Bio-based products – Life cycle assessment – Additional requirements and guidelines for comparing the life cycles of bio-based products with their fossil-based equivalents – EN 18027:2025

EN 18027:2025 is a European standard that focuses on bio-based products, providing guidelines for comparing their life cycles with fossil-based equivalents. This standard is part of the broader European effort to promote sustainability and reduce reliance on fossil fuels by encouraging the use of renewable resources.

Scope of EN 18027:2025

The primary scope of EN 18027:2025 is to establish a framework for assessing and comparing the environmental impacts of bio-based products against their fossil-based counterparts. This includes a comprehensive analysis of the life cycle of these products, from raw material extraction through production, use, and disposal. The standard aims to provide a consistent methodology for evaluating the sustainability of bio-based products, which is essential for manufacturers, policymakers, and consumers who are increasingly concerned about environmental impacts.

Key aspects of the standard include:

1. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): EN 18027:2025 emphasizes the importance of conducting a life cycle assessment to evaluate the environmental impacts of bio-based products. This involves analyzing various stages of a product’s life cycle, including resource extraction, manufacturing processes, transportation, usage, and end-of-life disposal or recycling.
2. Comparative Analysis: The standard provides guidelines for comparing bio-based products with fossil-based products. This comparative analysis is crucial for understanding the potential benefits of switching to bio-based alternatives, such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions, lower energy consumption, and decreased environmental degradation.
3. Sustainability Criteria: EN 18027:2025 outlines specific sustainability criteria that bio-based products must meet to be considered environmentally friendly. These criteria may include factors such as renewable resource use, energy efficiency, and waste management practices.
4. Reporting and Transparency: The standard encourages transparency in reporting the results of life cycle assessments and comparative analyses. This is important for building trust among consumers and stakeholders, as well as for supporting informed decision-making regarding the use of bio-based products.

Updates in EN 18027:2025 Compared to Previous Versions

The 2025 version of EN 18027 introduces several significant updates and revisions compared to earlier iterations of the standard. These updates reflect advancements in sustainability practices and the growing importance of bio-based products in various industries. Key updates include:

1. Enhanced Methodological Framework: The new version provides a more robust methodological framework for conducting life cycle assessments. This includes updated guidelines for data collection, impact assessment, and interpretation of results, ensuring that assessments are comprehensive and reliable.
2. Broader Scope of Bio-based Products: EN 18027:2025 expands the definition of bio-based products to include a wider range of materials and applications. This reflects the increasing diversity of bio-based products available in the market, from packaging materials to construction components.
3. Integration of Circular Economy Principles: The 2025 version incorporates principles of the circular economy, emphasizing the importance of resource efficiency and waste reduction. This aligns with broader European policies aimed at promoting sustainable production and consumption patterns.
4. Focus on Stakeholder Engagement: The standard highlights the importance of engaging stakeholders in the assessment process. This includes input from manufacturers, consumers, and environmental organizations, ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered in evaluating the sustainability of bio-based products.
5. Alignment with EU Policies: EN 18027:2025 is designed to align with European Union policies and regulations related to sustainability and environmental protection. This ensures that the standard supports the EU’s broader goals of reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable resources.

Countries Utilizing EN 18027:2025

EN 18027:2025 is applicable across various European countries, as it is part of the European Standardization framework. Countries such as Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Sweden are among the primary users of this standard, given their strong commitment to sustainability and environmental protection. These countries have robust policies promoting the use of bio-based products and are actively involved in research and development in this area.

In addition to European countries, EN 18027:2025 may also be referenced by international organizations and companies that operate in or supply to the European market. This includes manufacturers from countries outside of Europe who seek to comply with European standards to access this market.

Conclusion

In summary, EN 18027:2025 is a critical standard for assessing and comparing the environmental impacts of bio-based products against fossil-based alternatives. The updates in this version enhance its relevance and applicability, ensuring that stakeholders can make informed decisions regarding the use of bio-based materials. With its widespread adoption across Europe and potential use by international manufacturers, EN 18027:2025 plays a vital role in promoting sustainability and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. As the industry continues to evolve, adherence to this standard will be essential for advancing the use of renewable resources and supporting a more sustainable future.