Advancing Sustainable Manufacturing: Integrating Industry 4.0 into Life Cycle Assessment through Bibliometric Insights

Sustainable manufacturing is undergoing a significant transformation driven by Industry 4.0 technologies. This study explores the evolving intersection of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and digital innovations (Industry 4.0 Technologies) which enable more dynamic, transparent, and responsive sustainability assessments across product life cycles. A bibliometric analysis of over 123 peer-reviewed publications (2016-2025) reveals an expanding research landscape focused on smart manufacturing, data-driven LCA, and circular economy transitions, while also revealing persistent fragmentation, integration challenges, and a lack of standardization. To address these gaps, the study proposes key strategies such as developing interoperable digital platforms, leveraging blockchain for traceability, and using digital LCA twins for real-time environmental performance modeling. It underscores the importance of empirical validation through industry-specific case studies and the creation of standardized, scalable frameworks to enhance practical adoption. By bridging academic insight with industrial application, this research advances the theoretical foundation and real-world impact of digital LCA integration in sustainable manufacturing.