What do you actually need to make a shoe? And how can this production process be as sustainable and cost-efficient as possible? During our 25th Knowledge and Demo Day, Cenex Netherlands organized a workshop aimed at testing and improving their ‘Life Cycle Assessment’ (LCA) game. During this session, we set out to design a black Converse shoe.
How does the game work?
The LCA game revolves around raising awareness of the raw materials, production steps, and environmental impacts involved in making a product. Each team represents a fictional country, with access to specific resources like oil and wind energy. Players roll dice to acquire budgets, select materials (such as cotton, rubber, wool, etc.), and negotiate to perform processes like spinning and stitching. Green energy use is rewarded, while fossil fuels incur extra costs. Through this, teams gain insight into the trade-offs of sustainable and affordable production.
Key Takeaways and feedback from the session
This interactive session provided valuable feedback:
• Complexity: New players may find the game overwhelming. A suggestion to clearly indicate necessary materials and steps right from the start would make it more accessible, ensuring all participants start with a shared understanding.
• Focus on the core message: The core message — making the production process understandable — should be central. Fewer cards and a simpler setup would make the game more effective.
• Solutions and improvements: The game aims to provide a realistic view of the production process. Achieving a balance between detail and simplicity is essential to keep the focus on product development and sustainability.
Why participate?
During the session, we learned not only about product design but also discovered the challenges involved in sustainable material use and production processes. The game encouraged discussion, negotiation, and, most importantly, reflection on our role in sustainability. Whether on the team that won through a sustainable approach or not, all participants gained a crucial insight: the journey to sustainable production chains begins with awareness.
Do you want to learn more about the LCA game? Leave a comment below and we’ll connect you with Sanne or Pablo from Cenex Netherlands!
