The introduction of Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) for artificial turf promises a new phase of transparency and environmental responsibility. This article dives into the world of EPD for artificial grass, its importance to the sustainability movement, and points the way to further depth.

EPD stands for Environmental Product Declaration, a document that provides environmental information on products in a standardised way, based on life-cycle analyses. For artificial grass, this includes a thorough assessment of the environmental impact from production to waste disposal.

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Importance of an EPD

An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a standardised document that provides detailed information on the environmental impact of a product throughout its life cycle. An EPD for synthetic turf provides essential transparency about a product’s environmental impact. This is crucial for consumers, businesses and governments that prioritise sustainability, and enables informed decisions based on reliable data.

The different facets of an EPD:

  • Life cycle assessment (LCA): A core component of an EPD is life cycle assessment, which identifies the environmental impacts of a product from raw material extraction to production, use and final disposal or recycling. This includes greenhouse gas emissions, energy and water consumption, and other relevant environmental impacts.
  • Results of the LCA: The quantitative results of the LCA are presented, often in tables or graphs, to make the environmental impact of the product clear.
  • Interpretation of results: This section provides an analysis and explanation of the LCA results, including any limitations of the study and assumptions made.
  • Improvement strategies: Many SPDs also include information on how the company plans to reduce the product’s environmental impact, including future sustainability targets and environmental improvements.
  • Verification: EPDs are reviewed and verified by a third party to ensure the credibility and accuracy of the information. Details of the verification and the name of the verifying organisation are also provided.
  • References and standards: Finally, the methodologies, standards and guidelines used in preparing the SPD, such as ISO 14025 and EN 15804, are described.
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Advantages EPD for artificial grass

Through an EPD, artificial turf stands at a turning point by openly sharing its environmental impact and striving for sustainable improvements. An EPD therefore plays a crucial role in promoting transparency and environmental awareness, allowing consumers, companies and policymakers to make informed choices based on the environmental impact of products.

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