ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT DECLARATIONFLOTEX FRFORBO FLOORING SYSTEMSFLOCKED FLOOR COVERING

Flotex Vision FR 000225FR Web storm

Flotex is a unique flooring Flotex thatoffers a warm, comfortable, hygienic
floor covering that is suitable for any
commercial specification. It is made byelectrostatically flocking 80 million nylon
fibers in a watertight backing. This build
up combines the practicality of a resilient
flooring with the slip resistant andacoustic properties usually associatedwith textiles. Flotex is strong andhygienic, and, being completely
waterproof, Flotex is also the only truly
washable textile floor covering. It is the
only textile flooring that has been
awarded with a British Allergy
Foundation seal.
Forbo was the first flooring manufacturer
to publish a complete Life Cycle
Assessment (LCA) report verified by
CML in 2000.In addition Forbo is now topublish Environmental ProductDeclarations (EPD) for all products
including full LCA reports. This EPD isusing all recognized flooring ProductCategory Rules and is including
additional information to show the
impacts on human health and ecotoxicity. By offering the complete story
we hope that our stakeholders will beable to use this document as a tool thatwill translate the environmental
performance of Flotex FR into the true
value and benefits to all our customers
and stakeholders alike.
For more information visit;www.forbo-flooring.com

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According to ISO 14025 and EN 15804

This declaration is an environmental product declaration (EPD) in accordance with ISO 14025. EPDs rely
on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to provide information on a number of environmental impacts of products
over their life cycle. Exclusions: EPDs do not indicate that any environmental or social performancebenchmarks are met, and there may be impacts that they do not encompass. LCAs do not typically address
the site-specific environmental impacts of raw material extraction, nor are they meant to assess human healthtoxicity. EPDs can complement but cannot replace tools and certifications that are designed to address these impacts
and/or set performance thresholds – e.g. Type 1 certifications, health assessments and declarations, environmental
impact assessments, etc. Accuracy of Results: EPDs regularly rely on estimations of impacts, and the level of accuracy
in estimation of effect differs for any particular product line and reported impact. Comparability: EPDs are notcomparative assertions and are either not comparable or have limited comparability when they cover different life cycle
stages, are based on different product category rules or are missing relevant environmental impacts. EPDs from different
programs may not be comparable.

DECLARATION NUMBERUL Environment
333 Pfingsten Road
Northbrook, IL 60611
Forbo Flooring B.V.
Industrieweg 12
P.O. Box 13
NL-1560 AA Krommenie
4790334130.101.1

DECLARED PRODUCTFlotex FR Flocked Floor Covering

PROGRAM OPERATORDECLARATION HOLDERREFERENCE PCRDATE OF ISSUEPERIOD OF VALIDITY

CONTENTS OF THE
DECLARATION

EN 16810 : Resilient, Textile and Laminate floor coverings – Environmental productdeclarations – Product category rules
January 1, 2023
5 Years
Product definition and information about building physics
Information about basic material and the material’s origin
Description of the product’s manufacture
Indication of product processing

Information about the in-use conditions
Life cycle assessment results
Testing results and verifications
European Standards
The PCR review was conducted by:
CEN/TC 134
https://www.en-standard.eu/
This declaration was independently verified in accordance with ISO
14025 by Underwriters Laboratories

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According to ISO 14025 and EN 15804☒ EXTERNALThis life cycle assessment was independently verified inaccordance with ISO 14044 and the reference PCR by:
This EPD conforms with EN 15804

Cooper McCollum, UL Environment

Thomas P. Gloria, Industrial Ecology Consultants

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According to ISO 14025 and EN 15804

Product Definition
Product Classification and description
This declaration covers a broad range of designs and colors. Flotex is a unique flooring Flotex that offers a warm,
comfortable, hygienic floor covering that is suitable for any commercial specification.
It is made by electrostatically flocking 80 million nylon fibers in a watertight backing. This build up combines thepracticality of a resilient flooring with the slip resistant and acoustic properties usually associated with textiles. Flotex isstrong and hygienic, and, being completely waterproof, Flotex is also the only truly washable textile floor covering. It is
the only textile flooring that has been awarded with a British Allergy Foundation seal. Flotex FR complies with all
requirements of EN1307: Textile Floor Coverings - Classification of Pile Carpets.
Flotex FR has been manufactured for over 40 years and is a well-known brand sold worldwide. This declaration refers
to Flotex FR covering a broad range of designs and colors :Flotex Colour FR, Flotex Vision FR, Flotex Designer/Artist FR (Starck / Tibor / Sottsass / Hemingway Design, Flotex
FR Bespoke design).
Flotex FR is comprised of a Nylon 6.6 pile above a glass fiber reinforced PVC cushioned backing. Flotex FR is built up
in 4 layers as illustrated in the following image:

Figure 1: Typical construction

1. Surface layer: This layer gives Flotex FR its design, color and wear properties
2. Adhesive layer: This layer bonds the surface layer to the backing.
3. Glass fiber layer: This layer provides strength and dimensional stability to the product4. Backing/Reinforcing Net Layer: This layer provides cushioning and acoustic properties
This declaration refers to the declared/functional unit of 1 m2 installed flooring product.

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Range of application
Flotex FR is classified in accordance with EN1307 to be installed in the following use areas defined in EN-ISO 10874:

Area of application

Flotex FR
Class 23

Domestic
Class 33

Commercial

Product Standard
The product considered in this EPD has the following technical specifications:• Meets or exceeds all requirements of EN1307: Textile Floor Coverings - Classification of Pile Carpets.
Flotex FR meets or exceeds the requirements for:
•
•
•
•
•

IMO Wheelmark
US Coastguard Approval
EN45545-2 HL-2
ASTM E648
ASTM E662

Accreditation
o
o
o
o

o

ISO 9001 Quality Management System
ISO 14001 Environmental Management System
British Allergy Foundation
AgBB/ABG
French act Grenelle: A+

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Delivery Status
Table 1: Specification of delivered productCharacteristics
Product thickness
Product WeightRolls Width
LengthNominal Value
3.3
1225
2.00
30

Unit
mm
g/m2
meter
meter

Material Content
Material Content of the Product
Table 2: Composition of Flotex FR

Component

Material

Polymer
Polymer
Plasticizer
FR Plasticizer
FR Additives
FillerSubstrate
Reinforcement
Carpet Pile
AdditivesEmulsion PVC
Acrylic Polymer
DOTP
Phosphate based plasticizer
Proprietary information
Calcium carbonate
Glass tissue
Glass net
Polyamide 6.6
Various chemicals

Mass %

Availability

20
9.4
13.3
8.9
1.7
15.4
4.7
2.2
20.1
4.3

Non-renewable
Non-renewable
Non-renewable
Non-renewable
Non-renewable
Abundant mineral
Non-renewable
Non-renewable
Non-renewable
Non-renewable

Origin of raw
material
EuropeEuropeEuropeEuropeEuropeEuropeEuropeEuropeEurope/USA
Europe/Asia

Production of Main Materials
Emulsion PVC: Polymer which is manufactured by the polymerisation of vinyl chloride monomer.
Acrylic Polymer: Polymer which is manufactured by the polymerisation of methyl methacrylate.
DOTP: A non-phthalate plasticiser, being the diester of terephthalic acid and the branched-chain 2-ethylhexanol. This
colorless viscous liquid used for softening PVC plastics is known for chemical similarity to general purpose phthalates
such as DEHP and DINP, but without any negative regulatory pressure.
FR Plasticiser: A phosphate based fire retardant plasticiser.
FR Additives: Mineral based additives providing improved fire retardancy.
Calcium carbonate: An abundant mineral found in all parts of the world as the chief substance in rocks (i.e., marble
and limestone). It can be ground to varying particle sizes and is widely used as filler.
Glass tissue: A non-woven sheet material comprising chopped glass fiber filaments bound together with a binder
imparts dimensional stability and lay-flat properties
Glass net: A non-woven grid structure comprising glass filament yarn bound together with a binder. Increases tearresistance of finished flooring
Nylon 6.6: Synthetic yarn made from the condensation reaction of hexamethylene diamine and adipic acid. Forms thepile surface of Flotex and gives excellent abrasion resistance and durability.
Various chemicals: Minor components including – conductive fibre, pigments, fire retardant, heat stabiliser

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According to ISO 14025 and EN 15804

Production of the Floor Covering

Flotex FR is produced in several stages starting with PVC Prep, where the compounding of PVC emulsion polymers withplasticizer and other functional additives is carried out to produce PVC plastisols. These plastisols are then spreadcoated onto a glass substrate on the Flocking Line. The top surface of Flotex FR is based on Nylon-6.6 tow, which is cut
into 2mm fibers in the Flock Prep area. These fibers are scoured and dyed to give the desired color base shade before
electrostatically flocking into the wet PVC plastisol on the Flocking Line. The flocked fibers form the surface pile of Flotex
FR. After flocking the plastisols are fully cured at elevated temperature on the Flocking Line.
A proportion of the finished sheet is then transported to our Chateau Renault site where specific designs can be applied
to the surface layer using a digital printing process. The majority of finished sheet product is processed on the Ripley
Printing Line where specific designs are applied to the surface layer using a rotary screen technique. The printed carpet
is steamed to fix dyestuffs then washed and dried. The product edges are trimmed and after inspection the sheet is cut
into rolls of approximately 30 linear meters. The trimmings and the rejected product can be recycled.
Health, Safety and Environmental Aspects during ProductionoooISO 14001 Environmental Management System
SA 8000 Social Accountability standard
ISO 45001 Health & Safety Management System

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Production Waste
Rejected material and the cuttings of the trimming stage are recycled. Packaging materials are collected separately
and externally recycled.

Delivery and Installation of the Floor Covering
DeliveryA worldwide distribution by truck and container ship is considered. On average every square meter of Flotex FR istransported as follows:o Transport distance 40 t truck
760 kmo Transport distance 7.5t truck (Fine distribution)
246 kmo Capacity utilization trucks (including empty runs)
85 %o Transport distance Ocean ship
800 kmo Capacity utilization Ocean ship48%
Installation
Because of the specific techniques used during the installation of Flotex FR, approximately 4% of the material is cut off
as installation waste. For installation of Flotex FR on the floor a scenario has been modeled assuming 0.25 kg/m2 offlooring adhesive is applied to the sub-floor.
Waste during the installation process may be recycled as floor covering through the manufacturers’ facilities orthermally recycled in a waste incineration plant. Since the major part of Flotex FR is sold in Europe, the European
electricity grid mix is used in the calculations for the energy recovery during incineration.

