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What is the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
The Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), or Environmental Product Declaration, is a tool Volunteered Of transparent and standardized communication that you describes Environmental impacts associated with the production of a Well, of a Service Or say a Trial.
It is often referred to as a sort of 'environmental identity card', since it collects in a structured way all the most relevant information on Environmental Profile of a Product Throughout its entire life cycle.
Through a technical but understandable language, the EPD makes available Data verified by third parties on aspects such as:
- the consumption of energy and raw materials;
- the production of waste;
- emissions into the atmosphere;
- water drains;
- other significant environmental impacts.
It is therefore an objective statement, based on a life cycle assessment, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and built according to Common Rules at the international level.
The EPD was initially founded in Sweden As a voluntary scheme of Verified environmental statement, but today it finds recognition and application at a global level, also thanks to its inclusion in European environmental policies such as Integrated Product Policy (IPP). This approach aims to reduce environmental impacts throughout the entire life cycle of products, promoting a development model that is increasingly oriented to sustainability.
Its strength lies in its ability to promote clear and comparable communication between companies, consumers and stakeholders along the entire supply chain. It is an effective tool both in the field business-to-business (B2B) that business-to-consumer (B2C), helping to strengthen trust in sustainable products and to guide more informed consumption and supply choices.
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The 3 types of environmental labels
To find your way around the different forms of Environmental Communication On the market, it is useful to know the Three main categories of environmental labels Defined by International Law ISO 14020, a set of standards that regulate the transparency and reliability of Environmental Statements.
Let's see what they are
Type I Labels (ISO 14024)
Type I environmental labels are Certified Voluntary Schemes by an independent third party, based on predefined environmental criteria that consider theEntire Product Lifecycle. These labels identify products that meet the most stringent requirements in terms of Environmental Sustainability within a specific product category. An emblematic example is the European brand Ecolabel, a symbol of environmental excellence recognized at the community level.
Type II Labels (ISO 14021)
Type II labels are Environmental Self-Declarations supplied directly by manufacturers, distributors or importers. They do not provide for verification mechanisms by an independent body. These include indications such as Recyclable ',' Biodegradable ',' Compostable ', often present on the packaging or in the product information materials.
Despite being useful environmental communication tools, their effectiveness depends on the correctness and responsibility of the declarative subject, making it essential to Conscious Use and complies with ISO guidelines. These guidelines include the following Requirementes:
- verifiability (the company must be able to prove what it declares);
- accuracy and veracity (do not use vague or misleading statements);
- relevance and clarity:
- supporting documentation available upon request.
Type III labels (ISO 14025)
Type III environmental labels are the most Technical and detailed, and are based on objective and quantified data deriving from aLife cycle analysis (LCA). Type III declarations are prepared according to Standardized parameters, are verified by third parties and structured to be understandable and comparable. This type includes tools such as Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), which provides an in-depth and scientific view of the environmental impacts of a product or service.
The goal is to promote transparency, comparison and continuous improvement, both in the B2B field and towards end consumers.
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What are 'Product Specific Rules'
For an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) to be credible, transparent and above all Comparable with other statements relating to similar products, it is necessary that you comply with Methodological Criteria very specific. These criteria are defined by Product Specific Rules, also known as Product Category Rules (PCR).
The Product Specific Rules represent the methodological heart of every EPD. They define in detail:
- what data to collect;
- how to conduct the life cycle analysis (LCA);
- What environmental impacts to consider
- How to present the results.
Without these rules, it would not be possible to guarantee Uniformity in Data, not even less Compare EPD between products in the same category.
These rules are an integral part of the international standard. ISO 14025, which regulates Type III environmental labels. Their function is twofold: on the one hand, to make Transparent the environmental declaration process, on the other hand, ensure that the results are verifiable and comparable, thus creating a common language between producers, suppliers, customers and stakeholders.
Each EPD must therefore be drawn up in accordance with a specific PCR for the product category to which it belongs. These PCRs are approved within recognized international systems, such as the program EPD International, and are developed through a public and multi-stakeholder consultation process. This process ensures that the rules reflect the best practices available and that they are internationally applicable, encouraging theharmonization between different markets.
