Practical EPD Guide – Part 4
In this article, we will explore the topic of renewable content. We will also look at how to identify this type of data in an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) and interpret it correctly.
The concepts of “recycled” and “renewable” materials are often used together, which can create some confusion for consumers. It is therefore essential to distinguish between these two terms before moving forward.
Recycled materials refer to:
- Waste transformed into by-products
- Materials that are recovered at the end of their useful life and given a second life
In recent years, we have stepped up our efforts to develop innovative solutions to divert waste from landfills and reintegrate it into production cycles. By doing so, we help reduce the exploitation of new resources and raw materials.
Renewable materials, on the other hand, refer to the origin of a material from natural resources that can regenerate quickly, such as plants or animals. These are more sustainable, unlike fossil-based materials.
The renewable portion of the raw materials used in product design is just as important as the recycled portion. One of our goals is to reduce our use of fossil-based raw materials and prioritize renewable materials from the outset.
Now that we have highlighted the key differences between these concepts, we can explore the various sources of renewable raw materials. Let’s take a closer look at the distinction between bio-based and bio-attributed materials.
Bio-based raw materials are those derived directly from biomass. They often come from by-products of the agri-food industry.
These types of raw materials typically have very low CO₂ emissions, often below zero. This occurs because they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere throughout their life cycle.
A great example implemented in our products is the replacement of mineral silica with silica derived from rice husks.
Rice husks, a by-product of rice cultivation, are usually treated as waste. By giving this material a second life, we significantly reduce extraction processes that require substantial resource consumption, such as those for mineral silica.
In contrast, bio-attributed raw materials are primarily, but not exclusively, produced from biological sources.
The term “bio-attributed” refers to the allocation of biologically sourced raw materials using the mass balance method. This method assesses, on an annual basis, the proportion of fossil-based materials that have been replaced by renewable materials.
Did you know that the Mondo Group has worked to reduce its reliance on non-renewable sources? Across our GAIA product range, we use bio-attributed rubber derived from vegetable oils or seeds. This approach promotes the use of biologically sourced materials while reducing environmental impact.
To summarize, bio-based raw materials come directly from biomass, while bio-attributed materials rely on an allocation methodology to ensure the use of biological resources in the manufacturing process.
Finding the Renewable Materials Percentage in an EPD
To find the percentage of renewable materials in an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), refer to the section on material composition (see Table 1.6).
Why These Materials Matter
Bio-based and bio-attributed materials have a positive impact on the environment. As we know, fossil-based materials take millions of years to form and have a direct environmental footprint. In contrast, renewable materials regenerate quickly and naturally, and they have the ability to absorb CO₂ from the atmosphere.
Why rice husks? Because they are an ideal raw material that continuously renews itself, offering a significant advantage. Did you know that in some equatorial regions, rice can be harvested up to three times a year?
Are There Other Key Data Points in an EPD?
Absolutely! This article series allows us to highlight the essential information to consider in an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) and to interpret it correctly.
The EPD contains a wealth of useful data about a product, including energy consumption, resource use such as water, and end-of-life disposal methods. These elements make it possible to implement sustainable practices and demonstrate our commitment to the environment.
CONTACT US!
"*" indicates required fields