Health, Safety and Environmental Aspects during Installation
Forbo flooring recommends to use (low) zero emission adhesives for installing Flotex FR floorcovering.
Waste
Waste during the installation process may be recycled as floor covering through the manufacturers’ facilities ordisposed of via land fill or thermally recycled in a waste incineration plant.
PackagingPE-foil can be collected separately and should be used in a local recycling process.

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Use stage
The service lifetime of a floor covering for a certain application on a floor is too widespread to give one common
number. For this EPD model the reference service lifetime (RSL) is set to one year. This means that all impacts for theuse phase are based on the cleaning and maintenance model for one year. Depending on the area of use, thetechnical lifetime advised by the manufacturer and the estimated time on the floor by the customer, the service lifetime
can be determined. The use phase impacts should be calculated with the foreseen service life to arrive at the total
environmental impact.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Level of use

Cleaning Process

Cleaning Frequency

Consumption ofenergy and resources

Commercial/Residential/Industrial

Vacuuming

Daily

Electricity

Spot/spill clean
Dry fusion clean
Hot water extraction

As spill occcurs
Four times each year

Spotting agent
Hot water
Neutral detergent

For the calculations the following cleaning regime is considered:- Dry cleaning with a 1.5 kW vacuum cleaner for 0.21 min/m2 every day. This equates to 1.92 kWh/m2*year.
- Four times a year wet cleaning with 0.062 l/m2 water and 0.0008 kg/m2 detergent. This result in the use of
0.248 l/m2*year water and 0.0032 kg/m2*year detergent. The wet cleaning takes place without powermachine usage. The waste water treatment of the arising waste water from cleaning is considered (Datasource from Forbo GaBi model).
The cleaning regime that is recommended in practice will be highly dependent on the use of the premises where thefloor covering is installed. In high traffic areas more frequent cleaning will be needed compared to areas where there is
low traffic. The use of an entrance mat of at least four steps will reduce the cleaning frequency.
The cleaning regime used in the calculations is suitable for high traffic areas.
Prevention of Structural Damage
All newly laid floor covering should be covered and protected with a suitable non-staining protective covering if otherbuilding activities are still in progress. Castor wheels should be suitable for textile floor coverings.
Health Aspects during Usage
Flotex FR is in compliance with:o AgBB/ABG requirementso French act Grenelle: A+o British Allergy Foundation
Low emissions & phthalate free manufacturing ensures Flotex FR can contribute to a healthy indoor environment

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End of LifeThe deconstruction of installed Flotex FR from the floor is a manual process.
For the End of Life stage 100% incineration is taken into account, the average distance to the incineration plant perlorry is set to 200 km.

Life Cycle Assessment
A full Life Cycle Assessment has been carried out according to ISO 14040 and ISO 14044.
The following Life Cycle Stages are assessed :o A1-3 : Product Stage (Raw material acquisition, transportation to Manufacturing and Manufacturing)o A4-5 : Construction stage (Transport Gate to User, Installation flooring)o B2 :
Use Stage (Maintenance of the floor). For floor coverings the modules B1, B3 to B7 are not relevantto the environmental performance of a product.
o C1-4 : End of Life Stage (Deconstruction, transport, waste processing, disposal)
o D:
Benefits and loads beyond the system boundary (Reuse, recovery, recycling potential)
Product stage(A1-3)

A1 : Raw
Material
Extraction andProcessing

A2 : Transport

Construction process stage(A4-5)

Benefits andloads beyond thesystem boundary(D)End-of Life stage(C1-4)

A3 : Coating,
Flocking,

A3 :Manufacturing
Energies with
regionalreference

Use stage (B2)

Printing,

A4 : Transport

A5 :Construction or
installation
process

B2 :Maintenance
Cleaning
regimeC1 : Deconstruction
demolition

C2 :Transport

C3 : Waste
processing

C4 :DisposalD:
Reuse,
recovery,recycling
potential

Trimming

Figure 2: Flow chart of the Life Cycle Assessment

Comparisons of different floor coverings are only allowed, where EN 15804 consistent and/or preverified backgrounddata and EN 15804 consistent calculation methods and database versions are used and when the building context istaken into account, i.e. on the basis of the same use-classification (EN ISO 10874), same service life and comparable
assumptions for the end of life.
Description of the Declared Functional Unit
The functional unit is one square meter of installed product and the use stage is considered for one year of service life.
Cut off Criteria
The cut-off criteria shall be 1% of renewable and non-renewable primary energy usage and 1% of the total mass of theunit process. The total neglected input flows per module shall be a maximum of 5% of energy usage and mass.

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According to ISO 14025 and EN 15804

In practice, in this assessment, all data from the production data acquisition are considered, i.e. all raw materials usedas per formulation, use of water, electricity and other fuels, the required packaging materials, and all direct productionwaste. Transport data on all considered inputs and output material are also considered.
Allocations
In the present study some allocations have been made. Detailed explanations can be found in the chapters below.
Co-product allocation
No co-product allocation occurs in the product system.
Allocation of multi-input processes
The Production and End of Life stage include incineration plants. In these processes different products are treated
together within a process. The allocation procedures followed in these cases are based on a physical classification of
the mass flows or calorific values.
Credits from energy substitution are allocated to the production stage, because the gained energy from energy
substitution is lower than the energy input in this stage. The same quality of energy is considered.
Allocation procedure of reuse, recycling and recovery
The installation waste and end of life waste is fed into incineration processes. Incineration processes include
cogeneration processes which give thermal and power energy as outputs. It is assumed that this recovered energy
offsets that produced by the European average grid mix and thermal energy generation from natural gas. The gainedenergy is declared in module D as avoided environmental burden. Generated electricity and steam due to theincineration of installation and end of life waste are listed in the result table as exported energy.
Description of the allocation processes in the LCA report
The description of allocation rules in of this LCA report meets the requirements of the PCR.
LCA Data
As a general rule, specific data derived from specific production processes or average data derived from specificproduction processes have been used as the first choice as a basis for calculating an EPD.
For life cycle modeling of the considered products, the Gabi 10.6 Software System for Life Cycle Engineering,developed by Sphera has been used. All relevant LCA datasets are taken from the Gabi 10.6 software database. The
datasets from the database GaBi are documented in the online documentation. To ensure comparability of results in
the LCA, the basic data of GaBi database were used for energy, transportation and auxiliary materials.

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Data Quality
The requirements for data quality and LCA data correspond to the specifications of the PCR.
Foreground data are based on 1 year averaged data (year 2021). The reference ages of LCA datasets vary but are
given in the table in the Appendix. The time period over which inputs to and outputs from the system is accounted foris 100 years from the year for which the data set is deemed representative. The technological LCA of the collected
data reflects the physical reality of the declared product. The datasets are complete, conform to the system boundaries
and the criteria for the exclusion of inputs and outputs and are geographical representative for the supply chain ofForbo flooring.
For life cycle modeling of the considered products the Gabi 10.6 Software System for Life Cycle Engineering,developed by Sphera, is used. All relevant LCA datasets are taken from the Gabi 10.6 software database. The last
revision of the used data sets took place within the last 10 years.
System Boundaries
Production Stage includes provision of all materials, products and energy, packaging processing and its transport, as
well as waste processing up to the end-of waste state or disposal of final residues during the product stage.
Transport and Installation Stage includes provision of all materials, products and energy, as well as waste processing
up to the end-of-waste state or disposal of final residues during the construction stage. These information modules
also include all impacts and aspects related to any losses during this construction stage (i.e. production, transport, andwaste processing and disposal of the lost products and materials). For the transportation a worldwide distribution isconsidered.
Use Stage includes provision and transport of all materials, products and related energy and water use, as well as
waste processing up to the end-of-waste state or disposal of final residues during this part of the use stage. These
information modules also include all impacts and aspects related to the losses during this part of the use stage (i.e.
production, transport, and waste processing and disposal of the lost products and materials).
End of Life Stage includes provision and all transports, provision of all materials, products and related energy andwater use. It also includes any declared benefits and loads from net flows leaving the product system that have notbeen allocated as co-products and that have passed the end-of-waste state in the form of reuse, recovery and/or
recycling potentials.
ower mix
The selection of LCA data for the electricity generation is in line with the PCR.
The products are manufactured in Ripley, the United Kingdom. The Gabi 10.6 Wind power dataset has therefore beenused (reference year 2022). The energy supplier is providing Forbo with a certificate every year.
CO2-Certificates
No CO2-certificates are considered in this study.

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Life Cycle Inventory Analysis
In table 3 the environmental impacts for one lifecycle are presented for Flotex FR. In table 4 the environmental impacts
are presented for all the lifecycle stages.
Table 3: Results of the LCA – Environmental impacts one lifecycle (one year) – Flotex FR

Impact Category : EN 15804+A2

Flotex FR

Unit

Global Warming Potential – total (GWP-total)

8,12E+00

kg CO2-Equiv.

Global Warming Potential – fossil (GWP-fossil fuel only)
Global Warming Potential – biogenic (GWP-biogenic)
Global Warming Potential – luluc (GWP-land use only)
Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP)
Acidification Potential (AP- terrestrial and freshwater)
Eutrophication Potential – freshwater (EP-freshwater)
Eutrophication Potential – marine (EP-marine)

6,51E+00
1,61E+00
8,11E-04
2,14E-08
1,53E-02
1,08E-05

kg CO2-Equiv.
kg CO2-Equiv.
kg CO2-Equiv.
kg CFC-11 eq.
Mole of H+ eq.
kg P eq.
kg N eq.

Eutrophication Potential – terrestrial (EP-terrestrial)

4,53E-03
4,77E-02

Mole of N eq.

Photochemical Ozone Creation Potential (POCP)

1,52E-02

kg NMVOC eq.

Abiotic Depletion Potential Fossil (ADPF)
Abiotic Depletion Potential Element (ADPE)
Water Scarcity (WDP)

1,20E+02
4,07E-06
1,00E+00

MJ
kg Sb eq.
m³ world equiv.