It is important to emphasize that EPDs, although they are scientific instruments, do not establish Minimum Environmental Performance Thresholds, nor do they indicate which product is' better 'in the absolute sense. Their value lies in offering verified, objective and comparable information, to support more informed choices, both on the supply and demand sides.
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The 5 steps to obtain an Environmental Product Declaration
Obtaining an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a Structured Process and technical that requires specific skills, methodological transparency and verification by third parties.
Despite the complexity, following the planned phases correctly allows organizations to Communicate in a credible way the environmental performance of its products or services.
Step 1: Verification of Product Specific Rules (PCR)
The first step is to verify the availability of the Product Specific Rules for the product category of interest. The PCRs contain Technical Methodological Requirements for drafting the EPD and for conducting the life cycle analysis (LCA).
If the PCRs already exist, the organization can proceed with the process of drafting and verifying the EPD. If they are not yet available, a process of developing and approving a specific PCR must be initiated. This step must possibly take place with the support of Competent Program Operator, the body responsible for Management and Validation Of the EPD and the Release of PCR. In some cases it is possible to request a pre-certification pending final approval.
Phase 2: Data Collection and Life Cycle Analysis (LCA)
With the PCR available, we move on to the phase of Life Cycle Analysis of the product according to ISO 14040 and ISO 14044. It is necessary to collect detailed and quantifiable data related to:
- consumption of raw materials and energy;
- Use of Renewables;
- CO₂ emissions and other environmental impacts;
- production of waste and discharges.
These data form the basis for objectively evaluating the environmental footprint of the product or service.
Step 3: Drafting the Declaration and the LCA Report
Based on the results of the analysis, the organization must draw up:
- The Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), which reports environmental impacts in a clear and understandable way;
- One Technical descriptive report which documents in detail the entire LCA study and the methodological choices made.
Both documents must be consistent with the guidance provided by the applicable PCRs.
Phase 4: Verification by a Third Party
The Declaration and the related LCA study must be subject to the verification of a Independent Third Party (accredited certification body), which assures its correctness, transparency and compliance with international standards. Only in case of a positive outcome will it be possible to proceed to the final phase.
Step 5: Registration and Publication
Following validation, the organization can Register the EPD with an official Program Operator (such as EPDItaly or EPD International) and thus obtain the opportunity to Use the EPD logo In its environmental communication. The EPD comes Published in a Public Register And it is generally valid for three years, with the possibility of updating when it expires.
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The 7 advantages for companies in obtaining the Environmental Product Declaration
Adopt a Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) it is not only an act of environmental transparency, but also a Strategic Choice for Companies Who wants to stand out in a market that is increasingly oriented to Corporate Sustainability And get a Competitive Advantage compared to the competition.
The Environmental Product Declaration, in fact, offers a series of Concrete advantages from a technical, environmental, economic and reputational point of view.
Here are the main benefits.
- International recognition: the EPD is a tool based on ISO standards (such as ISO 14025), recognized worldwide, which guarantees its adoption in global markets and in heterogeneous regulatory environments.
- Comparison tool: allows direct comparison between equivalent products in the same category, thanks to the adoption of common Product Specific Rules (PCR).
- Optimization of production processes: the LCA study necessary for drafting the EPD makes it possible to identify inefficiencies and waste, favoring the reduction of operational and environmental costs.
- Improving environmental performance: stimulates the use of more sustainable materials and technologies, encouraging a continuous evolution of the company's offer.
- Valuing reputation: reinforces corporate consideration in the eyes of stakeholders, customers and investors, positioning the company as an active actor in the ecological transition.
- Communication and marketing tool: the EPD label on the product represents a strong sign of environmental commitment, easily understandable by the public and expendable in a commercial key.
- Alignment with the policies of large buyers: many public entities and large organized retailers (GDO) require or favor products with environmental declarations as selection and supply criteria.
