The International EPD System is a globally recognised and established programme for Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). Founded in Sweden in 1997, the system provides a transparent and standardised way to communicate the environmental performance of products and services throughout their life cycle. With thousands of published EPDs across various sectors, the International EPD System plays a key role in advancing environmental transparency and responsible production worldwide.
- What are the three key elements a company should focus on when communicating an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)?
When communicating an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), companies should emphasize the following three key elements:
- Transparency in Environmental Performance
An EPD provides verified, standardised environmental data regarding a product’s lifecycle. Companies could highlight how this data reflects their commitment to sustainability, such as reductions in emissions, resource consumption like water, energy, raw materials… etc., to differentiate themselves in the market. - Credibility Through Standard Compliance
Companies could communicate that their EPDs comply with ISO standards (e.g., ISO 14025) and are registered within the International EPD System. This strengthens trust among stakeholders and reinforces the legitimacy of their environmental claims. - Strategic Advantage in Procurement
EPDs can enhance a company’s positioning in public and private procurement processes. Highlighting the availability and third-party verification of environmental data through EPDs can serve as a competitive advantage when environmental criteria are part of the selection process.
- You mention that the EPD logo can be used with introductory text about the International EPD System. What is the minimum description required? In cases like packaging, where space is limited, is it acceptable to show only the logo, or are there other considerations that need to be considered?
The EPD logo should always be accompanied by a brief introductory text when used in communications. The minimum required description is: “The International EPD System (IES) is a global programme for Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), a Type III environmental declaration following the principles of ISO 14025.” For additional context or reference, companies may direct stakeholders to the following link: About the International EPD System.
For product-specific declarations, e.g. packaging, companies must use the traceability logotype instead of the general logo. The traceability logotype includes 1) a QR code linked to the corresponding EPD page in the EPD Library, and 2) the International EPD System logo. The traceability logotype is available in both colour and greyscale formats, with digital (96 dpi) and print-ready (300 dpi) resolutions. It can be downloaded by companies via the “Download Traceability Logotype” button found on the respective EPD page in the EPD Library.
- Is it possible for companies to use the EPD logo on trade fair stands or exhibition stands? Do you have specific recommendations for such uses?
At trade fairs or exhibitions, the use of the International EPD System logo is permitted only as part of broader communication materials, and not as a standalone visual (e.g., on a banner or flag).
The logo should serve as a supporting element to indicate that specific products have been issued EPDs, and must be accompanied by relevant product or environmental information. This ensures that the context of the logo’s use is clear and maintains the integrity of the International EPD System’s communication guidelines.
- Do you receive reports regarding the misuse of EPD declarations, or do you have your own policy to monitor how EPDs are communicated? How do you typically handle such situations?
We have an internal process in place to handle potential non-compliance and deviations related to EPDs. This includes any concerns regarding the content, use, or communication of EPDs.
A deviation report can be filed by anyone to the Secretariat of the International EPD System through the following link: Report Potential EPD Deviations (s). In accordance with General Prorgamme Instructions (GPI) Version 5.0.1, section 5.5, complaints cannot be submitted anonymously; however, the identity of the sender will remain confidential to external parties throughout the process. This allows the Secretariat to follow up if additional clarification is needed.
Once a report is submitted, it goes through the process of internal assessment, issue verification, and necessary corrective actions to ensure the quality and compliance of the EPD(s). This process helps us uphold the integrity and transparency of the International EPD System.
- How often are environmental claims included in the EPD reports? And what kind of environmental claims can be included in an EPD?
In an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), any additional environmental information declared beyond the LCA must be derived from using appropriate methods, and be substantiated and verifiable, as well as specific, accurate, and relevant to the particular product.
Moreover, the additional environmental information section must not include any claims (e.g. certificates), related to the environmental performance indicators or other LCA indicators that do not comply with the LCA rules set in the Global Programme Instructions (GPI) or applicable Product Category Rules (PCRs) of the International EPD System (IES). For example, carbon-neutrality claims are not allowed, nor are claims on the reductions of GHG emissions, or reporting of certificates based on a mass balance approach. (General Program Instructions (GPI) v. 5.0.1, Section 7.4.8)
As IES aligns with ISO 14020 principles for environmental labels and declarations, vague or non-specific wording that implies environmental benefits or benignity is strictly prohibited. Terms such as “environmentally safe”, “environmentally friendly”, “earth friendly”, “non-polluting”, “green”, “nature’s friend”, and “ozone friendly” and similar phrases must not be used (ISO 14020 §7.2).
Moreover, in compliance with ISO 14021, environmental claims based on EPD regarding the accomplishment in sustainability are not acceptable, given that sustainability is a complex concept with no definitive methods for measurement. Therefore, no EPD should claim to achieve sustainability (ISO 14021 §5.5).
To summarise, EPDs should not make environmental claims in the document. While broad environmental claims are not permitted, specific and verifiable additional environmental information may be included to highlight aspects such as circularity. Acceptable examples of such information are provided within the GPI and relevant PCRs.
- We came across an EPD for a product whose name includes an environmental claim—specifically, the term ‘Low Carbon.’ This is a sensitive issue, as associating such terminology with the EPD may lead people to assume the product has inherent environmental benefits. What is your stance on this type of naming in connection with EPDs?
As previously stated, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) under the International EPD System (IES) are not permitted to include environmental claims and must not be used as a tool for greenwashing. EPDs are intended to provide a scientifically sound and accurate accounting of the environmental impacts of a product or service.
That said, identifying and regulating green claims can be complex and at times subjective. As pointed out in the question, wording such as “Low Carbon” in product names or descriptions may be problematic, particularly if the term has been trademarked or registered as part of the product name. Similar concerns arise in the case of imagery, as EPDs should not include visuals that could imply environmental benefits. For example, a construction product EPD should avoid featuring images of flowers or other nature-related symbols on the cover page, as they may convey misleading messages.
Some environmental claims are however more clearly defined and therefore easier to regulate. For instance, any comparative statements, such as claims that a product performs better environmentally than market alternatives, are strictly prohibited and must be removed from the EPD.
In the IES, verifiers play a critical role in upholding compliance by reviewing EPDs for inappropriate claims. Additionally, the Secretariat performs final checks for any misleading environmental statements prior to publication. Avoiding green claims is not only essential for maintaining the integrity of the EPD system, but also serves to protect EPD owners from legal risk, as such claims may be prohibited in certain markets.