Module D is an important part of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) because it looks at the environmental impacts of recycling materials or recovering energy when a product reaches the end of its life. However, it can be tricky to use, especially with the EN 15804+A2 standard. One challenge is that it relies on assumptions about how efficiently materials can be recycled, which depends on where and how the product is used—things companies often can’t completely control.
Recycling systems and energy recovery methods also vary by region, and there isn’t always enough data to model these differences accurately. Another difficulty is calculating the environmental benefits of recycling, as it requires balancing the impacts of recycling against the benefits, which can be hard without detailed data. Cleaning and separating recycled materials to make them usable adds further complexity, especially for products that go through many steps to become recyclable.
Unlike earlier life cycle modules, which use specific data, Module D relies on general scenarios, making it easier to misinterpret or misuse the results. This also raises the risk of greenwashing, where companies might exaggerate how recyclable their products are or claim environmental benefits that aren’t realistic. Without careful planning and better data, Module D can be inconsistent and misleading, making transparency and accuracy crucial.
Best Practices for Modeling Module D
The goal of the whitepaper, which was commissioned by Interface company, is to provide practical guidance for practitioners. The document highlights the importance of modeling Module D in alignment with the EN 15804+A2 standard, ensuring careful reporting.
For more details, check out the full whitepaper via: Module-D-in-Environmental-Product-Declarations_26112024.pdf
Furthermore, we are glad we are hosting an interactive workshop on module D which would take place onsite in Berlin during our upcoming openLCA conference in April 2025. The workshop will offer practical insights and expert guidance on effectively modeling Module D. To register and attend, please click here: https://nexus.openlca.org/service/openLCA.conf%20-%20the%20openLCA%20Conference%202025