Envalior announced the completion of an independent critical review of life cycle assessments, LCAs, for four product lines. The assessment was carried out by TÜV SÜD, an organization active in testing, inspection and certification. The review covered most products in the Durethan PA6 range, both conventional and recycled-based grades, Pocan PBT, Tepex dynalite thermoplastic composites, and Xytron PPS materials. According to the company, this is an important element of the Envalior CARES sustainability strategy and at the same time supports more accurate climate reporting by material customers. The scope of the studies was based on a cradle-to-gate approach, from raw material extraction to the point where finished pellets leave the plant. It included energy and water consumption, resource use, resource depletion, and emissions across the upstream value chain.
According to Envalior, the LCA data is intended not only to assess the effectiveness of environmental measures within the organization, but also to provide customers with input data for their own analyses and reports. The independent critical review was intended to confirm that the methodology used in the studies complies with the requirements of ISO 14040 and ISO 14044, and that the data used is appropriate, reliable and interpreted in a transparent and balanced manner. In practice, this means that the LCA calculations are intended to provide a representative assessment of the potential environmental impacts of final products up to the point of sale.
Use of data in environmental reporting
The company states that the reviewed studies can serve as a basis for customer activities related to environmental reporting and science-based target setting. LCA data can be used as input for preparing environmental product declarations, EPDs, calculating product carbon footprints, PCFs, mapping value chain emissions under Scope 3, eco-design and material selection activities, as well as sustainability reporting and disclosures required under CSRD.
Envalior also emphasizes the importance of keeping the data up to date. The company states that its internal LCA policy provides for periodic review and updating of reference data. This is intended to ensure that LCA and PCF calculations reflect the latest available information. In the company's view, this is particularly important amid growing pressure for supply chain transparency arising from both regulatory requirements and investor expectations, as well as procurement requirements imposed by customers.
Material scope and further plans
Günter Margraf, Director Sustainability at Envalior, commented on the value of the reviews: "In an environment where supply chain transparency is increasingly expected by regulators, investors and end markets alike, having independently reviewed, science-based environmental data is a prerequisite for credible sustainability action. In the next stages, we will continue to expand the portfolio of LCAs subject to external review, extending it to additional polymers, specialty materials and new production routes as part of our sustainability strategy."
The company says it will continue to broaden the scope of its LCA reporting in order to provide customers with a more comprehensive picture of the environmental performance of its materials. As stated, full LCA and PCF reports for relevant material grades are available on request.