Table 4: Results of the LCA – Environmental impact for Flotex FR (one year)

Parameter
A1
A2
A3
A4
A5
B2
C1
C2
C3
D
GWP – total
5,18E+00
8,43E-03 4,86E-01
1,95E-01
2,44E-01
7,20E-01
0,00E+00
8,85E-03 2,15E+00 -8,77E-01
GWP – fossil
5,20E+00
8,40E-03 4,66E-01
1,90E-01
2,08E-01
7,13E-01
0,00E+00
8,81E-03
5,83E-01-8,72E-01
GWP – biogenic-1,22E-02
1,42E-06 1,97E-02
4,08E-03
3,59E-02
6,57E-03
0,00E+00-1,21E-05 1,56E+00 -4,46E-03
GWP - luluc
1,12E-04
3,16E-05 1,22E-05
5,27E-04
1,92E-05
1,50E-04
0,00E+00
4,88E-05
6,24E-06-9,59E-05
ODP
2,12E-08
1,06E-15 8,92E-14
6,48E-15
1,02E-10
1,36E-10
0,00E+00
5,25E-16
2,22E-13-5,90E-12
AP
1,12E-02
4,98E-05 2,86E-04
1,03E-03
5,23E-04
1,56E-03
0,00E+00
2,88E-05
1,76E-03-1,15E-03
EP – freshwater
8,88E-06
1,75E-08 2,29E-07
2,85E-07
3,04E-07
2,23E-06
0,00E+00
2,61E-08
5,96E-08-1,20E-06
EP – marine
3,02E-03
1,76E-05 1,21E-04
3,72E-04
1,51E-04
3,52E-04
0,00E+00
1,33E-05
7,99E-04-3,11E-04
EP – terrestrial
3,10E-02
1,95E-04 1,25E-03
4,12E-03
1,59E-03
3,68E-03
0,00E+00
1,49E-04
9,06E-03-3,33E-03
POCP
1,14E-02
4,00E-05 3,54E-04
8,30E-04
4,38E-04
9,50E-04
0,00E+00
2,61E-05
2,06E-03-8,71E-04
ADPF
1,06E+02
1,11E-01 8,34E+00
1,44E+00
4,78E+00
1,29E+01
0,00E+00
1,17E-01
7,99E-01 -1,48E+01
ADPE
3,96E-06
7,98E-10 1,20E-08
8,42E-09
2,28E-08
1,93E-07
0,00E+00
7,32E-10
6,02E-09-1,32E-07
WDP
6,48E-01
3,90E-05 4,05E-03
8,73E-04
2,25E-02
1,72E-01
0,00E+00
7,85E-05
2,47E-01-9,29E-02
Caption: GWP - total = global warming potential; GWP - fossil = global warming potential (fossil fuel only); GWP - biogenic = global warming potential(biogenic); GWP - luluc = global warming potential (land use only); ODP = ozone depletion; AP = acidification terrestrial and freshwater; EP freshwater = eutrophication potential (freshwater); EP - marine = eutrophication potential (marine); EP- terrestrial = eutrophication potential(terrestrial); POCP = photochemical ozone formation; ADPE = abiotic depletion potential (element), ADPF = abiotic depletion potential (fossil) WDP =water scarcity

The relative contribution of each process stage to each impact category for Flotex FR is shown in figure 3.

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Figure 3: relative contribution of each process stage to each impact category for Flotex FR for a one year usage.

Interpretation
The interpretation of the results has been carried out considering the assumptions and limitations declared in the EPD,
both methodology- and data-related for a one year usage.
In almost all of the impact categories the production stage (A1-A3) has the main contribution to the overall impact. The
raw material supply, in particular PA 6.6, PVC and DOTP are the key contributors for these impact categories.
Forbo declares in the EPD a worldwide distribution which has a limited effect on most of the impact categories. For AP,
EP-marine & terrestrial and POCP there is a minor share of 5-8% of the total mainly caused by the ships and trucks
used to transport the product. For GWP-luluc there is a share of 53% which is completely caused by the diesel used
for the trucks.
The installation of Flotex FR has for all the environmental indicators a minor impact of 0 – 3% of the total
environmental impact, caused by the adhesive and the disposal of the cutting waste.

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In the Use stage the electricity needed to vacuum the floor is the main contributor. The cleaning regime used in thecalculations is a worst-case scenario which will be in practice almost always be lower.
For the End of Life stage an 100% incineration scenario is used which has a significant and negative impact
specifically for POCP and GWP & EP categories if compared to a landfill scenario.
Energy recovery from incineration and the respective energy substitution at the end of life results in most cases in asmall credit in the End of Life stage.
Resource use
In table 5 the parameters describing resource use are presented for all the lifecycle stages for a one year usage.
Table 5: Results of the LCA – Resource use for Flotex FR (one year)
A1

A2

A3

A4

A5

B2

C1

C2

C3

D

PERE [MJ]

4,68E+00

6,08E-03

8,57E-02

7,25E-02

2,34E-01

7,13E+00

0,00E+00

6,65E-03

1,33E-01-4,07E+00

PERM [MJ]

0,00E+00

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

PERT [MJ]

4,68E+00

6,08E-03

8,57E-02

7,25E-02

2,34E-01

7,13E+00

0,00E+00

6,65E-03

1,33E-01-4,07E+00

PENRE [MJ]

1,06E+02

1,11E-01

8,34E+00

1,44E+00

4,78E+00

1,29E+01

0,00E+00

1,17E-01

7,99E-01-1,48E+01

PENRM [MJ]

0,00E+00

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

PENRT [MJ]

1,06E+02

1,11E-01

8,34E+00

1,44E+00

4,78E+00

1,29E+01

0,00E+00

1,17E-01

7,99E-01-1,48E+01

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

SM [kg]
RSF [MJ]

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

NRSF [MJ]

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

FW [m3]

1,64E-02

5,61E-06

2,09E-04

8,22E-05

8,49E-04

6,81E-03

0,00E+00

7,52E-06

5,81E-03-3,92E-03

Caption: PERE = Use of renewable primary energy excluding renewable primary energy resources used as raw materials; PERM = Use of renewable primary energy resources
used as raw materials; PERT = Total use of renewable primary energy resources; PENRE = Use of non-renewable primary energy excluding non-renewable primary energy
resources used as raw materials; PENRM = Use of non-renewable primary energy resources used as raw materials; PENRT = Total use of non-renewable primary energy
resources; SM = Use of secondary material; RSF = Use of renewable secondary fuels; NRSF = Use of non-renewable secondary fuels; FW = Use of net fresh water

Flotex FR
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According to ISO 14025 and EN 15804

Waste categories and output flows
In table 6 other environmental information describing different waste categories and output flows are presented for all the lifecycle
stages.
Table 6: Results of the LCA – Output flows and Waste categories for Flotex FR (one year)
A1

A2

A3

A4

A5

B2

C1

C2

C3

D

HWD [kg]

5,83E-04

5,10E-13

8,80E-10

6,77E-12

4,14E-10

1,11E-09

0,00E+00

5,62E-13

1,02E-10-2,01E-09

NHWD [kg]4,55E-02

1,69E-05

1,15E-02

1,98E-04

2,25E-03

9,95E-03

0,00E+00

1,68E-05

2,78E-02-7,50E-03

RWD [kg]

1,99E-03

1,15E-07

1,11E-05

1,76E-06

3,50E-05

2,06E-03

0,00E+00

1,44E-07

3,02E-05-1,17E-03

CRU [kg]

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

MFR [kg]

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

MER [kg]

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

EEE [MJ]

-

-

-

-

8,56E-02---

3,84E+00-

EET [MJ]

-

-

-

-

1,54E-01---

6,90E+00-

Caption: HWD = Hazardous waste disposed; NHWD = Non-hazardous waste disposed; RWD = Radioactive waste disposed; CRU = Components for re-use; MFR =Materials for recycling; MER = Materials for energy recovery; EEE = Exported electrical energy; EET = Exported thermal energy

Biogenic Carbon content

Table 7: Information describing the biogenic carbon content at the factory gate
Unit (kg C/m2)
Biogenic carbon content
Biogenic carbon content in product
0.179
Biogenic carbon content in accompanying packaging
0.001
Note: 1 kg of biogenic carbon is equivalent to 44/12 kg of CO2

Additional Environmental Impact Indicators
To be fully transparant Forbo Flooring does not only want to declare the environmental impacts required in the PCR,
but also the additional environmental impact indicators according to the European Standard EN15804.
Table 8: Results of the LCA – Environmental impacts one lifecycle (one year) – Flotex FR

Impact Category : EN 15804+A2

Flotex FR

Unit

Particulate matter emissions – PM

2,57E-07

Disease incidences

Ionizing radiation, human health - IR

5,40E-01

kBq U235 eq.]

Eco-toxicity (freshwater) - ETF-fw

6,14E+01

CTUe

Human toxicity, cancer effects – HTP-c

2,48E-09

CTUh

Human toxicity, non-cancer effects – HTP-nc

1,21E-07

CTUh

Soil quality potential/ Land use related impacts - SQP

7,84E+02

Pt

In the following table the impacts are subdivided into the lifecycle stages.

Flotex FR
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Table 9: Results of the LCA – Environmental impact for Flotex FR (one year)
A1

A2

A3

A4

A5

C2

C3

D

PM [Disease incidences]

1,25E-07

5,76E-10

3,00E-09

1,16E-08

3,12E-09

1,29E-08 0,00E+00

B2

C1

1,58E-10

5,45E-09-9,50E-09

IR [kBq U235 eq.]

1,05E+00

1,24E-05

1,54E-03

2,57E-04

9,74E-03

3,48E-01 0,00E+00

2,12E-05

4,77E-03-1,98E-01

ETF-fw [CTUe]

3,38E+01

8,57E-02

6,99E-01

9,96E-01 1,39E+00 5,65E+00 0,00E+00

8,12E-02

2,77E-01-3,26E+00

HTP-c [CTUh]

2,27E-09

1,70E-12

3,77E-11

1,99E-11

5,19E-11

1,62E-10 0,00E+00

1,64E-12

6,18E-11-1,50E-10

HTP-nc [CTUh]

3,89E-08

9,63E-11

9,55E-10

1,27E-09

3,18E-09

5,93E-09 0,00E+00

9,77E-11

6,05E-09-5,75E-09

SQP [Pt]

2,75E+00

3,29E-02

4,66E-02

4,35E-01

1,73E-01 4,63E+00 0,00E+00

4,03E-02

1,56E-01-2,65E+00

Caption: PM = Particulate matter emissions; IR = Ionizing radiation, human health; ETF-fw = Eco-toxicity (freshwater); HTP-c = Human toxicity, cancer effects; HTP-nc =Human toxicity, non-cancer effects, SQP = Soil quality potential/ Land use related impacts

Interpretation

The interpretation of the results has been carried out considering the assumptions and limitations declared in the EPD,
both methodology- and data-related for a one year usage.
For almost all impact categories the production stage is the main contributor to the total overall impact. The raw
material supply has a major share of 97-100% of the production stage, mainly caused by the manufacturing ofpolyamide 6.6, PVC and glass fiber.
For Eco-toxicity (freshwater) the main share of 62% results from the packaging used to pack the finished product in the
manufacturing stage A3.
The transport stage is negligible for most of the additional impact indicators, only PM has a slightly significant share of
7% of the total impact.
The adhesive used for the installation of Flotex FR is the dominant contributor for all categories which results in aminor contribution of 1-5% of the total impact.
The Use stage has a minor impact for 4 of the 6 additional impacts between 6 and 12%, for IR and SQP the impact israther high with a share of respectively 22 and 42%.
The main contributor for all impact categories is the use of electricity for the cleaning of the floor. The cleaning regime
used in the calculations is a worst-case scenario which will be in practice almost always be lower.
Energy recovery from incineration and the respective energy substitution at the end of life results in a (small) credit for
all three of the impact categories.

