The effects of climate change are becoming more apparent in how we live, work, and consume. As environmental concerns grow, consumers make more conscious choices, favouring options that reflect their values. This shift is pushing industries—from construction to fashion—to adopt more sustainable practices. A key tool in this transition is the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), which provides transparent information about a product’s environmental footprint, helping consumers make informed decisions.
The Rise of Green Consumers
Recent studies show that more consumers are turning their attention to sustainability. A PWC 2024 survey found that nearly 9 out of 10 people are already feeling the effects of climate change in their daily lives, with almost half actively choosing to buy more sustainable products. Even with the pressures of rising costs, consumers are willing to pay nearly more for goods that align with their values. their habits to reduce their environmental footprint. These changes include adopting more sustainable shopping practices, such as choosing products with eco-friendly packaging, reducing single-use plastics, opting for energy-efficient appliances, and supporting brands with strong environmental commitments. Additionally, there’s a growing trend towards embracing circular economy principles, with more people considering second-hand purchases, repairing items instead of replacing them, and participating in recycling and upcycling initiatives.
Green consumerism is also strong among Gen Z, who want more transparency on sustainability. According to a 2024 Whole Foods Market survey, they support climate-smart practices and favour brands with lower environmental impacts or locally sourced products.
But what’s driving this change? The answer lies in a combination of factors:
- Increased awareness of climate change and its impacts
- Growing concern over resource depletion and waste
- Social media amplifying environmental issues
- Government regulations pushing for greater transparency
In this context, EPDs have emerged as a crucial bridge between eco-conscious consumers and responsible manufacturers.
Why EPDs for Products?
EPDs are essentially a transparent, objective report that communicates the environmental performance or impact of a product or material throughout its lifecycle. Think of it as a nutrition label but for environmental footprint instead of calories.
EPDs are based on Life Cycle Assessments (LCA), which evaluate the environmental impacts associated with all stages of a product’s life, from raw material extraction to disposal. This comprehensive approach ensures that hidden environmental damage and costs are not overlooked.
Key information typically found in an EPD includes:
- Carbon footprint
- Water consumption
- Waste generation
- Resource depletion
For industries and consumers alike, EPDs provide a standardised way to compare products’ environmental performance, making it easier to make informed, sustainable choices.
How EPDs are Reshaping Industries
The impact of EPDs is being felt across a wide spectrum of industries:
- Construction and Building Materials: In an industry responsible for , EPDs are becoming a crucial tool for architects and engineers to select materials with lower environmental impact.
- Manufacturing: From electronics to furniture, manufacturers are using EPDs to showcase their commitment to sustainability and gain a competitive edge.
- Packaging: With plastic pollution in the spotlight, EPDs are helping companies develop and promote eco-friendly packaging solutions.
- Fashion: The notoriously resource-intensive fashion industry is turning to EPDs to address the growing consumer demand for sustainable clothing.
- Energy and Utilities: EPDs help consumers choose greener energy options and push utilities to invest in cleaner technologies.
Let’s take a closer look at how EPDs are reshaping the manufacturing sector.
Case Study: Decarbonisation in Alumina Manufacturing
ESC partnered with Press Metal, a global leader in aluminium production, to assess the environmental impact of its alumina production facility in Bintan, Indonesia. Through a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), ESC analysed emissions across all stages of production, from raw material extraction to waste disposal, helping Press Metal identify areas to reduce its carbon footprint and meet global sustainability standards.
The LCA results led to the creation of an EPD, offering transparent insight into the emissions tied to Press Metal’s products. This not only helps them improve sustainability but also positions Press Metal as a leader in eco-conscious manufacturing, boosting their appeal to investors and customers. You can read more about this project here.
Transform Your Products with Sustainable Solutions
As demand for sustainable products grows, businesses are under increasing pressure to adapt and meet evolving consumer expectations. With climate change, regulatory shifts, and rising environmental awareness, companies must navigate a landscape where sustainability is no longer optional. To stay competitive, businesses need not only to innovate but also to integrate sustainability into their core strategies.
ESC, with its deep regional expertise in Asia, is here to help. Our sustainability consultants are ready to guide you through the complexities of EPDs and develop sustainability strategies tailored to the unique challenges of your business.