Bio-based products - Life Cycle Assessment

This European Standard provides specific life cycle assessment (LCA) requirements and guidance for bio-based products, excluding food, feed and energy, based on EN ISO 14040 Environmental management — Life cycle assessment — Principles and framework and EN ISO 14044 Environmental management — Life cycle assessment — Requirements and guidelines.
This European Standard covers bio-based products, derived wholly or partly from biomass.
This European Standard provides guidance and requirements to assess impact over the life cycle of bio-based products.
The applications of LCA as such are outside the scope of this European Standard. Clarifications, considerations, practices, simplifications and options for the different applications, are also beyond the scope of this European Standard.
In addition, this European Standard may be applied in studies that do not cover the whole life cycle, with justification e.g. in the case of business-to-business information, such as cradle-to-gate studies, gate-to-gate studies, and specific parts of the life cycle (e.g. waste management, components of a product).
For those studies most requirements of this European Standard are applicable (e.g. data quality, collection and calculation as well as allocation and critical review), but not all the requirements for the system boundary.

Biobasierte Produkte - Ökobilanzen

Diese Europäische Norm stellt spezifische Anforderungen an die Ökobilanz und spezifische Leitlinien für biobasierte Produkte, mit Ausnahme von Lebensmitteln, Futtermitteln und Energie, auf der Grundlage von EN ISO 14040, Umweltmanagement — Ökobilanz — Grundsätze und Rahmenbedingungen und EN ISO 14044, Umweltmanagement — Ökobilanz — Anforderungen und Anleitungen zur Verfügung.
Diese Europäische Norm umfasst biobasierte Produkte, die vollständig oder teilweise aus Biomasse abgeleitet sind.
Diese Europäische Norm stellt Leitlinien und Anforderungen zur Beurteilung der Umweltaspekte von bio-basierten Produkten im Verlauf ihres Lebensweges zur Verfügung.
Die Anwendungen der Ökobilanz als solche fallen nicht in den Anwendungsbereich dieser Europäischen Norm. Erläuterungen, Überlegungen, Praktiken, Vereinfachungen und Auswahlmöglichkeiten für die unter-schiedlichen Anwendungen liegen ebenfalls außerhalb des Anwendungsbereiches dieser Europäischen Norm.
Außerdem darf diese Europäische Norm mit einer entsprechenden Begründung in Untersuchungen angewendet werden, die nicht den gesamten Lebensweg erfassen, z. B. im Fall von Informationen von Unternehmen zu Unternehmen, wie z. B. Untersuchungen „von der Wiege bis zum Werkstor“ (en: cradle-to-gate), Untersuchungen „vom Werkstor zum Werkstor“ (en: gate-to-gate) und bei spezifischen Teilen des Lebensweges (z. B. Abfallmanagement, Bestandteile eines Produkts).
Auf diese Untersuchungen sind die meisten Anforderungen dieser Europäischen Norm (z. B. Datenqualität,  sammlung und  berechnung sowie die Allokation und kritische Überprüfung)anwendbar, jedoch nicht alle Anforderungen für die Systemgrenze.

Produits biosourcés - Analyse du cycle de vie

La présente Norme européenne fournit des exigences spécifiques concernant l’analyse du cycle de vie (ACV), ainsi que des lignes directrices relatives aux produits biosourcés, à l’exclusion des denrées alimentaires pour la consommation humaine ou animale et de l’énergie, d’après l’EN ISO 14040 Management environnemental — Analyse du cycle de vie — Principes et cadre et l’EN ISO 14044 Management environnemental — Analyse du cycle de vie — Exigences et lignes directrices.
Elle recouvre les produits biosourcés, issus entièrement ou partiellement de la biomasse.
La présente Norme européenne fournit des lignes directrices et des exigences pour évaluer l'impact sur le cycle de vie des produits biosourcés.
Les applications de l'ACV en tant que telles se situent hors du domaine d'application de la présente Norme européenne. Les clarifications, les considérations, les pratiques, les simplifications et les options des différentes applications sont également hors du domaine d'application de la présente Norme européenne.
De plus, la présente Norme européenne peut être appliquée lors d'études qui ne couvrent pas tout le cycle de vie, avec une justification, par exemple, dans le cas d'informations échangées entre entreprises, telles que les études du berceau à la sortie de l'usine, les études de la porte à la porte de l’usine et des sections spécifiques du cycle de vie (par exemple, gestion des déchets, composants d'un produit).
Pour ces études, la plupart des exigences contenues dans la présente Norme européenne s'appliquent, par exemple pour la qualité, la collecte et le calcul des données ainsi que pour l'affectation et la revue critique, mais pas toutes les exigences relatives aux frontières du système.

Bioizdelki - Ocenjevanje življenjskega cikla

Ta evropski standard določa posebne zahteve za ocenjevanje življenjskega cikla (LCA) in smernice za bioizdelke, pri čemer so izključeni hrana, krma in energija, na podlagi standarda EN ISO 14040 Ravnanje z okoljem – Ocenjevanje življenjskega cikla – Načela in okviri ter EN ISO 14044 Ravnanje z okoljem – Ocenjevanje življenjskega cikla – Zahteve in smernice.
Ta evropski standard zajema bioizdelke, ki so v celoti ali delno proizvedeni iz biomase.
Ta evropski standard določa smernice in zahteve za oceno vpliva bioizdelkov v njihovem življenjskem ciklu.
Uporaba ocenjevanja življenjskega cikla kot taka ni predmet tega evropskega standarda. Pojasnila, ugotovitve, prakse, poenostavitve in možnosti za različne uporabe prav tako niso zajeti v področje uporabe tega evropskega standarda.
Poleg tega se lahko ta evropski standard uporablja za študije, ki ne zajemajo celotnega življenjskega cikla, z utemeljitvijo npr. v primeru informacij med podjetji, kot so študije od zibelke do vrat, študije od vrat do vrat in posebni deli življenjskega cikla (npr. ravnanje z odpadki, sestavine izdelka).
Za te študije se uporablja večina zahtev iz tega evropskega standarda (npr. kakovost podatkov, zbiranje in izračun ter dodeljevanje in kritični pregled), ne uporabljajo pa se vse zahteve za meje sistema.

