Sustainability is becoming increasingly important for our lives, our work; and above all our future. Therefore, it is not surprising that a more mindful behaviour towards the environment when purchasing products is becoming increasingly popular. EPDs are a useful tool for assessing the environmental impact of products.
The TROX Group develops environmentally friendly products as part of its sustainability strategy. By establishing environmental product declarations, the company sets a transparent standard for customers. Here, you will find information about the meaning, creation and advantages of EPDs that TROX is offering already.
The abbreviation EPD is derived from “Environmental Product Declaration”. It is a documentation of the environmental impact of a product over its life cycle. An EPD is based on an analysis that takes into account all environmental influences along the value chain. The document contains detailed information on the environmental influences of the product.
When an EPD is created, emissions, energy and water consumption, as well as waste are included. The “cradle to grave” principle shows all environmental impacts from raw material to disposal. The EPD must be examined by external bodies and is valid for five years.
In order to enable approximate comparability, it is necessary to take regulated international norms and standards into account. The international standard for the preparation of EPDs are the norms EN 15804, ISO 14025 and ISO 14044 serve as the basis for the creation of EPDs Product Category Rules (PCR for short).
These product category rules define standardised assumptions for the calculation of EPDs. PCRs evaluate everything from scope to relevant impact categories for products. The PCR contains two Parts: Part A with standardised calculation rules for life cycle assessment and documentation and Part B with the specific product requirements.
If no suitable PCR exists, manufacturers can work with an EPD programme holder to collect the necessary data to develop and provide a new PCR.
EPDs offer a range of benefits at different levels. In the construction industry more emphasis is being placed on sustainability standards by planners, architects and construction companies. Since certification systems such as DGNB, LEED or BNB are EPDs are important criteria for public tenders.
The product documentation not only simplifies the ecological assessment. EPDs offer an increasing competitive advantage when awarding future project contracts. Moreover, EPDs enable the visualisation of potential improvement within the supply chain. The creation of EPDs is increasingly driven by the legal requirements that apply in some European countries.
An EPD is a clear opportunity of informing customers about the environmental impact of a product and its production. At TROX, the EPDs are also used internally to drive material adaptations or product innovations.