Normec OWS performs Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) in compliance with the ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 standards. These provide a clear framework and guidelines, while still allowing plenty of freedom for the LCA practitioner to focus on very specific research questions. As such, they are perfect for research projects in which the assessed processes are still at conceptual, lab, or pilot scale; for study subjects that are more complicated than single products or organizations; or in order to answer very specific questions.
LCA goes beyond single-aspect labels and looks at different impact categories, thereby safeguarding against greenwashing. The LCA outcome gives insight into how to reduce environmental impact by improving processes, switching to other materials, or using different tools.
The ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 standards ensure a transparent methodology and reporting. The results can be expressed for a range of impact categories. We have access to several impact assessment methods, so the impact assessment can be tailored to your needs.
The scope can include the entire life cycle or be limited to part thereof, such as:
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.
