Arper Environmental News
Arper has just obtained (March 2008) the environmental product declaration (EPD) for two of its most distinctive products currently on the market: the Catifa 53 and Catifa 46 (trestle and 4-leg base, self-colour and two-tone).
The EPD is awarded after a life cycle assessment (LCA) of the products concerned. This enables their environmental impact from start to finish of their life cycle to be evaluated through an in-depth analysis of each stage of the process: raw materials, production and distribution, and then on to use and disposal. This type of study provides quantitative data on products with respect to pre-set parameters that enable their environmental performance to be communicated fairly. The transparency and accuracy of the information provided are guaranteed by the external EPD certification and by registration by Norway’s NHO (a member of GedNet – the Global Type III Environmental Products Declaration network). GedNet harmonises the EPD programmes developed by individual countries at the international level and is recognised for Canada, Denmark, Japan, Germany, South Korea, Norway, Sweden, China and the USA - www.gednet.org).
Having obtained this environmental product declaration, Arper is incorporating LCA and EPD processes as working tools to propose and evaluate options for improvements at the study and design stages of its chairs and seating.