General Information

Status
Published
Public Enquiry End Date
14-Oct-2014
Publication Date
13-Dec-2015
Technical Committee
Current Stage
6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
Start Date
08-Dec-2015
Due Date
12-Feb-2016
Completion Date
14-Dec-2015

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2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Bioizdelki - Ocenjevanje življenjskega ciklaBiobasierte Produkte - ÖkobilanzenProduits biosourcés - Analyse du cycle de vieBio-based products - Life Cycle Assessment13.020.60Življenjski ciklusi izdelkovProduct life-cyclesICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 16760:2015SIST EN 16760:2016en,fr,de01-januar-2016SIST EN 16760:2016SLOVENSKI
STANDARD



SIST EN 16760:2016



EUROPEAN STANDARD NORME EUROPÉENNE EUROPÄISCHE NORM
EN 16760
November
t r s w ICS
s uä r t rä x r English Version
Bioæbased products æ Life Cycle Assessment Produits biosourcés æ Analyse du cycle de vie
Biobasierte Produkte æ Ökobilanzen This European Standard was approved by CEN on
s y October
t r s wä
egulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alterationä Upætoædate lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CENæCENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN memberä
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CENæCENELEC Management Centre has the same status as the official versionsä
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austriaá Belgiumá Bulgariaá Croatiaá Cyprusá Czech Republicá Denmarká Estoniaá Finlandá Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedoniaá Franceá Germanyá Greeceá Hungaryá Icelandá Irelandá Italyá Latviaá Lithuaniaá Luxembourgá Maltaá Netherlandsá Norwayá Polandá Portugalá Romaniaá Slovakiaá Sloveniaá Spainá Swedená Switzerlandá Turkey and United Kingdomä
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre:
Avenue Marnix 17,
B-1000 Brussels
9
t r s w CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CEN national Membersä Refä Noä EN
s x y x rã t r s w ESIST EN 16760:2016



EN 16760:2015 (E) 2 Contents Page European foreword . 4 Introduction . 5 1 Scope . 6 2 Normative references . 6 3 Terms and definitions . 6 4 Methodology for LCA of bio-based products . 6 4.1 General description of an LCA . 6 4.2 General aspects of LCA for bio-based products . 6 4.3 Goal and Scope of the LCA study . 7 4.3.1 Goal of the LCA study . 7 4.3.2 Scope of the LCA study . 8 5 LCI – Life Cycle Inventory . 10 5.1 General . 10 5.2 Sources of data . 11 5.2.1 General . 11 5.2.2 Geographical data . 11 5.2.3 Temporal data . 11 5.3 Allocation procedure . 11 5.4 LCI – Collecting data and modelling . 12 5.4.1 Considerations for resource use . 12 5.4.2 Land use . 13 5.4.3 Water inventory. 14 5.5 Inventory of fossil and biogenic carbon flows . 15 5.6 Guidance for modelling agriculture, forestry and aquaculture systems . 16 5.6.1 Modelling agricultural systems . 16 5.6.2 Modelling forestry systems . 19 5.6.3 Modelling aquaculture systems . 20 5.6.4 Modelling end-of-life processes in LCAs of bio-based products . 20 6 LCIA – Life Cycle Impacts Assessment . 21 6.1 Impact categories and impact indicators . 21 6.1.1 General . 21 6.1.2 Selection of impact categories . 21 6.1.3 Applicability of methods and data . 21 6.1.4 Weighting and comparative assertions disclosed to the public . 21 6.2 Guidelines for specific impact indicators . 22 6.2.1 Treatment of biogenic and non-biogenic carbon in assessing climate change . 22 6.2.2 Land use impact on areas of protection . 22 6.2.3 Impact of water use . 23 7 Interpretation and reporting of LCA . 23 7.1 Interpretation . 23 7.2 Reporting of LCA . 23 7.3 Critical review . 24 Annex A (informative) Example of allocation on glycerol . 25 A.1 Example for the based approach . 25 SIST EN 16760:2016



EN 16760:2015 (E) 3 Annex B (informative) Examples of fossil and biogenic carbon flows accounting and communication . 26 B.1 Example of fossil and biogenic carbon flows accounting . 26 B.2 Example of a representation of cradle-to-gate / cradle-to-grave emissions . 27 B.3 Temporal accounting . 27 B.3.1 ILCD guidance for calculating temporal accounting (CFP = Carbon Footprint) . 27 B.3.2 Example of calculation temporal accounting . 28 Annex C (informative) Examples of impact categories and impact indicators . 29 C.1 Indicator of impacts which contribute to Climate change . 29 C.2 Indicators of impacts which contribute to the exhaustion of non-renewable resources . 29 C.3 Indicators of impacts affecting human health . 29 Bibliography . 32
SIST EN 16760:2016