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Disclaimers to the declaration of core and additional environmental impact indicators
According to the "ILCD Handbook: Recommendations for Life Cycle Impact Assessment in the European context" therecommended characterization models and associated characterization factors are classified according to their quality
into three levels:o Type 1 (recommended and satisfactory),o Type 2 (recommended but in need of some improvements)o Type 3 (recommended, but to be applied with caution).
Table 10: Classification of disclaimers to the declaration of core and additional environmental impact indicators

ILCD classification

Indicator
Disclaimer
Global Warming Potential (GWP)
None
Depletion potential of the stratospheric ozone layer (ODP)
None
ILCD Type 1
Potential incidence of disease due to PM emissions (PM)None
Acidification potential, Accumulated Exceedance (AP)None
Eutrophication potential, Fraction of nutrients reaching freshwater end
Nonecompartment (EP-freshwater)
Eutrophication potential, Fraction of nutrients reaching marine end
None
ILCD Type 2
compartment (EP-marine)
Eutrophication potential, Accumulated Exceedance (EP-terrestrial)
None
Formation potential of tropospheric ozone (POCP)
None
Potential Human exposure efficiency relative to U235 (IRP)1
Abiotic depletion potential for non-fossil resources (ADP2minerals&metals)
Abiotic depletion potential for fossil resources (ADP-fossil)
2
Water (user)deprivation potential, deprivation-weighted water2
consumption (WDP)
ILCD Type 2
Potential Comparative Toxic Unit for ecosystems (ETP-fw)
2
Potential Comparative Toxic Unit for humans HTP-c)2
Potential Comparative Toxic Unit for humans HTP-nc)
2
Potential Soil quality index (SQP)
2Disclaimer 1 – This impact category deals mainly with the eventual impact of low dose ionizing radiation onhuman health of the nuclear fuel cycle. It does not consider effects due to possible nuclear accidents,
occupational exposure nor due to radioactive waste disposal in underground facilities. Potential ionizing
radiation from the soil, from radon and from some construction materials is also not measured by thisindicator
Disclaimer 2 – The results of this environmental impact indicator shall be used with care as the uncertainties
on these results are high or as there is limited experience with the indicator.

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References
GABI 10 2012
GABI 10 2012DUL ENVIRONMENT
PE 2012ILCD Handbook: General
guide for Life Cycle
Assessment - Detailed
guidance
STANDARDS AND LAWSDIN EN ISO 14044
ISO 14025 2006
ISO 14040 2006
CEN/TR 15941
EN 15804 + A2
CPR
EN-ISO 10874
EN 1307

SPHERA; GaBi 10: Software-System and Database for Life Cycle Engineering. Copyright,
TM. Stuttgart, Echterdingen, 1992-2017.
GaBi 10: Documentation of GaBi 10: Software-System and Database for Life Cycle
Engineering. Copyright, TM. Stuttgart, Echterdingen, 1992-2017. http://documentation.gabisoftware.com/
UL Environment’s Program Operator Rules
Description of Selected Impact Categories, Sphera, 2012
European Commission-Joint Research Centre - Institute for Environment and Sustainability:
International Reference Life Cycle Data System (ILCD) Handbook- Recommendations forLife Cycle Impact Assessment in the European context. First edition November 2011. EUR
24571 EN. Luxemburg. Publications Office of the European Union; 2011
Environmental management - Life cycle assessment - Requirements and guidelines (ISO14044:2006); German and English version EN ISO 14044
DIN EN ISO 14025: Environmental labels and declarations — Type III environmental
declarations — Principles and procedures
Environmental management - Life cycle assessment - Principles and framework (ISO14040); German and English version EN ISO 14040
Sustainability of construction works - Environmental product declarations - Methodology forselection and use of generic data; German version CEN/TR 15941
EN 15804+A2: Sustainability of construction works — Environmental Product Declarations— Core rules for the product category of construction products
REGULATION (EU) No 305/2011 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE
COUNCIL of 9 March 2011 laying down harmonized conditions for the marketing of
construction products and repealing Council Directive 89/106/EEC
Resilient, textile and laminate floor coverings – Classification
Textile floor coverings – Classification

Flotex FR
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Life Cycle Assessment
Flotex FR

LCA study conducted by:
Forbo Flooring
Industrieweg 121566 JP Assendelft
The Netherlands
September 2022

Flotex FR
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According to ISO 14025 and EN 15804

Authors:
Floris Zeitler, Forbo

Forbo Flooring BV

Industrieweg 121566 JP Assendelft, The NetherlandsTel.
+31 (0) 75 6477477
Fax+31 (0) 75 6477707
E-mailfloris.zeitler@forbo.com
Internet
www.forbo-flooring.com

Nomenclature
Abbreviation
ADPF
ADPE
AP
BLBSB
CRU
EE
EP
EPD
FCSS
FW
GWP
HWD
LCA
LCI
LCIA
MER
MFR
NRSF
ODP
PENRE
PENRM
PENRT
PERE
PERM
PERT
PCR
POCP
RSF
RSL
RWD
SM

Explanation
Abiotic Depletion Potential Fossil
Abiotic Depletion Potential Elements
Acidification Potential
Benefits and Loads Beyond the System Boundary
Components for re-use
Exported energy per energy carrier
Eutrophication Potential
Environmental Product Declaration
Floor Covering Standard Symbol
Use of net fresh water
Global Warming Potential
Hazardous waste disposed
Life Cycle Assessment
Life Cycle Inventory analysis
Life Cycle Impact Assessment
Materials for energy recovery
Materials for recycling
Use of non-renewable secondary fuels
Ozone Layer Depletion Potential
Use of non-renewable primary energy excluding non-renewable primary energy resources used as
raw materials
Use of non-renewable primary energy resources used as raw materials
Total use of non-renewable primary energy resources
Use of renewable primary energy excluding renewable primary energy resources used as raw
materials
Use of renewable primary energy resources used as raw materials
Total use of renewable primary energy resources
Product Category Rules
Photochemical Ozone Creation Potential
Use of renewable secondary fuels
Reference Service LifeRadioactive waste disposed
Use of secondary materialFlotex FR
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According to ISO 14025 and EN 15804

GeneralThe present LCA study of the company Forbo Flooring, a manufacturer of resilient floor coverings, has been performed
by Forbo Flooring and has been conducted according to the requirements of the European Standard EN15804 andEN16810 “Resilient, textile and laminate floor coverings – Environmental product declarations – Product categoryrules. The LCA report was sent to verification on 30/09/22.

ScopeThis document is the LCA report for the “Environmental Product Declaration” (EPD) of "Flotex FR".
The provision of an LCA report is required for each EPD of the EPD-program holder (UL Environment). This documentshows how the calculation rules were applied and describes additional LCA information on the Life Cycle Assessmentin accordance with the requirements of ISO 14040 series.

Content, structure and accessibility of the LCA report

The LCA report provides a systematic and comprehensive summary of the project documentation supporting theverification of an EPD.
The report documents the information on which the Life Cycle Assessment is based, while also ensuring the additional
information contained within the EPD complies with the requirements of ISO 14040 series.
The LCA report contains all of the data and information of importance for the details published in the EPD. Care isbeen given to all explanations as to how the data and information declared in the EPD arises from the Life Cycle
Assessment.
The verification of the EPD is aligned towards the structure of the rule document based on ISO 14025, EN15804 andEN 16810.

Goal of the study

The reason for performing this LCA study is to publish an EPD based on EN 16810, EN 15804 and ISO 14025.
This study contains the calculation and interpretation of the LCA results for Flotex FR complying with EN 1307 Textile
floor coverings – Specification.
Manufactured by
Forbo Flooring UK Ltd
High Holborn Road
RipleyDerbyshire
DE5 3NT
United Kingdom
The following life cycle stages were considered:- Product stage- Transport stage- Installation stage- Use stage- End-of-life stage- Benefits and loads beyond the product system boundary
The main purpose of EPD is for use in business-to-business communication. As all EPD are publicly available on thewebsite of UL Environment and therefore are accessible to the end consumer they can also be used in business-toconsumer communication.
The intended use of the EPD is to communicate environmentally related information and LCA results to support theassessment of the sustainable use of resources and of the impact of construction works on the environment

Flotex FR
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Scope of the study
Declared / functional unit
The declaration refers to the declared/functional unit of 1m² installed flooring product.
Declaration of construction products classes
The LCA report refers to a manufacturer declaration of type 1a): Declaration of a specific product from amanufacturer’s plant.
Flotex FR Textiles are also known under the following brand names:
Flotex Colour, Flotex Linear, Flotex Vision, Flotex Sottsass/Tibor/Starck and Flotex HD Bespoke
Flotex FR is produced at the following manufacturing site:
Forbo Flooring UK Ltd
High Holborn Road
RipleyDerbyshire
DE5 3NT
United Kingdom

Flotex FR
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According to ISO 14025 and EN 15804

Product Definition
Product Classification and description
This declaration covers a broad range of designs and colors. Flotex is a unique flooring Flotex that offers a warm,
comfortable, hygienic floor covering that is suitable for any commercial specification.
It is made by electrostatically flocking 80 million nylon fibers in a watertight backing. This build-up combines thepracticality of a resilient flooring with the slip resistant and acoustic properties usually associated with textiles. Flotex isstrong and hygienic, and, being completely waterproof, Flotex is also the only truly washable textile floor covering. It is
the only textile flooring that has been awarded with a British Allergy Foundation seal. Flotex FR complies with all
requirements of EN1307: Textile Floor Coverings - Classification of Pile Carpets.
Flotex FR has been manufactured for over 40 years and is a well-known brand sold worldwide. This declaration refers
to Flotex FR covering a broad range of designs and colors :Flotex Colour FR, Flotex Vision FR, Flotex Designer/Artist FR (Starck / Tibor / Sottsass / Hemingway Design, Flotex
FR Bespoke design.
Flotex FR is comprised of a Nylon 6.6 pile above a glass fiber reinforced PVC cushioned backing. Flotex FR is built up
in 4 layers as illustrated in the following image:

Figure 1: Typical construction
1. Surface layer: This layer gives Flotex FR its design, color and wear properties
2. Adhesive layer: This layer bonds the surface layer to the backing.
3. Glass fiber layer: This layer provides strength and dimensional stability to the product4. Backing/Reinforcing Net Layer: This layer provides cushioning and acoustic properties
This declaration refers to the declared/functional unit of 1 m2 installed flooring product.

