ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT DECLARATION (EPD)
Take your product to the next level.
By creating an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), you provide your customers with transparent and verified information about the environmental performance of your product.
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This can enhance your product's credibility, differentiate it in the market, and meet the increasing demand for sustainability-focused products.
What is an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)?
An Environmental Product Declaration is a global standard that makes comparing the environmental impact of different products possible.
This is achieved by standardisng the process and collecting data that are:
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comparable
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objective
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third-party verified
An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a comprehensive, standardised document that provides transparent and verified information about the environmental performance of a product throughout its life cycle.
EPDs are based on life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology, which evaluates the environmental impacts of a product from raw material extraction to manufacturing, use, and disposal, and energy recovery. The information included in an EPD covers many environmental impacts and generally includes global warning potential (Greenhouse Gas Emissions), acidification potential, eutrophication potential, Photochemical ozone creation potential, Ozone depletion potential, Abiotic depletion potential (ADP) for minerals and metals (non-fossil resources), Abiotic depletion potential (ADP) for fossil resources, and Water deprivation potential.
EPDs are valuable for consumers, businesses and policymakers as they allow for informed decision-making regarding the environmental impact of products. They can be used to compare the environmental performance of different products within the same product category and support efforts to promote sustainability and eco-friendly choices.
EPDs are developed in accordance with international standards, such as ISO 14025 and EN 15804, to ensure consistency, credibility, and reliability of the information provided.
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EPDs enable companies to disclose their environmental impacts without having to disclose any sensitive information, as the LCA study (required for the EPD) gets verified prior to going public meaning that sensitive information (such as manufacturing processes) in the LCA Study itself does not need to be disclosed to the public.
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Generally, factory specific data is required in order to complete an EPD, which may mean that you want to complete a LCA study first, identify the data gaps, implement processes to obtain this data, then aim for an EPD.
Difference between EPD and CFP
Environmental Product Declaration - EPD
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Standardised document with transparent data
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Covers not only carbon emissions but also reports on energy use, water use, resource depletion, and emissions to air, soil, and water
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Based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology
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Provides comprehensive data that makes it easy to compare several products within the same category
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It is like an ‘ingredients list’ on a food product
Carbon Footprint
Product - CFP
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Not a standardised database; different emission factors/research can be used to assess the impact of certain activities
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Measures greenhouse gases emitted directly and indirectly by a certain product
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A CFP is faster and easier to complete, and because it doesn’t have as many requirements as an EPD, it means that we can complete one even is some specific data from the factory is missing
