensure compliance with sustainable practices and ISO 14001 standards.
2
Has a life cycle assessment been conducted for the products?

Select the relevant option.

To evaluate the environmental impact of products from cradle to grave.
3
What is the environmental impact score of the product?

Please provide a score between 0 and 100.

To quantify the environmental effects and ensure they are within acceptable limits.
Min0
Target0
Max100
4
Is there an ongoing hazard communication training program for employees?

Indicate if the training program exists.

To ensure that employees are aware of chemical hazards and proper handling methods.
5
Is there compliance with ISO 14001 standards in the product development process?

Select compliance status.

To confirm adherence to environmental management systems.
6
Are the principles of green chemistry documented and accessible?

Please provide details or location of documentation.

To ensure that green chemistry practices are recognized and implemented.
7
Is there a commitment to use renewable resources in product development?

Indicate if renewable resources are being utilized.

To promote sustainability and reduce environmental impact.
8
What is the percentage of waste reduction achieved in the last year?

Please provide a percentage between 0 and 100.

To measure the effectiveness of waste management practices.
Min0
Target0
Max100
9
Has staff received training on green chemistry principles?

Select the training status.

To ensure that employees are knowledgeable about green chemistry practices.
10
Please describe the eco-design features incorporated in the products.

Provide a detailed description.

To evaluate how product design contributes to sustainability.
11
Is there a formal strategy in place for implementing circular economy practices?

Indicate if a strategy exists.

To ensure a structured approach to reducing waste and promoting resource efficiency.
12
What percentage of materials used in production is recycled?

Please provide a percentage between 0 and 100.

To assess the commitment to using recycled materials in product development.
Min0
Target0
Max100
13
Is there a product take-back program in place?

Select the program status.

To evaluate efforts in recycling and reusing products at the end of their life cycle.
14
Describe how stakeholders are engaged in circular economy initiatives.

Provide details on stakeholder engagement.

To understand the involvement of stakeholders in promoting sustainability.
15
When was the last audit on circular economy practices conducted?

Select the date of the last audit.

To track the frequency of evaluations related to circular economy practices.
16
Are sustainability goals defined and integrated into the product development process?

Indicate if sustainability goals are defined.

To ensure that product development aligns with sustainability objectives.
17
What is the target percentage for carbon footprint reduction in product development?

Please provide a target percentage between 0 and 100.

To quantify the commitment to lowering carbon emissions.
Min0
Target0
Max100
18
Have suppliers been assessed for sustainability practices?

Select assessment status.

To ensure that suppliers align with the company's sustainability goals.
19
Describe any innovative sustainable practices implemented in product development.

Provide a detailed description of innovative practices.

To encourage sharing of best practices and innovative solutions.
20
When was the last sustainability review conducted?

Select the date of the last review.

To track the frequency of sustainability evaluations.
21
Is there a documented hazard communication plan in place?

Indicate if a hazard communication plan exists.

To ensure that employees are informed about hazardous chemicals they may encounter.
22
Are Safety Data Sheets (SDS) readily available for all chemicals used?

Select the availability status.

To confirm that employees have access to information on chemical hazards.
23
What is the completion rate of hazard communication training among employees?

Please provide a percentage between 0 and 100.

To evaluate the effectiveness of training programs related to chemical safety.
Min0
Target0
Max100
24
Describe the procedures for reporting chemical-related incidents.

Provide detailed procedures for incident reporting.

To ensure that there is a clear process for addressing safety concerns.
25
When was the last hazard communication training conducted?

Select the date of the last training session.

To track the frequency of safety training sessions.

FAQs

This checklist addresses ISO 14001 requirements related to life cycle perspective, product-related environmental aspects, and the organization's ability to control or influence the environmental impacts associated with product use and end-of-life treatment.

Main components include eco-design practices, raw material sustainability assessment, manufacturing process optimization, use-phase impact evaluation, end-of-life management strategies, and product safety and hazard communication reviews.

Comprehensive audits should be conducted annually, with ongoing assessments for new product development processes. Life cycle assessments should be updated periodically or when significant changes occur in product formulations or manufacturing processes.

The audit team should include product development managers, environmental scientists, chemical engineers, regulatory affairs specialists, and ISO 14001 internal auditors to ensure a thorough evaluation of product stewardship practices and life cycle impacts.

By identifying areas for improvement in product design and lifecycle management, this checklist promotes the adoption of green chemistry principles, encourages the development of safer alternatives, and drives innovation in sustainable product formulations and manufacturing processes.

Benefits of Product Stewardship and Life Cycle Assessment Audit Checklist for Chemical Industry

Ensures alignment with ISO 14001 requirements for life cycle perspective and product-related environmental aspects

Identifies opportunities for reducing environmental impacts throughout product lifecycles

Supports innovation in sustainable product design and green chemistry

Enhances product safety and regulatory compliance

Improves brand reputation through responsible product stewardship