Flotex FR
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According to ISO 14025 and EN 15804

Range of application

Flotex FR is classified in accordance with EN1307 to be installed in the following use areas defined in EN-ISO 10874:
Area of application
Flotex FR
Class 23

Domestic
Class 33

Commercial

Product Standard

The product considered in this EPD has the following technical specifications:• Meets or exceeds all requirements of EN1307: Textile Floor Coverings - Classification of Pile Carpets.
Flotex FR meets or exceeds the requirements for:
•
•
•
•
•

IMO Wheelmark
US Coastguard Approval
EN45545-2 HL-2
ASTM E648
ASTM E662

Accreditation
o
o
o
o

o

ISO 9001 Quality Management System
ISO 14001 Environmental Management System
British Allergy Foundation
AgBB/ABG
French act Grenelle: A+

Delivery status
Characteristics
Product thickness

Nominal Value
3.30

Unit
mm

Product Weight

1225

g/m2

Rolls

2.00
30

meter

Width
LengthFlotex FR
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According to ISO 14025 and EN 15804

Material Content
Component

Material

Polymer
Polymer
Plasticizer
FR Plasticizer
FR Additives
FillerSubstrate
Reinforcement
Carpet Pile
AdditivesEmulsion PVC
Acrylic Polymer
DOTP
Phosphate based plasticiser
Proprietary information
Calcium carbonate
Glass tissue
Glass net
Polyamide 6.6
Various chemicals

Mass %
20
9.4
13.3
8.9
1.7
15.4
4.7
2.2
20.1
4.3

Availability

Origin of raw material

Non-renewable
Non-renewable
Non-renewable
Non-renewable
Non-renewable
Abundant mineral
Non-renewable
Non-renewable
Non-renewable
Non-renewable

EuropeEuropeEuropeEuropeEuropeEuropeEuropeEuropeEurope/USA
Europe/Asia

Production of Main Materials

Emulsion PVC: Polymer which is manufactured by the polymerisation of vinyl chloride monomer.
Acrylic Polymer: Polymer which is manufactured by the polymerisation of methyl methacrylate
DOTP: A non-phthalate plasticiser, being the diester of terephthalic acid and the branched-chain 2-ethylhexanol. This
colorless viscous liquid used for softening PVC plastics is known for chemical similarity to general purpose phthalates
such as DEHP and DINP, but without any negative regulatory pressure.
FR Plasticiser: A phosphate based fire retardant plasticiser.
FR Additives: Mineral based additives providing improved fire retardancy.
Calcium carbonate: An abundant mineral found in all parts of the world as the chief substance in rocks (i.e., marble
and limestone). It can be ground to varying particle sizes and is widely used as filler.
Glass tissue: A non-woven sheet material comprising chopped glass fiber filaments bound together with a binder
imparts dimensional stability and lay-flat properties
Glass net: A non-woven grid structure comprising glass filament yarn bound together with a binder. Increases tearresistance of finished flooring
Nylon 6.6: Synthetic yarn made from the condensation reaction of hexamethylene diamine and adipic acid. Forms thepile surface of Flotex and gives excellent abrasion resistance and durability.
Various chemicals: Minor components including – conductive fibre, pigments, fire retardant, heat stabiliser

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Production of the Floor Covering

Flotex FR is produced in several stages starting with PVC Prep, where the compounding of PVC emulsion polymers withplasticizer and other functional additives is carried out to produce PVC plastisols. These plastisols are then spreadcoated onto a glass substrate on the Flocking Line. The top surface of Flotex FR is based on Nylon-6.6 tow, which is cut
into 2mm fibers in the Flock Prep area. These fibers are scoured and dyed to give the desired color base shade before
electrostatically flocking into the wet PVC plastisol on the Flocking Line. The flocked fibers form the surface pile of Flotex
FR. After flocking the plastisols are fully cured at elevated temperature on the Flocking Line.
A proportion of the finished sheet is then transported to our Chateau Renault site where specific designs can beapplied to the surface layer using a digital printing process. The majority of finished sheet product is processed on the
Ripley Printing Line where specific designs are applied to the surface layer using a rotary screen technique. The
printed carpet is steamed to fix dyestuffs then washed and dried. The product edges are trimmed and after inspection
the sheet is cut into rolls of approximately 30 linear meters. The trimmings and the rejected product can be recycled

Health, Safety and Environmental Aspects during Production•••

ISO 14001 Environmental Management System
SA 8000 Social Accountability standard
ISO 45001 Health & Safety Management System

Production Waste

Rejected material and the cuttings of the trimming stage are recycled. Packaging materials are collected separately
and externally recycled.

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Delivery and Installation of the Floor Covering
DeliveryA worldwide distribution by truck and container ship is considered. On average every square meter of Flotex FR istransported as follows:• Transport distance 40 t truck
760 km• Transport distance 7.5t truck (Fine distribution)
246 km• Capacity utilization trucks (including empty runs)
85 %• Transport distance Ocean ship
800 km• Capacity utilization Ocean ship48%

Installation

Because of the specific techniques used during the installation of Flotex FR, approximately 4% of the material is cut off
as installation waste. For installation of Flotex FR on the floor a scenario has been modeled assuming 0.25 kg/m2 offlooring adhesive is applied to the sub-floor.
Waste during the installation process may be recycled as floor covering through the manufacturers’ facilities orthermally recycled in a waste incineration plant. Since the major part of Flotex FR is sold in Europe, the European
electricity grid mix is used in the calculations for the energy recovery during incineration.

Health, Safety and Environmental Aspects during Installation
Forbo flooring recommends to use (low) zero emission adhesives for installing Flotex FR floorcovering.

Waste
Waste during the installation process may be recycled as floor covering through the manufacturers’ facilities ordisposed of via land fill or thermally recycled in a waste incineration plant.

PackagingPE-foil can be collected separately and should be used in a local recycling process.

Use stage

The service lifetime of a floor covering for a certain application on a floor is too widespread to give one common
number. For this EPD model the reference service lifetime (RSL) is set to one year. This means that all impacts for theuse phase are based on the cleaning and maintenance model for one year. Depending on the area of use, thetechnical lifetime advised by the manufacturer and the estimated time on the floor by the customer, the service lifetime
can be determined. The use phase impacts should be calculated with the foreseen service life to arrive at the total
environmental impact.

Flotex FR
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Cleaning and Maintenance
Level of use
Commercial/Residential/Industrial

Cleaning Process

Cleaning Frequency

Vacuuming

Daily

Spot/spill clean
Dry fusion clean
Hot water extraction

As spill occcurs
Four times each year

Consumption of energy
and resources
Electricity
Spotting agent
Hot water
Neutral detergent

For the calculations the following cleaning regime is considered:- Dry cleaning with a 1.5 kW vacuum cleaner for 0.21 min/m2 every day. This equates to 1.92 kWh/m2*year.
- Four times a year wet cleaning with 0.062 l/m2 water and 0.0008 kg/m2 detergent. This result in the use of
0.248 l/m2*year water and 0.0032 kg/m2*year detergent. The wet cleaning takes place without powermachine usage. The waste water treatment of the arising waste water from cleaning is considered (Datasource from Forbo GaBi model).
The cleaning regime that is recommended in practice will be highly dependent on the use of the premises where thefloor covering is installed. In high traffic areas more frequent cleaning will be needed compared to areas where there is
low traffic. The use of an entrance mat of at least four steps will reduce the cleaning frequency.
The cleaning regime used in the calculations is suitable for high traffic areas.

Prevention of Structural Damage
All newly laid floor covering should be covered and protected with a suitable non-staining protective covering if otherbuilding activities are still in progress. Castor wheels should be suitable for resilient floor coverings

Health Aspects during Usage
Flotex FR is complying with:•AgBB requirements•

French act Grenelle: A+•

British Allergy Foundation

Low emissions & phthalate free manufacturing ensures Flotex FR can contribute to a healthy indoor environment

End of LifeThe deconstruction of installed Flotex FR from the floor is a manual process.
For the End of Life stage 100% incineration is taken into account, the average distance to the incineration plant perlorry is set to 200 km.

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Life Cycle Assessment

A full Life Cycle Assessment has been carried out according to ISO 14040 and ISO 14044.
The following Life Cycle Stages are assessed :o A1-3 : Product Stage (Raw material acquisition, transportation to Manufacturing and Manufacturing)o A4-5 : Construction stage (Transport Gate to User, Installation flooring)o B2 :
Use Stage (Maintenance of the floor). For floor coverings the modules B1, B3 to B7 are not relevantto the environmental performance of a product.
o C1-4 : End of Life Stage (Deconstruction, transport, waste processing, disposal)
o D:
Benefits and loads beyond the system boundary (Reuse, recovery, recycling potential)
Product stage(A1-3)

A1 : Raw
Material
Extraction andProcessing

A2 : Transport

Construction process stage(A4-5)

Benefits andloads beyond thesystem boundary(D)End-of Life stage(C1-4)

A3 : Coating,
Flocking,

A3 :Manufacturing
Energies with
regionalreference

Use stage (B2)

Printing,

A4 : Transport

A5 :Construction or
installation
process

B2 :Maintenance
Cleaning
regimeC1 : Deconstruction
demolition

C2 :Transport

C3 : Waste
processing

C4 :DisposalD:
Reuse,
recovery,recycling
potential

Trimming

Figure 2 : Flow chart of the Life Cycle Assessment

Comparisons of different floor coverings are only allowed, where EN 15804 consistent and/or preverified backgrounddata and EN 15804 consistent calculation methods and database versions are used and when the building context istaken into account, i.e. on the basis of the same use-classification (EN ISO 10874), same service life and comparable
assumptions for the end of life.

Description of the declared Functional Unit
The functional unit is one square meter of installed product and the use stage is considered for one year of service life.

Cut off Criteria
The cut-off criteria shall be 1% of renewable and non-renewable primary energy usage and 1% of the total mass of theunit process. The total neglected input flows per module shall be a maximum of 5% of energy usage and mass.
In practice, in this assessment, all data from the production data acquisition are considered, i.e. all raw materials usedas per formulation, use of water, electricity and other fuels, the required packaging materials, and all direct productionwaste. Transport data on all considered inputs and output material are also considered.

