This document is intended as an explanatory text in relation to the kind of information needed to build up the EPD generator adapted to your products.
In order to be able to set up the EPD generator for your products, it is necessary for us to have the recipe for your product in the same way as a cake recipe. The difference is that we need the "ingredients" and not the quantities. You must enter the quantities yourself when you create EPDs for your products. In order to create the best datasets a general composition of a typical product should be sent over to do an analysis of the product and what raw materials are the most important in relation with the environmental impact.
It is important that the information from you is as detailed as possible so that we can build up the EPD generator with the right elements and to get the most possible correct result
The ingredients/raw materials/components (A1)
All ingredients included in the product must be stated. Even if the quantity in relation to the final product is small, the impact on the greenhouse gas calculation can be significant.
It is also important to inform that even if we receive your detailed recipe, this will not be directly visible in the EPD.
Ex. from a cake recipe:
|
The information we need |
Visible on the EPD: |
|
- Ground cinnamon - Salt - Ground ginger |
- Spices |
Your ingredients are categorized according to the type of product it is, in predefined categories.
In relation to the level of detail that is required, for example, whether a plastic product/component used is: polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE) or another plastic product (PEM, PET, etc.)
If an ingredient is a finished product from an external supplier, it is important to know the product's name, manufacturer, and product composition. Data sheets or other technical information about the product should be sent with it. Ex. cement used in concrete products. EPDs on the product or a similar product can be used for raw materials if available.
Packaging (A1)
The packaging of the final product must also be included. Information about the product's name, manufacturer and product composition may be necessary. Data sheets or other technical information about the product should be sent with it. If the product has different packaging, the method of inclusion can be discussed to arrive at the best method for including this. Also includes protective elements for shipping.
Ex.
- Pallet – European pallet, plastic pallet, wooden pallet? Is the pallet reused or treated as waste after use?
- Protective film
- Support and protection elements – rails, posts, pipes, beams, sheets
- If the product is taped/strapped
- Spray bottle, plastic box, bag, sack, etc.
- Other packaging
Transportation (A2)
All transport of the raw materials and packaging must be included. E.g. from supplier to production site. Type of transport, load capacity and type of energy carrier/fuel.
How the transport is to be included may differ in relation to the kind of information you manage to find, and it may be necessary to discuss this in order to find the best method.
Ex.
Ground cinnamon = 300 km from Hamburg to Olso by Truck, 16-32 tonnes, EURO 6 (km)
Salt = 2000 km from Shanghai to Olso with Ship, Freight, Transoceanic (km)
Salt = 10 km from Olso to the production site by Truck, 16-32 tonnes, EURO 6 (km)
Ground ginger = 20 km from a local store to the production site by Truck, 16-32 tonnes, EURO 6 (km)
Other information
Because apart from the "ingredients", it is also necessary for us to have information about other processes and elements that are part of the life cycle of the product.
For all sections below the total amounts for a whole year is necessary. Usually one whole calendar year (Ex. 2021).
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Energy consumption in production/storage (A3)
What information we need is dependent on the type of production and/or storage. The information explained below is the minimum information needed and further information might be necessary, but this will be explained further by LCA.no when applicable.
For production in factories, workshops or other inhouse production the energy consumption and type of energy carrier is necessary. This is the same for storage facilities.
Ex. Electricity; Diesel; District heating; Natural gas etc.
For production with the use of rolling production machines, the type of machine, fuel type and fuel consumption are necessary.
Ex. Excavator, 60 tonnes, xx L diesel/h.
- Water consumption (A3)
Water may not be used directly in the product, but for washing, rinsing, cleaning, etc.
- Waste (A3)
All waste generated in the production of the product.
If the company has a waste disposal agreement, information on the amount of delivered waste in different waste categories may be sufficient. In any case, this will be a good starting point.
Otherwise, this includes waste resulting from
- Maintenance of production processes (waste oil, replacements, etc.)
- Packaging of raw materials used in production
- Product waste in production, E.g. products that are destroyed in production, cut off, products that do not go through quality control
- Waste of raw materials
- Other waste that is generated.
- Internal transport (A3)
Size and energy carrier for the transport, E.g. type of car/truck/dumper/other transport.
Does the product have to be transported from a production area to a storage location inside the production area? Transport between different stations for processing.