EN 16760:2015 (E) 4 European foreword This document (EN 16760:2015) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 411 “Bio-based products”, the secretariat of which is held by NEN. This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by May 2016, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the latest by May 2016. Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the European Free Trade Association. According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom. SIST EN 16760:2016



EN 16760:2015 (E) 5 Introduction Bio-based products from forestry and agriculture have a long history of application, such as paper, board and various chemicals and materials. The last decades have seen the emergence of new bio-based products in the market. Some of the reasons for the increased interest lie in the bio-based products’ benefits in relation to the depletion of fossil resources and climate change. Bio-based products may also provide additional product functionalities. This has triggered a wave of innovation with the development of knowledge and technologies allowing new transformation processes and product development. Acknowledging the need for common standards for bio-based products, the European Commission issued mandate M/4921, resulting in a series of standards developed by CEN/TC 411, with a focus on bio-based products other than food, feed and biomass for energy applications. The standards of CEN/TC 411 “Bio-based products” provide a common basis on the following aspects: — Common terminology; — Bio-based content determination; — Life Cycle Assessment (LCA); — Sustainability aspects; — Declaration tools. It is important to understand what the term bio-based product covers and how it is being used. The term ‘bio-based’ means 'derived from biomass'. Bio-based products (bottles, insulation materials, wood and wood products, paper, solvents, chemical intermediates, composite materials, et cetera) are products which are wholly or partly derived from biomass. It is essential to characterize the amount of biomass contained in the product by for instance its bio-based content or bio-based carbon content. The bio-based content of a product does not provide information on its environmental impact or sustainability, which may be assessed through LCA and sustainability criteria. In addition, transparent and unambiguous communication within bio-based value chains is facilitated by a harmonized framework for certification and declaration. This European Standard aims to provide specific life cycle assessment requirements and guidance for bio-based products, based on EN ISO 14040 Environmental management — Life cycle assessment — Principles and framework and EN ISO 14044 Environmental management — Life cycle assessment — Requirements and guidelines. Though the scope of CEN/TC 411 excludes food, feed and energy, life cycle assessment of biomass and bio-based products should follow the same principles irrespective of their use. This European Standard informs and guides life cycle assessment and applications including for example Product Category Rules (PCR). An LCA assessment carried out according to this standard can be used as a basis to assess certain criteria as laid down in prEN 16751.
1 A Mandate is a standardization task embedded in European trade laws. M/492 Mandate is addressed to the European Standardization bodies, CEN, CENELEC and ETSI, for the development of horizontal European Standards for bio-based products. SIST EN 16760:2016



EN 16760:2015 (E) 6 1 Scope This European Standard provides specific life cycle assessment (LCA) requirements and guidance for bio-based products, excluding food, feed and energy, based on EN ISO 14040 and EN ISO 14044. This European Standard covers bio-based products, derived wholly or partly from biomass. This European Standard provides guidance and requirements to assess impact over the life cycle of bio-based products with the focus on how to handle the specificities of the bio-based part of the product. The applications of LCA as such are outside the scope of this European Standard. Clarifications, considerations, practices, simplifications and options for the different applications, are also beyond the scope of this European Standard. In addition, this European Standard may be applied in studies that do not cover the whole life cycle, with justification e.g. in the case of business-to-business information, such as cradle-to-gate studies, gate-to-gate studies, and specific parts of the life cycle (e.g. waste management, components of a product). 2 Normative references The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies. EN 16575, Bio-based products - Vocabulary EN ISO 14025, Environmental labels and declarations - Type III environmental declarations - Principles and procedures (ISO 14025) EN ISO 14040:2006, Environmental management - Life cycle assessment - Principles and framework (ISO 14040:2006) EN ISO 14044:2006, Environmental management - Life cycle assessment - Requirements and guidelines (ISO 14044:2006) 3 Terms and definitions For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN 16575, EN ISO 14040 and EN ISO 14044 apply. 4 Methodology for LCA of bio-based products 4.1 General description of an LCA The general description of life cycle assessment is defined in EN ISO 14040:2006, Clause 4, with 4.1 Principles of LCA, 4.2 Phases of an LCA, 4.3 Key features of an LCA, 4.4 Product system. 4.2 General aspects of LCA for bio-based products The LCA of a bio-based product shall cover the whole product, not only its bio-based part, see Figure 1. However, the focus of this European Standard is on how to handle the specificities of the bio-based part of the product. SIST EN 16760:2016



