Product Category Rules (PCR): The Foundation for Transparent Environmental Declarations

PCRs provide the standardized methodology for conducting life-cycle assessments (LCAs) and creating EPDs for specific product categories. They ensure that environmental impact assessments follow a consistent, transparent, and comparable approach.

Key Elements of PCRs

PCRs define critical aspects of an EPD, including:

Scope and System Boundaries

Determining which life-cycle stages and processes must be considered.

Declared/ Functional Unit

Specifying how the product is measured, whether by weight, volume, or usage duration.

Environmental Impact Categories

Outlining factors such as global warming potential, energy consumption, and emissions.

End-of-Life Considerations

Defining how recycling, reuse, or disposal is assessed.

Data Quality Requirements

Ensuring that life-cycle inventory data is accurate, representative, and verifiable.

Impact Assessment & Verification

Establishing impact calculation methods and setting standards for transparency and third-party verification.

Recent Developments in PCRs

External PCRs

Some regulations now require external PCRs, which are developed outside standard EPD systems but must be approved for use.

ISO 14025 Compliance

PCRs must align with ISO 14025, ensuring global standardization in environmental declarations.

Stakeholder Engagement

The development of PCRs now emphasizes open, participatory processes, involving manufacturers, trade associations, and LCA experts

Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs)

Programme operators can adopt PCRs from other organizations if an MRA exists, streamlining international acceptance.

Our Role as an International Programme Operator

As an international programmed operator, we are responsible for:

Developing and approving PCRs to ensure compliance with international standards.
Facilitating stakeholder collaboration for transparent PCR creation.
Ensuring consistency in EPDs across industries and regions.
Managing external PCRs, which may be required by regulations but are not part of the standard EPD system.

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