Standardization News

Partnering with Adhesive and Sealant Council to Foster EPD Development

The Adhesive and Sealant Council is partnering with ASTM International to raise awareness of the development of environmental product declarations for the adhesive industry by educating industry on the value of Type III EPDs and proactively engaging industry in developing product category rules.

"There is an increasing trend toward defining how products impact the environment, with groups like the U.S. Green Building Council inserting EPD requirements within its LEED program, for example," notes Matthew E. Croson, president, ASC. "A Type III EPD requires the development of PCR, which can then be leveraged by industry in developing life cycle assessments, which can then support a Type III EPD. We want to make sure industry is represented during meetings discussing any PCR that touches the sealant industry as we work with ASTM and ASC member companies to drive value through the supply chain in a new and different way."

ASTM International announced that it was becoming a global Program Operator for PCR development and EPD verification in October 2012, and has worked to raise awareness of this effort through its more than 30,000 members. In January, the members of ASTM Committee C24 on Building Seals and Sealants agreed that being active in the PCR process was in the best interest of the experts who are active members within the committee, and plans are moving forward with planning a scope for the PCR development for sealants.

"We met with industry leaders at the C24 meeting and gained agreement that this type of project would be a value driver across the supply chain, and look forward to working with ASC to help bring more voices to the table as these PCRs are developed," says Timothy Brooke, vice president, certification, training and proficiency testing, ASTM International. "This is a project that will require focus and dedication across all of the industries that get involved, but the long-term value of being able to demonstrate a certified Type III EPD is a valuable data point for the ultimate user of any product."

ASTM International's role will be to bring diversification to the stakeholders involved on the PCR development team and guide the process forward as PCRs begin to develop the foundation for the life cycle assessment of sealants. ASTM will also provide third-party verification of the EPDs. ASC's role is to educate industry on EPDs, promote the program to its members and ensure that industry is well represented as PCRs are developed.

"ASC sees the ASTM International partnership as a mutually beneficial effort to bolster the technical focus of the Council on value-driven programs that support the entire supply chain," adds Croson. "Customers are looking for transparent, scientifically based information, and ASTM International has a long-established reputation for addressing important technical topics like PCR and EPDs. We look forward to working with industry as this effort takes off over the following months."