EN 16760:2015 (E) 7
Figure 1 — Example of a product system of a bio-based product which includes biomass as well as non-biogenic material feedstocks NOTE 1 The boxes linked with bold arrows in Figure 1 represent the flows of bio-based products (partly or fully derived from biomass) that can be raw materials, intermediary products and final product. NOTE 2 For simplification purposes, transportation steps have not been reported in Figure 1, but transportation can occur between any of the unit processes. This European Standard provides additional requirements and guidelines for bio-based products on: Goal and scope (see 4.3), Life Cycle Inventory - LCI (see Clause 5), Life Cycle Impact Assessment - LCIA (see Clause 6) and Interpretation and reporting (see Clause 7). An LCA for a bio-based product shall include the four phases of LCA. LCA requirements and guidelines are provided in EN ISO 14044:2006, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 and 4.5. This European Standard provides further guidance on the following, which can be important for bio-based products, due to their biomass origin: — geographical (see 5.2.2) and temporal scope (see 5.2.3) to be representative for the biomass acquisition phase considering agricultural, forest and aquaculture specificities; — allocation procedures (see 5.3) as the production stages typically generates co-products; — consideration for resource elementary flows (see 5.4.1); — data collection and modelling for land use (see 5.4.2), water use (see 5.4.3), and fossil and biogenic carbon flows (see 5.5); — modelling of agriculture, forestry and aquaculture systems (see 5.6); and — inventory and modelling requirements for bio-based products end-of-life (see 5.6.4). This series of European Standards focuses on bio-based products for industrial applications; food, feed and energy are excluded from the scope. However the guidelines and requirements for LCA provided in this standard can be applied to any product derived from biomass, irrespective of the application. 4.3 Goal and Scope of the LCA study 4.3.1 Goal of the LCA study When defining the goal and scope of the LCA study, the requirements of EN ISO 14040:2006, 5.2.1 and EN ISO 14044:2006, 4.2.2 and 4.2.3 shall apply. There is no single solution as to how LCA can best be applied, it will depend on the goal of the LCA and on each organization's size, its products, the strategy, the internal systems, tools and procedures and the external drivers. SIST EN 16760:2016



EN 16760:2015 (E) 8 In defining the goal of an LCA, the following items shall be unambiguously stated: — the intended application of the study; — the reasons for carrying out the study; — the intended audience, i.e. to whom the results of the study are intended to be communicated; and — whether the results are intended to be used in comparative assertions intended to be disclosed to the public. 4.3.2 Scope of the LCA study 4.3.2.1 General The scope should be sufficiently well defined to ensure that the breadth, depth and detail of the study are compatible and sufficient to address the stated goal. In addition to the definition of the scope of the LCA study in EN ISO 14044:2006, 4.2.3, the limitations, assumptions and methods to assess issues specific to bio-based products should be explained (e.g. assumptions for use stage, for end-of–life stage, carbon storage) In some cases, the goal and scope of the study may be revised due to unforeseen limitations, constraints or as a result of additional information. Such modifications, together with their justification, should be documented. It shall be determined which impact categories, category indicators and characterization models are included within the LCA study. The selection of impact categories, category indicators and characterization models used in the LCIA methodology shall be consistent with the goal of the study and considered as described in EN ISO 14044:2006, 4.4.2.2. Any technical input to establish and manage the system producing the biomass is considered within the system boundary and thus part of the LCA of the bio-based material. 4.3.2.2 Function, functional unit and reference flows In defining the functional unit, the requirements of EN ISO 14040:2006, 5.2.2 and EN ISO 14044:2006, 4.2.3.2 shall apply. The scope of an LCA shall clearly specify the functions (performance characteristics) of the product system being studied. The functional unit shall be consistent with the goal and scope of the study. One of the primary purposes of a functional unit is to provide a reference to which the input and output data are related. This reference is necessary to ensure a common basis for comparability of LCA results, in particular when different systems are being assessed. Therefore the functional unit shall be clearly defined and measurable. An appropriate reference flow shall be determined in relation to the functional unit. The quantitative input and output data collected in support of the analysis shall be calculated in relation to this flow. For bio-based products which are intermediates or which can serve several functions or service, it is recommended to use a reference flow such as weight or volume (e.g. 1kg of product), and to provide information whether it refers to dry matter weight, gross weight, etc. EXAMPLE In the function of drying hands, both a paper towel and an air-dryer system are studied. The selected functional unit may be expressed in terms of the identical number of pairs of hands dried for both systems. For each system, it is possible to determine the reference flow, e.g. the average mass of paper or the average volume of hot air required for one pair of hand-dry, respectively. For both systems, it is possible to compile an inventory of inputs and outputs on the basis of the reference flows. At its simplest level, in the case of paper towel, this would be related to the paper consumed. In the case of the air-dryer, this would be related to the mass of hot air needed to dry the hands (copied from EN ISO 14040:2006, 5.2.2). SIST EN 16760:2016



EN 16760:2015 (E) 9 4.3.2.3 System boundary In defining the system boundary, the requirements of EN ISO 14040:2006, 5.2.3 and EN ISO 14044:2006, 4.2.3.3 shall apply. The system boundary shall be explained clearly and in an unambiguous way, preferably in a flow chart figure. The exclusion of any life cycle stages shall be documented and explained. LCA technique with proper justification may be applied in studies that are not LCA or LCI studies. Examples are: — cradle-to-gate studies; — gate-to-gate studies; and — specific parts of the life cycle (e.g. waste management, components of a product). 4.3.2.4 Cut-off criteria When using cut-off criteria to decide on inclusion of inputs and outputs, the requirements of EN ISO 14044:2006, 4.2.3.3.3 shall apply. The choice of elements of the physical system to be modelled depends on the goal and scope definition of the study, its intended application and audience, the assumptions made, data and cost constraints, and cut-off criteria. The models used should be described and the assumptions underlying those choices should be identified. The cut-off criteria used within a study should be clearly understood and defined within the goal and scope definition phase. The effect on the outcome of the study of the cut-off criteria selected shall also be assessed and described in the final report. In principle, all elementary and technosphere flows should be accounted for. If not, mass, energy and environmental significance should be used to determine cut-off criteria. The final report shall include an estimation of completeness, based on: — Mass (in % of total product mass): best estimation of the mass all non-accounted components of the product. — Energy (in % of total energy consumption): best estimation of all energy consumption of non-accounted mass inputs. — Environmental significance: decisions on cut-off criteria should be based on relevant information about the environmental impacts. Such information may e.g. be sought on Safety Data Sheets for toxicological and ecotoxicological effects of a product where substance classification can guide on possible cut-offs regarding such categories. For the assessment of other relevant environmental impacts also other sources of information should be looked for, e.g. emission declarations, approval documentation, etc. Inputs such as transport of staff, or consumer transport may be excluded where it is established that they are insignificant. Such simplifications shall be explicitly stated in the study report along with any supporting documentation showing these calculations, specifying the names of any flows which have not been taken into consideration. 4.3.2.5 LCIA methodology and types of impacts It shall be determined which impact categories, category indicators and characterization models are included within the LCA study. The selection of impact categories, category indicators and characterization models used in the LCIA methodology shall be consistent with the goal of the study and considered as described in EN ISO 14044:2006, 4.4.2.2. SIST EN 16760:2016



