The ecoinvent database, the largest transparent unit-process Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) database globally, has been continuously updated since its first release in 2003. Version 3, published in 2013, introduced significant methodological and technological improvements, including new and updated datasets, expanded content, and support for regionalized Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA). Key developments include the separation of modeling choices and raw data, the addition of flow properties to exchanges, and the introduction of water-balanced datasets. These changes enhance the modeling of global supply chains and regionalized LCIA, making the database more relevant outside Europe. The new system models allow for different studies and facilitate collaboration with other database initiatives. Version 3 sets the foundation for ecoinvent to become a truly global database, offering more transparency, detailed information, and support for various LCA applications.The ecoinvent database, the largest transparent unit-process Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) database globally, has been continuously updated since its first release in 2003. Version 3, published in 2013, introduced significant methodological and technological improvements, including new and updated datasets, expanded content, and support for regionalized Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA). Key developments include the separation of modeling choices and raw data, the addition of flow properties to exchanges, and the introduction of water-balanced datasets. These changes enhance the modeling of global supply chains and regionalized LCIA, making the database more relevant outside Europe. The new system models allow for different studies and facilitate collaboration with other database initiatives. Version 3 sets the foundation for ecoinvent to become a truly global database, offering more transparency, detailed information, and support for various LCA applications.