The difference lies in how they get you there: Sustainly focuses on automation, speed, and scalability, while Ecochain offers broader business functionality with a more traditional workflow.
⚙️ Feature Comparison
| Feature | Sustainly | Ecochain |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of use | Very easy to learn | Moderate |
| Automation and AI | Transparent AI-assisted workflows | Partially automated |
| Workflow structure | Modular and scalable | Project-based setup |
| Databases | EU Environmental Footprint data included; optional add-ons | Commercial database packs |
| EPD workflows | Built-in EN 15804 modules with verifier access | Available in select plans |
| Collaboration | Centralized company hub for shared data | Multi-user business suite |
| Scalability | Seamless cloning and reusable templates | Solid multi-project setup |
| Total cost of ownership | 💡 Lower for SMEs | Higher on average |
🚀 Where Sustainly Leads
Sustainly takes a modern, data-driven approach to LCA by combining automation and transparency in one unified platform.Its AI-assisted workflows handle repetitive modeling tasks like mapping materials and standardizing units, allowing teams to focus on interpretation rather than setup. The platform’s centralized sustainability data system connects departments across design, sourcing, and reporting — ensuring consistent, traceable results without duplicate work. This makes it particularly effective for fast-growing manufacturers or brands expanding their sustainability programs.
🔍 Pros and Cons
Sustainly✅ Fast, automated workflows with transparent AI
✅ Built-in EPD-ready templates and EN 15804 structure
✅ Scalable data system for managing multiple products
✅ Accessible and easy to onboard across teams
⚠️ Ecosystem still expanding, optimized for EU markets Ecochain
✅ Solid for design-phase product assessments
✅ Useful for internal sustainability reporting
⚠️ Less automation and manual supplier mapping
⚠️ Higher setup effort and cost for smaller teams
🧩 Use Cases
- Fast product footprinting: Sustainly’s automation makes it ideal for teams that need credible results quickly, without extensive manual setup.
- EPD workflows: Its EN 15804-ready structure helps streamline verified reporting.
- Cross-team collaboration: Sustainly’s shared data hub allows multiple departments to contribute and access consistent sustainability metrics.
- Design comparisons: Ecochain remains a strong option for iterative design analysis within product development teams.
✅ Final Takeaway
Both platforms can deliver reliable results — but if your goal is speed, scalability, and transparency, Sustainly is the more efficient choice.Its automation-first approach and centralized sustainability data system help teams move from isolated calculations to repeatable, data-driven decision-making. Ecochain remains a dependable solution for design-led sustainability work, but for fast product footprinting and streamlined EPD workflows, Sustainly stands out as the better long-term fit.
Sustainability should be seamless, scalable, and smart — that’s where Sustainly leads.