ASTM International has launched a new initiative as a Program Operator for Product Category Rules(PCRs)and Environmental Product Declarations(EPDs),which it says will be used to better track the environmental impact of products.According to ASTM Internatioanl,PCRs will set a parameter of rules and guidelines for developing environmental proposals of products,while EPDs will require inspection to ensure products meet ISO 14040 standards and will ensure life cycle data accurately describes the environmental aspects of products.
The new initiative was developed to adhere with ISO 14025-Environmental Labels and Declarations-Type III Environmental Declarations-Principles and Procedures.
"The ASTM International program will provide scientifically based,quantifiable information about product parameters such as resource consumption and ozone depletion,which will give both businesses and consumers an understanding of a product's real impact on the environment,"says Timothy Brooke,vice president of certification,training and proficiency testing at ASTM International.
According to the announcement,through ASTM's certification program,technical advisory committees will oversee the development process for PCRs.