LCA Data
As a general rule, specific data derived from specific production processes or average data derived from specificproduction processes have been used as the first choice as a basis for calculating an EPD.
For life cycle modeling of the considered products, the Gabi 10.6 Software System for Life Cycle Engineering,Flotex FR
Flocked Floor Covering

According to ISO 14025 and EN 15804

developed by SPHERA, has been used. All relevant LCA datasets are taken from the Gabi 10.6 software database.
The datasets from the database GaBi are documented in the online documentation. To ensure comparability of resultsin the LCA, the basic data of GaBi database were used for energy, transportation and auxiliary materials.

Data Quality
The requirements for data quality and LCA data correspond to the specifications of the PCR.
Foreground data are based on 1 year averaged data (year 2021). The reference ages of LCA datasets vary but are
given in the table in the Appendix. The time period over which inputs to and outputs from the system is accounted foris 100 years from the year for which the data set is deemed representative. The technological LCA of the collected
data reflects the physical reality of the declared product. The datasets are complete, conform to the system boundaries
and the criteria for the exclusion of inputs and outputs and are geographical representative for the supply chain ofForbo flooring.
For life cycle modeling of the considered products the Gabi 10.6 Software System for Life Cycle Engineering,developed by SPHERA, is used. All relevant LCA datasets are taken from the Gabi 10.6 software database. The last
revision of the used data sets took place within the last 10 years.
Table 1: LCA datasets used in the LCA model

Data set
Polyvinyl chloride granulate
Di-Isononyl Phthalate (DOTP)
Acrylic polymer
Polyamide 6.6 fibers
FR additives
Inorganic pigment
Calcium-Zinc Stearate
Calcium carbonate
Glass netGlass fiber tissue
Fatty acid ester
Proprietary mixtures & lubricants
Water (desalinated; deionized)
Detergent (ammonia based)
Tap water
Adhesive for resilient flooring
Waste incineration of Textiles
Electricity from Wind power
Power grid mix
Thermal energy from natural gas
Thermal energy from natural gas
TrucksMunicipal waste water treatment (Sludge incineration).
Container ship
Diesel mix at refinery
Heavy fuel oil at refinery (1.0wt.% S)
Polyethylene film

RegionGermany
Germany
EuropeEuropeEuropeGermany
EuropeGermany
Germany
Germany
EuropeGlobalGermany
Germany
Germany
Germany
EuropeUnited Kingdom
EuropeUnited Kingdom
EuropeGlobalEuropeGlobalEuropeEuropeGermany

Reference year
2022
2020
2020
2022
2022
2020
2020
2022
2020
2022
2020
2020
2022
2020
2022
2020
2022
2022
2022
2022
2022
2022
2022
2022
2022
2022
2022

Flotex FR
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According to ISO 14025 and EN 15804

The documentation of the LCA data sets can be taken from the GaBi documentation.

System Boundaries
Production Stage includes provision of all materials, products and energy, packaging processing and its transport, as
well as waste processing up to the end-of waste state or disposal of final residues during the product stage.
Transport and Installation Stage includes provision of all materials, products and energy, as well as waste processing
up to the end-of-waste state or disposal of final residues during the construction stage. These information modules
also include all impacts and aspects related to any losses during this construction stage (i.e. production, transport, andwaste processing and disposal of the lost products and materials). For the transportation a worldwide distribution isconsidered.
Use Stage includes provision and transport of all materials, products and related energy and water use, as well as
waste processing up to the end-of-waste state or disposal of final residues during this part of the use stage. These
information modules also include all impacts and aspects related to the losses during this part of the use stage (i.e.
production, transport, and waste processing and disposal of the lost products and materials).
End of Life Stage includes provision and all transports, provision of all materials, products and related energy andwater use. It also includes any declared benefits and loads from net flows leaving the product system that have notbeen allocated as co-products and that have passed the end-of-waste state in the form of reuse, recovery and/or
recycling potentials.

Power mix
The selection of LCA data for the electricity generation is in line with the PCR.
The products are manufactured in Ripley, the United Kingdom. The Gabi 10.6 Hydro power datasets has therefore
been used (reference year 2022). The energy supplier is providing Forbo with a certificate every year.

CO2-Certificates
No CO2-certificates are considered in this study.

Allocations
In the present study some allocations have been made. Detailed explanations can be found in the chapters below.

Co-product allocation

No co-product allocation occurs in the product system.

Allocation of multi-Input processes

The Production and End of Life stage include incineration plants. In these processes different products are treated
together within a process. The allocation procedures followed in these cases are based on a physical classification of
the mass flows or calorific values.
Credits from energy substitution are allocated to the production stage, because the gained energy from energy
substitution is lower than the energy input in this stage. The same quality of energy is considered.

Allocation procedure of reuse, recycling and recovery

The installation waste and end of life waste can be fed into incineration processes. Incineration processes include
cogeneration processes which give thermal and power energy as outputs. It is assumed that this recovered energy
offsets that produced by the European average grid mix and thermal energy generation from natural gas. The gainedenergy is declared in module D as avoided environmental burden. Generated electricity and steam due to theincineration of installation and end of life waste are listed in the result table as exported energy.

Flotex FR
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According to ISO 14025 and EN 15804

Description of the allocation processes in the LCA report

The description of allocation rules in of this LCA report meets the requirements of the PCR.

Description of the unit processes in the LCA report
The modeling of the unit processes reported for the LCA are documented in a transparent way, respecting theconfidentiality of the data present in the LCA report.
In the following tables the type and amount of the different input and output flows are listed for 1m² produced flooring;
installed flooring includes the material loss during installation (4%):
Table 2: Composition of Flotex FR

Process data
Emulsion PVC
Acrylic Polymer
DOTP
Phosphate based plasticiser
Proprietary information
Calcium carbonate
Glass tissue
Glass net
Polyamide 6.6
Various chemicals

Unit
kg/m2
kg/m2
kg/m2
kg/m2
kg/m2
kg/m2
kg/m2
kg/m2
kg/m2
kg/m2

Process data
INPUTS
Flotex FR
Electricity
Thermal energy from natural gas
OUTPUTS
Flotex FR
Waste
Process data
Polyethylene

Flotex FR
0.248
0.116
0.165
0.110
0.021
0.191
0.058
0.027
0.249
0.053

Table 3: Production related inputs/outputs

Unit

Flotex FR

kg
MJ
MJ

1.36
3.85
15.70

kg
kg

1.24
0.12

Table 4: Packaging requirements (per m2 manufactured product)

Unit
kg

Flotex FR
0.02

Flotex FR
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According to ISO 14025 and EN 15804
Table 5: Transport distances

Process data
Calcium carbonate
Polyamide 6.6
PVC
DOTP
Ethoxylated Fatty acid
CaZn-stabilizer
Various chemicals
Glass tissue
Glass net
Acrylic polymer
Polyethylene film
Transport to construction site :-Transport distance 40 t truck

Unit
km
km
km
km
km
km
km
km
km
km
km
km

-Transport distance 7.5t truck (Fine
distribution)

Road
431
253
188
100
120
120
635
129
253
1254
261
1006
760

Truck size
14 - 20t grossweight / 11,4t
payload capacity

34 - 40 t grossweight / 27t
payload capacity
7,5 t - 12t grossweight / 5t
payload capacity
7,5 t - 12t grossweight / 5t
payload capacity

246

Waste transport to incineration

km

200

Table 6: Inputs/outputs from Installation

Process data
INPUTS
Flotex FR
Adhesive (30% water content)- Water- Acrylate co-polymer- Styrene Butadiene co-polymer- Limestone flour- SandOUTPUTS
Installed Flotex FR
Installation Waste
Process data
Detergent
Electricity
Water

Table 8: Disposal

-

Unit

Flotex FR

kg
kg

1.29
0.25

kg
kg

1.24
0.05

Table 7: Inputs from use stage (per m2.year of installed product)

Process data
Post-consumer Flotex FR to incineration

Ship
743
385
54
385
54
800

Unit
kg/yearkWh/yearkg/year

Flotex FR
0.003
1.92
0.25

Unit
%

Flotex FR
100

Flotex FR
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According to ISO 14025 and EN 15804

Life Cycle Inventory Analysis
In table 9 the environmental impacts for one lifecycle are presented for Flotex FR. In the table 10 the environmental
impacts are presented for all the lifecycle stages.
Table 9: Results of the LCA – Environmental impacts one lifecycle (one year) – Flotex FR

Impact Category : EN 15804+A2

Flotex FR

Unit

Global Warming Potential – total (GWP-total)

8,12E+00

kg CO2-Equiv.

Global Warming Potential – fossil (GWP-fossil fuel only)
Global Warming Potential – biogenic (GWP-biogenic)
Global Warming Potential – luluc (GWP-land use only)
Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP)
Acidification Potential (AP- terrestrial and freshwater)
Eutrophication Potential – freshwater (EP-freshwater)
Eutrophication Potential – marine (EP-marine)

6,51E+00
1,61E+00
8,11E-04
2,14E-08
1,53E-02
1,08E-05

kg CO2-Equiv.
kg CO2-Equiv.
kg CO2-Equiv.
kg CFC-11 eq.
Mole of H+ eq.
kg P eq.
kg N eq.

Eutrophication Potential – terrestrial (EP-terrestrial)

4,53E-03
4,77E-02

Mole of N eq.

Photochemical Ozone Creation Potential (POCP)

1,52E-02

kg NMVOC eq.

Abiotic Depletion Potential Fossil (ADPF)
Abiotic Depletion Potential Element (ADPE)
Water Scarcity (WDP)

1,20E+02
4,07E-06
1,00E+00

MJ
kg Sb eq.
m³ world equiv.