EN 16760:2015 (E) 10 NOTE This text is copied from EN ISO 14044:2006, 4.2.3.4. 4.3.2.6 Data quality Data quality requirements shall be specified to enable the goal and scope of the LCA to be met and should address what is listed in EN ISO 14044:2006, 4.2.3.6.2 and 4.2.3.6.3. Site-specific, primary and secondary data should be used as appropriate and in line with the goal and scope of the study. The selection of level of geographical detail should be consistent with the goal and intended use of the LCA and be justified in view of the availability and quality of data. 4.3.2.7 Comparisons between systems As this European Standard provides additional guidance and requirements for bio-based products, the equivalence of the systems being compared shall be evaluated before interpreting the results. Consequently, the scope of the study shall be defined in such a way that the systems can be compared. Systems shall be compared using the same functional unit and equivalent methodological considerations, such as system boundary, data quality, allocation procedures, decision rules on evaluating inputs, and outputs and impact assessment. Any differences between systems regarding these parameters shall be identified and reported. If the study is intended to be used for a comparative assertion intended to be disclosed to the public, interested parties shall conduct this evaluation as a critical review. A life cycle impact assessment shall be performed for studies intended to be used in comparative assertions intended to be disclosed to the public. If comparative assertions are intended to be disclosed to the public, additional requirements as set in EN ISO 14044:2006 apply. 5 LCI – Life Cycle Inventory 5.1 General Inventory analysis involves data collection and calculation procedures to quantify relevant inputs and outputs of a product system. The process of conducting an inventory analysis is iterative. As data are collected and more is learned about the system, new data requirements or limitations may be identified that require a change in the data collection procedures so that the goals of the study will still be met. Sometimes, issues may be identified that require revisions to the goal or scope of the study. The qualitative and quantitative data for inclusion in the inventory shall be collected for each unit process that is included within the system boundary. The collected data, whether measured, calculated or estimated, are utilized to quantify the inputs and outputs of a unit process. When data have been collected from public sources, the source shall be referenced. For those data that can be significant for the conclusions of the study, details about the relevant data collection process, the time when data have been collected, and further information about data quality indicators shall be referenced. If such data do not meet the data quality requirements, this shall be stated. To decrease the risk of misunderstandings (e.g. resulting in double counting when validating or reusing the data collected), a description of each unit process shall be recorded. Since data collection may span several reporting locations and published references, measures should be taken to reach uniform and consistent understanding of the product systems to be modelled. SIST EN 16760:2016



EN 16760:2015 (E) 11 5.2 Sources of data 5.2.1 General Sources of inventory data should be specified and transparent. Responsible sourcing and sustainable management practices can be found in the production of bio-based raw materials. Cert
...

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
oSIST prEN 16760:2014
01-september-2014
Bioizdelki - Ocenjevanje življenjskega cikla
Bio-based products - Life Cycle Assessment
Biobasierte Produkte - Ökobilanzen
Produits biosourcés - Analyse du cycle de vie
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 16760
ICS:
13.020.60 Življenjski ciklusi izdelkov Product life-cycles
oSIST prEN 16760:2014 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
oSIST prEN 16760:2014

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oSIST prEN 16760:2014

EUROPEAN STANDARD
DRAFT
prEN 16760
NORME EUROPÉENNE

EUROPÄISCHE NORM

June 2014
ICS 13.020.60
English Version
Bio-based products - Life Cycle Assessment
Produits biosourcés - Analyse du cycle de vie Biobasierte Produkte - Ökobilanzen
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee CEN/TC 411.

If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which
stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.

This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language
made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and United
Kingdom.

Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are aware and to
provide supporting documentation.

Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without notice and
shall not be referred to as a European Standard.


EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2014 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 16760:2014 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

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Contents Pages
Foreword .3
Introduction .4
1 Scope .5
2 Normative references .5
3 Terms and definitions .5
4 Methodology for LCA of bio-based products .5
4.1 General description of an LCA .5
4.2 General aspects of LCA for bio-based products .5
4.3 Goal and Scope of the LCA study .6
4.3.1 Goal of the LCA study .6
4.3.2 Scope of the LCA study .7
5 LCI – Life Cycle Inventory .9
5.1 General .9
5.2 Sources of data .9
5.2.1 General .9
5.2.2 Geographical data. 10
5.2.3 Temporal data . 10
5.3 Allocation . 10
5.3.1 Allocation procedure . 10
5.4 LCI – Collecting data and modelling . 11
5.4.1 Considerations for resource use . 11
5.4.2 Land use . 12
5.4.3 Water inventory . 13
5.5 Inventory of fossil and biogenic carbon flows . 14
5.5.1 General . 14
5.6 Guidance for modelling agro-, forestry and aquaculture systems . 15
5.6.1 Modelling agricultural systems . 15
5.6.2 Modelling forestry systems . 18
5.6.3 Modelling aquaculture systems . 19
5.6.4 Modelling end-of-life processes in LCAs of bio-based products . 19
6 LCIA – Life Cycle Impacts Assessment . 19
6.1 Impact categories and impact indicators . 19
6.1.1 General . 19
6.1.2 Selection of impact categories . 19
6.1.3 Applicability of methods and data . 19
6.1.4 Weighting and comparative assertions disclosed to the public . 20
6.2 Guidelines for specific impact indicators . 20
6.2.1 Treatment of fossil and biogenic carbon in assessing climate change . 20
6.2.2 Land use . 20
6.2.3 Impact of water use . 21
7 Interpretation and reporting of LCA. 21
7.1 Interpretation . 21
7.2 Reporting of LCA . 22
7.3 Critical review . 22
Annex A (informative) Example of allocation on glycerol . 23
Annex B (informative) Example of fossil and biogenic carbon flows accounting . 24
Annex C (informative) Impact categories and impact indicators . 28

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Foreword
This document (prEN 16760:2014) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 411 “Bio-based
products”, the secretariat of which is held by NEN.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the
European Free Trade Association.
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Introduction
Bio-based products from forestry and agriculture have a long history of application, such as paper, board and
various chemicals and materials. The last decades have seen the emergence of new bio-based products in
the market. Some of the reasons for the increased interest lie in the bio-based products’ benefits in relation to
the depletion of fossil resources and climate change. Bio-based products may also provide additional product
functionalities. This has triggered a wave of innovation with the development of knowledge and technologies
allowing new transformation processes and product development.
Acknowledging the need for common standards for bio-based products, the European Commission issued
1
mandate M/492 , resulting in a series of standards developed by CEN/TC 411, with a focus on bio-based
products other than food, feed and biomass for energy applications.
The standards of CEN/TC 411 "Bio-based products" provide a common basis on the following aspects:
 Common terminology
 Bio-based content determination
 Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
 Sustainability aspects
 Declaration tools
It is important to understand what the term bio-based product covers and how it is being used. The term ‘bio-
based’ means 'derived from biomass'. Bio-based products (bottles, insulation materials, wood and wood
products, paper, solvents, chemical intermediates, composite materials, et cetera) are products which are
wholly or partly derived from biomass. It is essential to characterize the amount of biomass contained in the
product by for instance its bio-based content or bio-based carbon content.
The bio-based content of a product does not provide information on its environmental impact or sustainability,
which may be assessed through LCA and sustainability criteria. In addition, transparent and unambiguous
communication within bio-based value chains is facilitated by a harmonized framework for certification and
declaration.
This European Standard aims to provide specific life cycle assessment requirements and guidance for bio-
based products, excluding food, feed and energy, based on EN ISO 14040 Environmental management —
Life cycle assessment — Principles and framework and EN ISO 14044 Environmental management — Life
cycle assessment — Requirements and guidelines.
This European Standard informs and guides life cycle assessment and applications including for example
Product Category Rules (PCR) development for bio-based products.
An LCA assessment carried out according to this standard can be used as a basis to assess certain criteria as
[1]
laid down in prEN 16751 .

