A Comprehensive Guide to Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
What Is an Environmental Product Declaration?
An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), also known as a Type III Environmental Declaration, is a voluntary, third-party verified disclosure and certification. Based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and ISO 14025, an EPD discloses the entire life cycle process from raw material acquisition, production, transportation, consumption, to final end-of-life disposal, encompassing environmental impacts on renewable resources, climate change, ecotoxicity, and more.
An EPD does not evaluate product conformity or compare the merits of products; rather, it helps consumers better understand product information. The certification of EPDs is increasingly gaining widespread attention and recognition globally, and is gradually becoming a potential green barrier in the international trade market.
Scope and certification system of EPD
Currently, EPDs have been widely promoted and applied in the construction sector, and are gradually expanding to other fields. EPDs are not limited to products; they are also applied to materials, product assembly, and even services.
Globally, there are several EPD certification systems, including EPD International, EPD Norge, EPD Italy, among others. China has also established EPD systems for industries such as steel and non-ferrous metals like aluminum, with each system publishing relevant Product Category Rules (PCRs). Some of these systems have achieved multilateral/bilateral mutual recognition.
PCRs define the specific rules for conducting LCA calculations, including how to collect data for specific types of products, boundary conditions, data used, and system inputs, etc. Existing PCR product categories include chemical products, plastics, food, metal products, building materials, textiles, and more.
Benefits of EPD
For products: EPDs provide a foundation for assessing product environmental performance standards, enabling better promotion of environmental improvements across all life cycle stages of the product.
For companies: Obtaining an EPD allows companies to establish a greener brand image, strengthen their market position, and more easily gain recognition in domestic and international markets. Additionally, it enables companies to better demonstrate their long-term commitment to improving environmental quality, aligning with national sustainable development strategic goals.
How to Apply for an EPD?
Step 1: Determine the product type and the EPD certification system to be applied for, and select the appropriate PCR under the chosen system. If the PCR is not available, develop the corresponding PCR.
Step 2: Conduct a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of the product based on the PCR, quantifying various environmental impact indicators.
Step 3: Integrate the assessment results and product information to compile the EPD report.
Step 4: Have the EPD report reviewed by an independent third party.
Step 5: Register, certify, and publish the EPD.
REACH24H’s Services
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PCR benchmarking and development
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LCA assessment and reporting
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EPD report writing
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Audit and registration assistance
Why Choose REACH24H?
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One-Stop Solutions: REACH24H provides one-stop services from greenhouse gas accounting to carbon neutrality.
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Professional Technical Team: Supported by professional experts and regulatory consultants.
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Authoritative Software: Using authoritative full life cycle assessment software.
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High-Quality Cooperation Resources: We have established close relations with government agencies, associations, and global certification agencies, such as the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Life Cycle Assessment & Management Committee, and Carbon Neutrality Committee of China Energy Conservation Association.
Conclusion
An internationally verified EPD serves as your gateway to sustainable business growth. At REACH24H, we streamline the complete EPD certification process, helping you efficiently convert your sustainability metrics into a verifiable market advantage.
Contact us today to obtain your globally recognized EPD certification:
Tel: +86 (0)571-87007555
Email: customer@reach24h.com