Table 10: Results of the LCA – Environmental impact for Flotex FR (one year)

Parameter
A1
A2
A3
A4
A5
B2
C1
C2
C3
D
GWP – total
5,18E+00
8,43E-03 4,86E-01
1,95E-01
2,44E-01
7,20E-01
0,00E+00
8,85E-03 2,15E+00 -8,77E-01
GWP – fossil
5,20E+00
8,40E-03 4,66E-01
1,90E-01
2,08E-01
7,13E-01
0,00E+00
8,81E-03
5,83E-01-8,72E-01
GWP – biogenic-1,22E-02
1,42E-06 1,97E-02
4,08E-03
3,59E-02
6,57E-03
0,00E+00-1,21E-05 1,56E+00 -4,46E-03
GWP - luluc
1,12E-04
3,16E-05 1,22E-05
5,27E-04
1,92E-05
1,50E-04
0,00E+00
4,88E-05
6,24E-06-9,59E-05
ODP
2,12E-08
1,06E-15 8,92E-14
6,48E-15
1,02E-10
1,36E-10
0,00E+00
5,25E-16
2,22E-13-5,90E-12
AP
1,12E-02
4,98E-05 2,86E-04
1,03E-03
5,23E-04
1,56E-03
0,00E+00
2,88E-05
1,76E-03-1,15E-03
EP – freshwater
8,88E-06
1,75E-08 2,29E-07
2,85E-07
3,04E-07
2,23E-06
0,00E+00
2,61E-08
5,96E-08-1,20E-06
EP – marine
3,02E-03
1,76E-05 1,21E-04
3,72E-04
1,51E-04
3,52E-04
0,00E+00
1,33E-05
7,99E-04-3,11E-04
EP – terrestrial
3,10E-02
1,95E-04 1,25E-03
4,12E-03
1,59E-03
3,68E-03
0,00E+00
1,49E-04
9,06E-03-3,33E-03
POCP
1,14E-02
4,00E-05 3,54E-04
8,30E-04
4,38E-04
9,50E-04
0,00E+00
2,61E-05
2,06E-03-8,71E-04
ADPF
1,06E+02
1,11E-01 8,34E+00
1,44E+00
4,78E+00
1,29E+01
0,00E+00
1,17E-01
7,99E-01 -1,48E+01
ADPE
3,96E-06
7,98E-10 1,20E-08
8,42E-09
2,28E-08
1,93E-07
0,00E+00
7,32E-10
6,02E-09-1,32E-07
WDP
6,48E-01
3,90E-05 4,05E-03
8,73E-04
2,25E-02
1,72E-01
0,00E+00
7,85E-05
2,47E-01-9,29E-02
Caption: GWP - total = global warming potential; GWP - fossil = global warming potential (fossil fuel only); GWP - biogenic = global warming potential(biogenic); GWP - luluc = global warming potential (land use only); ODP = ozone depletion; AP = acidification terrestrial and freshwater; EP freshwater = eutrophication potential (freshwater); EP - marine = eutrophication potential (marine); EP- terrestrial = eutrophication potential(terrestrial); POCP = photochemical ozone formation; ADPE = abiotic depletion potential (element), ADPF = abiotic depletion potential (fossil) WDP =water scarcity

The relative contribution of each process stage to each impact category for Flotex FR is shown in figure 3.

Flotex FR
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According to ISO 14025 and EN 15804

Figure 3: relative contribution of each process stage to each impact category for Flotex FR for a one year usage.

Interpretation
The interpretation of the results has been carried out considering the assumptions and limitations declared in the EPD,
both methodology- and data-related for a one year usage.
In almost all of the impact categories the production stage (A1-A3) has the main contribution to the overall impact. The
raw material supply, in particular PA 6.6, PVC and DOTP are the key contributors for these impact categories.
Forbo declares in the EPD a worldwide distribution which has a limited effect on most of the impact categories. For AP,
EP-marine & terrestrial and POCP there is a minor share of 5-8% of the total mainly caused by the ships and trucks
used to transport the product. For GWP-luluc there is a share of 53% which is completely caused by the diesel used
for the trucks.
The installation of Flotex FR has for all the environmental indicators a minor impact of 0 – 3% of the total
environmental impact, caused by the adhesive and the disposal of the cutting waste.

Flotex FR
Flocked Floor Covering

According to ISO 14025 and EN 15804

In the Use stage the electricity needed to vacuum the floor is the main contributor. The cleaning regime used in thecalculations is a worst-case scenario which will be in practice almost always be lower.
For the End of Life stage an 100% incineration scenario is used which has a significant and negative impact
specifically for POCP and GWP & EP categories if compared to a landfill scenario.
Energy recovery from incineration and the respective energy substitution at the end of life results in most cases in asmall credit in the End of Life stage.
Resource use
In table 11 the parameters describing resource use are presented for all the lifecycle stages for a one year usage.
Table 11: Results of the LCA – Resource use for Flotex FR (one year)
A1

A2

A3

A4

A5

B2

C1

C2

C3

D

PERE [MJ]

4,68E+00

6,08E-03

8,57E-02

7,25E-02

2,34E-01

7,13E+00

0,00E+00

6,65E-03

1,33E-01-4,07E+00

PERM [MJ]

0,00E+00

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

PERT [MJ]

4,68E+00

6,08E-03

8,57E-02

7,25E-02

2,34E-01

7,13E+00

0,00E+00

6,65E-03

1,33E-01-4,07E+00

PENRE [MJ]

1,06E+02

1,11E-01

8,34E+00

1,44E+00

4,78E+00

1,29E+01

0,00E+00

1,17E-01

7,99E-01-1,48E+01

PENRM [MJ]

0,00E+00

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

PENRT [MJ]

1,06E+02

1,11E-01

8,34E+00

1,44E+00

4,78E+00

1,29E+01

0,00E+00

1,17E-01

7,99E-01-1,48E+01

SM [kg]

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

RSF [MJ]

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

NRSF [MJ]

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

FW [m3]

1,64E-02

5,61E-06

2,09E-04

8,22E-05

8,49E-04

6,81E-03

0,00E+00

7,52E-06

5,81E-03-3,92E-03

Caption: PERE = Use of renewable primary energy excluding renewable primary energy resources used as raw materials; PERM = Use of renewable primary energy resources
used as raw materials; PERT = Total use of renewable primary energy resources; PENRE = Use of non-renewable primary energy excluding non-renewable primary energy
resources used as raw materials; PENRM = Use of non-renewable primary energy resources used as raw materials; PENRT = Total use of non-renewable primary energy
resources; SM = Use of secondary material; RSF = Use of renewable secondary fuels; NRSF = Use of non-renewable secondary fuels; FW = Use of net fresh water

Flotex FR
Flocked Floor Covering

According to ISO 14025 and EN 15804

Waste categories and output flows
In table 12 other environmental information describing different waste categories and output flows are presented for all the lifecycle
stages.
Table 12: Results of the LCA – Output flows and Waste categories for Flotex FR (one year)
A1

A2

A3

A4

A5

B2

C1

C2

C3

D

HWD [kg]

5,83E-04

5,10E-13

8,80E-10

6,77E-12

4,14E-10

1,11E-09

0,00E+00

5,62E-13

1,02E-10-2,01E-09

NHWD [kg]4,55E-02

1,69E-05

1,15E-02

1,98E-04

2,25E-03

9,95E-03

0,00E+00

1,68E-05

2,78E-02-7,50E-03

RWD [kg]

1,99E-03

1,15E-07

1,11E-05

1,76E-06

3,50E-05

2,06E-03

0,00E+00

1,44E-07

3,02E-05-1,17E-03

CRU [kg]

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

MFR [kg]

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

MER [kg]

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

EEE [MJ]

-

-

-

-

8,56E-02---

3,84E+00-

EET [MJ]

-

-

-

-

1,54E-01---

6,90E+00-

Caption: HWD = Hazardous waste disposed; NHWD = Non-hazardous waste disposed; RWD = Radioactive waste disposed; CRU = Components for re-use; MFR =Materials for recycling; MER = Materials for energy recovery; EEE = Exported electrical energy; EET = Exported thermal energy

Biogenic Carbon content
Table 13: Information describing the biogenic carbon content at the factory gate
Biogenic carbon content
Unit (kg C/m2)
Biogenic carbon content in product
0.179
Biogenic carbon content in accompanying packaging
0.001
Note: 1 kg of biogenic carbon is equivalent to 44/12 kg of CO2

Additional Environmental Impact Indicators
To be fully transparant Forbo Flooring does not only want to declare the environmental impacts required in the PCR,
but also the additional environmental impact indicators according to the European Standard EN15804.
Table 14: Results of the LCA – Environmental impacts one lifecycle (one year) – Flotex FR

Impact Category : EN 15804+A2

Flotex FR

Unit

Particulate matter emissions – PM

2,57E-07

Disease incidences

Ionizing radiation, human health - IR

5,40E-01

kBq U235 eq.]

Eco-toxicity (freshwater) - ETF-fw

6,14E+01

CTUe

Human toxicity, cancer effects – HTP-c

2,48E-09

CTUh

Human toxicity, non-cancer effects – HTP-nc

1,21E-07

CTUh

Soil quality potential/ Land use related impacts - SQP

7,84E+02

Pt

In the following table the impacts are subdivided into the lifecycle stages.

Flotex FR
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According to ISO 14025 and EN 15804

Table 15: Results of the LCA – Environmental impact for Flotex FR (one year)
A1

A2

A3

A4

A5

C2

C3

D

PM [Disease incidences]

1,25E-07

5,76E-10

3,00E-09

1,16E-08

3,12E-09

1,29E-08 0,00E+00

B2

C1

1,58E-10

5,45E-09-9,50E-09

IR [kBq U235 eq.]

1,05E+00

1,24E-05

1,54E-03

2,57E-04

9,74E-03

3,48E-01 0,00E+00

2,12E-05

4,77E-03-1,98E-01

ETF-fw [CTUe]

3,38E+01

8,57E-02

6,99E-01

9,96E-01 1,39E+00 5,65E+00 0,00E+00

8,12E-02

2,77E-01-3,26E+00

HTP-c [CTUh]

2,27E-09

1,70E-12

3,77E-11

1,99E-11

5,19E-11

1,62E-10 0,00E+00

1,64E-12

6,18E-11-1,50E-10

HTP-nc [CTUh]

3,89E-08

9,63E-11

9,55E-10

1,27E-09

3,18E-09

5,93E-09 0,00E+00

9,77E-11

6,05E-09-5,75E-09

SQP [Pt]

2,75E+00

3,29E-02

4,66E-02

4,35E-01

1,73E-01 4,63E+00 0,00E+00

4,03E-02

1,56E-01-2,65E+00

Caption: PM = Particulate matter emissions; IR = Ionizing radiation, human health; ETF-fw = Eco-toxicity (freshwater); HTP-c = Human toxicity, cancer effects; HTP-nc =Human toxicity, non-cancer effects, SQP = Soil quality potential/ Land use related impacts

Interpretation

The interpretation of the results has been carried out considering the assumptions and limitations declared in the EPD,
both methodology- and data-related for a one year usage.
For almost all impact categories the production stage is the main contributor to the total overall impact. The raw
material supply has a major share of 97-100% of the production stage, mainly caused by the manufacturing ofpolyamide 6.6, PVC and glass fiber.
For Eco-toxicity (freshwater) the main share of 62% results from the packaging used to pack the finished product in the
manufacturing stage A3.
The transport stage is negligible for most of the additional impact indicators, only PM has a slightly significant share of
7% of the total impact.
The adhesive used for the installation of Flotex FR is the dominant contributor for all categories which results in aminor contribution of 1-5% of the total impact.
The Use stage has a minor impact for 4 of the 6 additional impacts between 6 and 12%, for IR and SQP the impact israther high with a share of respectively 22 and 42%.
The main contributor for all impact categories is the use of electricity for the cleaning of the floor. The cleaning regime
used in the calculations is a worst-case scenario which will be in practice almost always be lower.
Energy recovery from incineration and the respective energy substitution at the end of life results in a (small) credit for
all three of the impact categories.