1
A Mandate is a standardization task embedded in European trade laws. M/492 Mandate is addressed to the European
Standardization bodies, CEN, CENELEC and ETSI, for the development of horizontal European Standards for bio-based
products.
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1 Scope
This European Standard provides specific life cycle assessment (LCA) requirements and guidance for bio-
based products, excluding food, feed and energy, based on EN ISO 14040 Environmental management —
Life cycle assessment — Principles and framework and EN ISO 14044 Environmental management — Life
cycle assessment — Requirements and guidelines.
This European Standard covers bio-based products, derived wholly or partly from biomass.
This European Standard provides guidance and requirements to assess impact over the life cycle of bio-
based products.
The applications of LCA as such are outside the scope of this European Standard. Clarifications,
considerations, practices, simplifications and options for the different applications, are also beyond the scope
of this European Standard.
In addition, this European Standard may be applied in studies that do not cover the whole life cycle, with
justification e.g. in the case of business-to-business information, such as cradle-to-gate studies, gate-to-gate
studies, and specific parts of the life cycle (e.g. waste management, components of a product).
For those studies most requirements of this European Standard are applicable (e.g. data quality, collection
and calculation as well as allocation and critical review), but not all the requirements for the system boundary.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
prEN 16575, Bio-based products — Vocabulary
EN ISO 14025, Environmental labels and declarations - Type III environmental declarations - Principles and
procedures (ISO 14025)
EN ISO 14040:2006, Environmental management — Life cycle assessment — Principles and framework
(ISO 14040)
EN ISO 14044:2006, Environmental management — Life cycle assessment — Requirements and guidelines
(ISO 14044)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this European Standard, the terms and definitions given in prEN 16575, EN ISO 14040
and EN ISO 14044 apply.
4 Methodology for LCA of bio-based products
4.1 General description of an LCA
The general description of life cycle assessment is defined in EN ISO 14040:2006 clause 4, with clauses 4.1
Principles of LCA, 4.2 Phases of an LCA, 4.3 Key features of an LCA, 4.4 Product system.
4.2 General aspects of LCA for bio-based products
The LCA of a bio-based product shall cover the whole product, not only the bio-based part, see Figure 1.
However, the focus of this European Standard is on how to handle the specificities of the bio-based part.
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Figure 1 — Example of a product system of a bio-based product which includes biomass as well as
non-biogenic material feedstocks
NOTE 1 The boxes linked with bold arrows in Figure 1 represent the flows of bio-based products (partly or fully derived
from biomass) that can be raw materials, intermediary products and final product.
NOTE 2 For simplification purposes, transportation steps have not been reported in Figure 1, but transportation can
occur between any of the unit processes.
This European Standard provides additional requirements and guidelines for bio-based products: Goal and
scope (see 4.3), LCI (see 5), LCIA (see 6) and Interpretation and reporting (see 7).
An LCA for a bio-based product shall include the four phases of LCA. LCA requirements and guidelines are
provided in EN ISO 14044:2006, clauses 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 and 4.5.
This European Standard provides further guidance on the following, which can be important for bio-based
products, due to their biomass origin:
 geographical (see 5.2.2) and temporal scope (see 5.2.3) to be representative for the biomass acquisition
phase considering agricultural, forest and aquaculture specificities;
 allocation procedures(see 5.3) as the production stages typically generates co-products;
 consideration for resource elementary flows (see 5.4.1);
 data collection and modelling for land use (5.4.2) , water use (5.4.3), and fossil and biogenic carbon flows
(see 5.5);
 modelling of agro-forestry and aquaculture systems (see 5.6) inventory and modelling requirements for
bio-based products end-of-life (see 5.6.4 and the proposed Technical report (TR) on end-of-life).
4.3 Goal and Scope of the LCA study
4.3.1 Goal of the LCA study
When defining the goal and scope of the LCA study, the requirements of EN ISO 14040:2006, clause 5.2.1
and EN ISO 14044:2006, clauses 4.2.2 and 4.2.3 shall apply.
There is no single solution as to how LCA can best be applied, it will depend on the goal of the LCA and on
each organization size and culture, its products, the strategy, the internal systems, tools and procedures and
the external drivers.
In defining the goal of an LCA, the following items shall be unambiguously stated:
 the intended application;
 the reasons for carrying out the study;
 the intended audience, i.e. to whom the results of the study are intended to be communicated;
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 whether the results are intended to be used in comparative assertions intended to be disclosed to the
public.
4.3.2 Scope of the LCA study
4.3.2.1 General
The scope should be sufficiently well defined to ensure that the breadth, depth and detail of the study are
compatible and sufficient to address the stated goal.
In addition to the definition of the scope of the LCA study in EN ISO 14044:2006, clause 4.2.3, the limitations,
assumptions and methods to assess issues specific to bio-based products should be explained (e.g.
assumptions for use stage, for end-of–life stage, carbon storage)
In some cases, the goal and scope of the study may be revised due to unforeseen limitations, constraints or
as a result of additional information. Such modifications, together with their justification, should be
documented.
It shall be determined which impact categories, category indicators and characterization models are included
within the LCA study. The selection of impact categories, category indicators and characterization models
used in the LCIA methodology shall be consistent with the goal of the study and considered as described in
EN ISO 14044:2006, clause 4.4.2.2.
4.3.2.2 Function and functional unit
In defining the functional unit, the requirements of EN ISO 14040:2006, clause 5.2.2 and EN ISO 14044:2006,
clause 4.2.3.2 shall apply.
The scope of an LCA shall clearly specify the functions (performance characteristics) of the product system
being studied. The functional unit shall be consistent with the goal and scope of the study. One of the primary
purposes of a functional unit is to provide a reference to which the input and output data are related. This
reference is necessary to ensure comparability of LCA results, in particular when different systems are being
assessed to enable comparison on a common basis. Therefore the functional unit shall be clearly defined and
measurable.
An appropriate reference flow shall be determined in relation to the functional unit. The quantitative input and
output data collected in support of the analysis shall be calculated in relation to this flow. For bio-based
products which are intermediates or which can serve several functions or service, it is recommended to use a
reference flow such as weight or volume (e.g. 1kg of product), and to provide information whether it refers to
dry matter weight, gross weight, etc.
EXAMPLE In the function of drying hands, both a paper towel and an air-dryer system are studied. The selected
functional unit may be expressed in terms of the identical number of pairs of hands dried for both systems. For each
system, it is possible to determine the reference flow, e.g. the average mass of paper or the average volume of hot air
required for one pair of hand-dry, respectively. For both systems, it is possible to compile an inventory of inputs and
