Normec OWS creates Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for communication of the potential environmental impacts of a product, as produced by a specific company or organization. EPDs offer a wider view on the environmental impact than Carbon Footprints, as more diverse impact categories are assessed. An EPD can be used in business-to-business communication to inform potential downstream clients of the environmental impacts of a product.
An EPD is published as a report representing a standardized and widely applied LCA-based sustainability assessment that follows the ISO 14025 standard and a specific set of Product Category Rules (PCRs). The PCRs are published by a Program Operator and define how the impact assessment underlying the EPD must be performed. The EPD itself must be verified by a valid verification body.
In order to produce an EPD, a proper Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and a full LCA report must be produced first. The EPD is therefore based on a large amount of specific data, although the report itself is relatively concise. Local regulations sometimes require the publication of EPDs to substantiate green product claims, so they are often a good choice for the evaluation of (almost) market-ready products.
Yes, we are recognized by DIN CERTCO in line with ISO 17025. This accreditation covers all test procedures and standards with regard to compostability and biodegradation. Additionally, we are ISO 17025 accredited by BELAC for our compost analyses and also recognized by TÜV Austria. Normec OWS is also ISO 17020 accredited for inspection services and ISO 14001 approved for environmental management. View our recognitions & certificates.
Our main offices are located in Ghent, Belgium. We also have a subsidiary located in Kettering, Ohio to serve the needs of our American customers.
Testing duration depends on the specific type of test and the product itself. This can range from a couple of weeks for material characteristics testing, to months or even years for biodegradation testing. As these are microbial processes, we cannot predict the exact duration beforehand.
