ReCiPe was developed in 2008 by RIVM, CML, PRé Consultants and the Radboud University Nijmegen on behalf of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment.

ReCiPe is a method for the impact assessment (LCIA) in a LCA. Life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) translates emissions and resource extractions into a limited number of environmental impact scores by means of so-called characterisation factors.

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a methodological tool used to quantitatively analyse the life cycle of products/activities within the context of environmental impact. For this purpose specific calculation tools are being applied. In LCA, the total life cycle of a product or activity is considered; from the extraction of resource materials onto the waste and waste treatment stage, also referred to as from cradle to grave.