What is ISO 14040:2021 ?

ISO 14040:2021 is an updated version of the ISO 14020:2020 standard, which is an international recognized guideline for environmental labeling and declarations. It presents a framework for companies to transparently communicate the environmental performance of their products. The primary objective of ISO 14020:2020 is to promote sustainable consumption by facilitating the understanding of a product's environmental impact.

ISO 14020:2020 covers various types of environmental labels and declarations, including single-attribute labels, such as energy efficiency, and multi-attribute labels, which take into account multiple environmental factors. These labels and declarations provide clear and reliable information to consumers, allowing them to make informed choices about the products they purchase.

ISO 14040:2018 is an international standard that provides guidelines for conducting life cycle assessments (LCAs). LCA is a method used to evaluate the environmental impacts of a product or process throughout its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal.

The main objective of ISO 14040:2018 is to provide a harmonized framework for performing reliable and transparent LCAs. It helps organizations assess the environmental performance of their products, identify improvement opportunities, and make informed decisions to minimize their ecological footprint.

The ISO 14040:2021 standard consists of four phases of life cycle assessment, which are:

Product design and development: This phase involves the environmental impact of a product during its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal.

Procurement and sourcing: This phase involves the procurement and sourcing of raw materials and components used in the product.

Manufacturing and assembly: This phase involves the manufacturing and assembly of the product, including the production of materials and the use of energy and resources.

End-of-life disposal and recycling: This phase involves the disposal and recycling of the product at the end of its life cycle.

By following the guidelines set out in ISO 14020:2020 and ISO 14040:2018, companies can transparently communicate the environmental performance of their products to consumers and stakeholders. This can help them make informed decisions about the products they purchase and reduce their ecological footprint.