Environmental Product Declaration
An EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) is an environmental declaration that shows the product's environmental impact throughout its entire life cycle. This is part of the EU’s work of creating standardisation and transparency in the field of sustainability and the environment. The EPD is based on a product’s life cycle analysis (LCA) and follows international standards such as ISO 14025.
EPDs allow us to identify where in the life cycle the impacts are greatest and give us the opportunity to actively work towards reducing impacts and making improvements throughout the value chain.
By combining these insights with innovation, we can develop solutions that contribute to more resource-efficient production.
How we use data
- throughout the product’s life cycle
An EPD includes data from all stages of the life cycle:
A1, Raw material extraction - what material is used and the impact of the processes for producing the material.
A2, Transport - Transport of the raw material to production.
A3, Manufacturing - to manufacture the product, the manufacturing process includes processes that contribute to climate impact in terms of energy use.
A4, Transport – The finished product must then be transported from the factory to the customer.
A5, Installation – The finished product is installed at the end customer.
B1-7, Use – the greatest climate impact of a lighting product occurs during the use phase as it relies on electricity.
C1-C4, Final disposal (recycling or waste) – How much of the material can be reused, recycled or go to landfill; this is included in the calculations for each product life cycle.
LCA - Life cycle analysis - a product’s life cycle
Material and raw materials
The choice of materials has a major impact on the overall environmental impact of a product. The type and origin of raw materials and how they are extracted affect both climate emissions and resource consumption
Manufacturing
The choice of energy and materials has a great effect on the climate. The use of fossil fuels, water and chemicals contributes to the environmental impact during this phase.
Transport
The climate impact of transport depends on the means of transport, distance and the weight and volume of the packaging. Efficient logistics and smart packaging solutions reduce emissions.
Use
Energy efficiency is crucial during the use phase. Products with low energy consumption reduce both operating costs and climate impact over time.
The end of the life cycle
When the product is taken out of use, the possibility of disassembly and material recycling is central to minimising waste and returning resources to the cycle.
How can we improve a product’s life cycle?
• Use recycled materials to reduce the need for newly manufactured resources and conserve the earth's resources.
• Have an ongoing dialogue with suppliers to encourage sustainable working methods, sustainable energy sources and reduce climate impact in production.
• Design energy-efficient and smart products to optimise energy use for the end user.
