Many misconceptions of this humble yet powerful tool still exist. Environmental Product Declarations – or EPDs as they are more commonly called – are used by businesses around the world to communicate the environmental performance of products without judgement. They are internationally standardised, verified by third parties, and feature credible data.
To provide a bigger picture view of a product’s sustainability performance, EPDs cover a range of environmental indicators including carbon footprint, water consumption, and energy use. We’ve taken apart some of the most persistent myths around EPDs to end the confusion once and for all.
Myth 1: EPDs are overly complicated
On the contrary, the key words for EPDs are transparency and accessibility. They provide clear information on the environmental impact of a product (or range of products) so that it can be understood by a wide audience. An EPD is based on the data from an extensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study – communicated in a highly transparent and accessible format. EPDs are often compared to nutrition labels on food products.
The scope of an EPD shows what is in and what is out and is clearly documented in every EPD. Every EPD also lists the standards and rules that it complies with, the name of the LCA practitioner and the name and contact details of the independent verifier.
Myth 2: EPDs are only for big companies
Award-winning designer David Trubridge who runs a small business with his first EPD, also the first to be registered with the EPD Australasia Programme.
EPDs are suitable and useful for all companies that want to improve product sustainability. Whether they are multinational businesses or SMEs is of little consequence. In fact, the first ever EPD registered under the Australasian EPD Programme was by internationally renowned Kiwi designer David Trubridge. In an interview with thinkstep-anz’s Technical Director, Jeff Vickers, the award-winning designer shared his appreciation for the transparency of an EPD:
'I love the EPD because it is like an open book. This is us. This is what we do, this is our product.'
Myth 3: EPDs are only relevant for building products
The popularity of EPDs in the construction industry often leads to the misconception that they are a tool specifically for building products. In reality, EPDs can cover a wide range of products across industries and sectors. thinkstep-anz has worked on a range of EPD projects, from Asaleo Care’s toilet paper to Reda’s merino wool fabrics to Downer’s whole train. Downer went on to receive the Rail Sustainability Award for delivering the first train EPD in the Southern Hemisphere for the Waratah Series 2 train.
Myth 4: EPDs can only be done when a Product Category Rule (PCR) exists
EPDs follow a set of product-specific guidelines that are set out in the Product Category Rules (PCR). These guidelines ensure that EPDs of the same product category follow the same rules and can be compared fairly.
A common misconception is that EPDs are only possible for a few products. More than 180 PCRs already exist for products, from cosmetics and paper tissues to planes and trains and various food products. However, they do not yet cover all product categories. If a PCR does not yet exist for your product, it does not mean an end to your EPD journey. Rather, it presents an opportunity to become sustainability leaders in your sector.
By developing a new PCR you can become the first company to publish an EPD in your product category. EPD experts can guide you through the process of getting a new PCR developed and approved. It’s important to note that every PCR goes through an extensive consultation process to ensure that not one organisation can set the rules that suit them.
Myth 5: EPDs are only necessary for gaining certifications
The myth around certifications persists because EPDs are recognised by green rating tools such as BREEAM, LEED, Green Star and IS.
However, the benefits of an EPD reach far beyond just product certifications. EPDs provide a baseline from which to assess and evaluate future action to improve the environmental impact of your products. This was particularly true for Fletcher Building’s New Zealand-based insulation manufacturer Tasman Insulation. Michael Burgess from Fletcher Building says the EPD showcases the efforts they have made to lower the impact of their manufacturing process.
'Essentially, we’re making a product designed to save energy out of recycled materials in a low-impact way, and the EPD proves this.'
Myth 6: EPDs are not cost-effective
It is true that an EPD requires some investment, but when done correctly, it is also a cost-effective tool that can improve your product in a number of ways in the long-term. EPDs are a shortcut to carbon certification under the Climate Active programme, which rewards leading Australian organisations for reaching net zero status.
An existing EPD under the EPD Australasia Programme speeds up the carbon certification process while cutting costs related to product carbon footprinting and its verification. For business-to-business communication, EPDs also offer tangible value by highlighting the opportunities for increasing efficiency and cutting costs.
Myth 7: Carbon footprint information is hard to find in an EPD
The carbon footprint, expressed as the Global Warming Potential, is a key part of every EPD. The results are separately shown for fossil related emissions, biogenic carbon, and the total carbon footprint.
Since the EPD is already third party verified and follows the relevant ISO standards, Climate Active recognise EPDs as a short cut for their certification.
Get started with EPDs
If product sustainability is your goal, then EPDs may be the right path for you – regardless of the size of your organisation or the type of products you want to focus on. EPDs are widely recognised in the sustainability world, not only by rating and certification systems but also by related and often complementary sustainability concepts such as the circular economy. Whether you want to find out more about creating an EPD in your sector or creating the first EPD for your product category, an EPD expert can help you navigate the nooks and crannies of the process.
By Barbara Nebel, CEO of thinkstep-anz
July 2021