outputs on the basis of the reference flows. At its simplest level, in the case of paper towel, this would be related to the
paper consumed. In the case of the air-dryer, this would be related to the mass of hot air needed to dry the hands (copied
from EN ISO 14040:2006 5.2.2).
4.3.2.3 System boundary
In defining the system boundary, the requirements of EN ISO 14040:2006, clause 5.2.3 and
EN ISO 14044:2006, clause 4.2.3.3 shall apply.
The system boundary shall be explained clearly and in an unambiguous way, preferably in a flow chart figure.
The exclusion of any life cycle stages shall be documented and explained.
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LCA technique with proper justification may be applied in studies that are not LCA or LCI studies. Examples
are:
 cradle-to-gate studies;
 gate-to-gate studies; and
 specific parts of the life cycle (e.g. waste management, components of a product).
4.3.2.4 Cut-off criteria
When using cut-off criteria to decide on inclusion of inputs and outputs, the requirements of
EN ISO 14044:2006, clause 4.2.3.3.3 shall apply.
The choice of elements of the physical system to be modelled depends on the goal and scope definition of the
study, its intended application and audience, the assumptions made, data and cost constraints, and cut-off
criteria. The models used should be described and the assumptions underlying those choices should be
identified. The cut-off criteria used within a study should be clearly understood and defined within the goal and
scope definition phase. The effect on the outcome of the study of the cut-off criteria selected shall also be
assessed and described in the final report.
All mass, energy elementary flows should be accounted. If not, the final report shall include the estimation of
completeness, based on:
 Mass cut-off (in % of total product mass): best estimation of the mass all non-accounted components of
the product.
 Energy cut-off (in % of total energy consumption): best estimation of all energy consumption of non-
accounted mass inputs.
Environmental significance: decisions on cut-off criteria should be based on best knowledge of environmental
significance. Such information may e.g. be sought on Safety Data Sheets where substance classification can
guide on possible cut-off or not but also other sources of information should be looked for. Inputs such as
transport of staff, inputs producing human energy or user transport may be excluded as they are normally not
significant.
Such simplifications shall be explicitly stated in the study report along with any supporting documentation
showing these calculations, specifying the names of any flows which have not been taken into consideration.
4.3.2.5 LCIA methodology and types of impacts
It shall be determined which impact categories, category indicators and characterization models are included
within the LCA study. The selection of impact categories, category indicators and characterization models
used in the LCIA methodology shall be consistent with the goal of the study and considered as described in
EN ISO 14044:2006, clause 4.4.2.2.
NOTE This text is copied from EN ISO 14044:2006, clause 4.2.3.4].
4.3.2.6 Data quality
Data quality requirements shall be specified to enable the goal and scope of the LCA to be met and should
address what is listed in EN ISO 14044:2006, clauses 4.2.3.6.2 and 4.2.3.6.3.
Site-specific and primary data should be used when appropriate and in line with the goal and scope of the
study.
The selection of level of geographical detail should be consistent with the goal and intended use of the LCA
and be justified in view of the availability and quality of data.
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4.3.2.7 Comparisons between systems
In a comparative study, the equivalence of the systems being compared shall be evaluated before interpreting
the results. Consequently, the scope of the study shall be defined in such a way that the systems can be
compared. Systems shall be compared using the same functional unit and equivalent methodological
considerations, such as performance, system boundary, data quality, allocation procedures, decision rules on
evaluating inputs, and outputs and impact assessment. Any differences between systems regarding these
parameters shall be identified and reported. If the study is intended to be used for a comparative assertion
intended to be disclosed to the public, interested parties shall conduct this evaluation as a critical review.
NOTE Above text is copied from EN ISO 14044:2006, clause 4.2.3.7]
A life cycle impact assessment shall be performed for studies intended to be used in comparative assertions
intended to be disclosed to the public.
If comparative assertions are intended to be disclosed to the public, additional requirements as set in
EN ISO 14044:2006 apply.
5 LCI – Life Cycle Inventory
5.1 General
Inventory analysis involves data collection and calculation procedures to quantify relevant inputs and outputs
of a product system.
The process of conducting an inventory analysis is iterative. As data are collected and more is learned about
the system, new data requirements or limitations may be identified that require a change in the data collection
procedures so that the goals of the study will still be met. Sometimes, issues may be identified that require
revisions to the goal or scope of the study.
The qualitative and quantitative data for inclusion in the inventory shall be collected for each unit process that
is included within the system boundary. The collected data, whether measured, calculated or estimated, are
utilized to quantify the inputs and outputs of a unit process.
When data have been collected from public sources, the source shall be referenced. For those data that can
be significant for the conclusions of the study, details about the relevant data collection process, the time
when data have been collected, and further information about data quality indicators shall be referenced.
If such data do not meet the data quality requirements, this shall be stated.
To decrease the risk of misunderstandings (e.g. resulting in double counting when validating or reusing the
data collected), a description of each unit process shall be recorded.
Since data collection may span several reporting locations and published references, measures should be
taken to reach uniform and consistent understanding of the product systems to be modelled.
5.2 Sources of data
5.2.1 General
Sources of inventory data should be specified and transparent.
Responsible sourcing and sustainable management practices can be found in the production of bio-based raw
materials. Certification schemes usually address a broad array of management and performance aspects that
can be used directly in determining elementary flows and in informing impact assessment and interpretation.
EXAMPLE Managing conformity with standards covering fertiliser application may be linked directly to levels of
fertiliser run-off and therefore elementary flow determination.
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If biomass has been produced in conformance with a relevant standard this shall be taken into account in
determining elementary flows and in impact assessment and interpretation.
The most representative data should be used and the quality of data shall always be examined in order to
guarantee that they are adequate for the purpose of the study and that they comply with the data quality
requirements of the study.
5.2.2 Geographical data
Data should be assessed across an appropriate and representative geographical area for there to be a mean
effect. The data and scales used should be clearly specified in the study in order to ensure optimal
transparency. Mean values by region can be used only for part of agricultural data (contributions from
fertilisers, yields, etc.), since other variables cannot yet be regionalised due to the lack of a recognized model
(e.g. N O emissions).
2
Where there are significant differences within a geographical area, e.g. yield differences, this should also be
taken into account.
5.2
...

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