Flotex FR
Flocked Floor Covering

According to ISO 14025 and EN 15804

Disclaimers to the declaration of core and additional environmental impact indicators
According to the "ILCD Handbook: Recommendations for Life Cycle Impact Assessment in the European context" therecommended characterization models and associated characterization factors are classified according to their quality
into three levels:o Type 1 (recommended and satisfactory),o Type 2 (recommended but in need of some improvements)o Type 3 (recommended, but to be applied with caution).
Table 16: Classification of disclaimers to the declaration of core and additional environmental impact indicators

ILCD classification

Indicator
Disclaimer
Global Warming Potential (GWP)
None
Depletion potential of the stratospheric ozone layer (ODP)
None
ILCD Type 1
Potential incidence of disease due to PM emissions (PM)None
Acidification potential, Accumulated Exceedance (AP)None
Eutrophication potential, Fraction of nutrients reaching freshwater end
Nonecompartment (EP-freshwater)
Eutrophication potential, Fraction of nutrients reaching marine end
None
ILCD Type 2
compartment (EP-marine)
Eutrophication potential, Accumulated Exceedance (EP-terrestrial)
None
Formation potential of tropospheric ozone (POCP)
None
Potential Human exposure efficiency relative to U235 (IRP)1
Abiotic depletion potential for non-fossil resources (ADP2minerals&metals)
Abiotic depletion potential for fossil resources (ADP-fossil)
2
Water (user)deprivation potential, deprivation-weighted water2
consumption (WDP)
ILCD Type 2
Potential Comparative Toxic Unit for ecosystems (ETP-fw)
2
Potential Comparative Toxic Unit for humans HTP-c)2
Potential Comparative Toxic Unit for humans HTP-nc)
2
Potential Soil quality index (SQP)
2Disclaimer 1 – This impact category deals mainly with the eventual impact of low dose ionizing radiation onhuman health of the nuclear fuel cycle. It does not consider effects due to possible nuclear accidents,
occupational exposure nor due to radioactive waste disposal in underground facilities. Potential ionizing
radiation from the soil, from radon and from some construction materials is also not measured by thisindicator
Disclaimer 2 – The results of this environmental impact indicator shall be used with care as the uncertainties
on these results are high or as there is limited experience with the indicator.

Interpretation main modules and flows

The interpretation of the main modules and flows contributing to the total impact in each category is presented inFlotex FR
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According to ISO 14025 and EN 15804

following figure and table.
Figure 4: relative contribution of each process stage to each impact category for Flotex FR for a one year usage.

Flotex FR
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According to ISO 14025 and EN 15804

Table 15: Main modules and flows contributing to the total impact in each impact category for Flotex FR for a one year usage
ImpactCategoryStage

ModuleRaw Material
Extraction (A1)

Production

Transport ofRaw materials(A2)
Manufacturing(A3)

GWP-total

Transport

Transport Gate
to User (A4)

Installation

Installation (A5)Use

Use (B2)EOL

GWP—fossil

Installation

Transport ofRaw materials(A2)
Manufacturing(A3)
Transport Gate
to User (A4)
Installation (A5)Use

Use (B2)EOL

EOL (C1-C4)

Production

Raw Material
Extraction (A1)

GWP-biogenic

Transport

Transport

Transport ofRaw materials(A2)
Manufacturing(A3)
Transport Gate
to User (A4)PA 6.6 (2.46 kg CO2-eq.)
PVC (1.25 kg CO2-eq.)
DOTP (1.01 kg CO2-eq.)
Means of transport (truck,
container ship) and their fuels

Means of transport (truck,
container ship) and their fuels
80% Adhesive
20% Disposal of Carpet
installation waste
99% Electricity

92%
<0.2%
8%

Incineration of post-consumer
Flotex FR
Energy substitution fromincineration
47% PA 6.6
24% PVC
20% DOTP
Means of transport (truck,
container ship) and their fuels

99% Electricity
Incineration of post-consumer
Flotex FR
Energy substitution fromincineration
27% PA 6.6-30% PVC-38% Fatty acid ester<0.05%

Means of transport (truck,
container ship) and their fuels

62%

98% Waste processing
Means of transport (truck,
container ship) and their fuels

Installation (A5)

97% Processing cutting waste

Use

Use (B2)

99% Electricity

Production

EOL (C1-C4)
Raw Material

72%

Production : Inorganic emissions to air,Carbon dioxide
Organic emissions to air (Group VOC),
MethaneTransport & Installation : Inorganic
emissions to air, Carbon dioxide
Use : Inorganic emissions to air, Carbon
dioxideEOL : Inorganic emissions to air, Carbon
dioxide, Carbon dioxide (Biotic)

Production : Inorganic emissions to air,Carbon dioxide
Organic emissions to air (Group VOC),
Methane93% Thermal energy
Means of transport (truck,
container ship) and their fuels
94% Adhesive38%

Main contributing flows

0.44 Thermal energy

Installation

EOL
GWP-luluc

5.2 kgCO2equiv.
0.008 kg
CO2equiv.
0.49 kg
CO2equiv.

EOL (C1-C4)
Raw Material
Extraction (A1)

Production

Main contributor

Incineration of post-consumer
Flotex FR
Energy substitution fromincineration
94% PA 6.6

Transport & Installation : Inorganic
emissions to air, Carbon dioxide
Use : Inorganic emissions to air, Carbon
dioxideEOL: Inorganic emissions to air, Carbon
dioxideProduction : Inorganic emissions to air,Carbon dioxide (biotic), Methane (biotic)
Production : Renewable resources, Carbon
dioxideTransport & Installation: Inorganic emissions
to air, Carbon dioxide (biotic)
Transport & Installation: Renewable
resources, Carbon dioxide
Use : Inorganic emissions to air, Carbon
dioxide (biotic)
Use : Renewable resources, Carbon dioxide
EOL: Inorganic emissions to air, Carbon
dioxide (biotic)
EOL : Renewable resources, Carbon dioxide
Production : Inorganic emissions to air,Flotex FR
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ImpactCategoryStage

Main contributor

Installation
Use

Use (B2)

100% Electricity

EOL (C1-C4)

Incineration of post-consumer
Flotex FR
Energy substitution fromincineration

EOL

Installation

Raw Material
Extraction (A1)
Transport ofRaw materials(A2)
Manufacturing(A3)
Transport Gate
to User (A4)
Installation (A5)Use

Use (B2)

Production

Transport

EOL

Production

AP

ModuleExtraction (A1)
Transport ofRaw materials(A2)
Manufacturing(A3)
Transport Gate
to User (A4)
Installation (A5)Transport

ODP

According to ISO 14025 and EN 15804

Installation

Transport ofRaw materials(A2)
Manufacturing(A3)
Transport Gate
to User (A4)
Installation (A5)Use

Use (B2)EOL

EOL (C1-C4)

Production

Raw Material
Extraction (A1)

Transport

Transport ofRaw materials(A2)
Manufacturing(A3)
Transport Gate
to User (A4)Transport

EP-freshwater20%
8%Means of transport (truck,
container ship) and their fuels
49% Thermal energy
47% Packaging
Means of transport (truck,
container ship) and their fuels
94% Adhesive

100%

94% DOTP

0%

Means of transport (truck,
container ship) and their fuels

0%60% Packaging
38% Thermal energy
Means of transport (truck,
container ship) and their fuels
100% Adhesive
92% Detergent

EOL (C1-C4)
Raw Material
Extraction (A1)Main contributing flows
Carbon dioxide (Land use change)

97%
0.5%
2.5%

Incineration of post-consumer
Flotex FR
Energy substitution fromincineration
39% PA 6.6
24% PVC
19% DOTP
Means of transport (truck,
container ship) and their fuels

EOL : Inorganic emissions to air, Carbon
dioxide (Land use change)

Production : Halogenated organic emissions
to air, R11 (trichlorofluoromethane), R114
(dichlorotetrafluoromethane), R12(dichlorodifluoromethane)
Transport & Installation : Halogenatedorganic emissions to air, R114
(dichlorotetrafluoromethane)
Use : Halogenated organic emissions to air,
R11 (trichlorofluoromethane), R114
(dichlorotetrafluoromethane)
EOL : Halogenated organic emissions to air,
R141b (dichloro-1-fluoroethane)

Production : Inorganic emissions to air,Ammonia, Nitrogen oxides, Sulphur dioxide

80% Thermal energy
Means of transport (truck,
container ship) and their fuels
92% Adhesive
99% Electricity

97%

Transport & Installation : Inorganic
emissions to air, Carbon dioxide (Land usechange)Use : Inorganic emissions to air, Carbon
dioxide (Land use change)

Incineration of post-consumer
Flotex FR
Energy substitution fromincineration
34% PA 6.6
30% PVC
10% Acrylate resin<0.2%

Means of transport (truck,
container ship) and their fuels

3%

81% Waste processing
Means of transport (truck,
container ship) and their fuels

Transport & Installation : Inorganic
emissions to air, Ammonia, Nitrogen oxides,
Sulphur dioxide
Use : Inorganic emissions to air, Ammonia,
Nitrogen oxides, Sulphur dioxide
EOL : Inorganic emissions to air, Ammonia,
Nitrogen oxides, Sulphur dioxide

Production : Inorganic emissions to fresh
water, Phosphate, Phosphorus

Transport & Installation : Inorganic
emissions to fresh water, Phosphate,Flotex FR
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ImpactCategoryStage
Installation
Use
EOL

EP-marine

ModuleMain contributor

Installation (A5)99% Adhesive

Use (B2)

93% electricity

EOL (C1-C4)

Production

Raw Material
Extraction (A1)

Transport

Transport ofRaw materials(A2)
Manufacturing(A3)
Transport Gate
to User (A4)

Installation

EP-terrestrial

According to ISO 14025 and EN 15804

96%

Incineration of post-consumer
Flotex FR
Energy substitution fromincineration
53% PA 6.6
21% PVC
11% DOTP< 1%

Means of transport (truck,
container ship) and their fuels

4%

80% Thermal energy
Means of transport (truck,
container ship) and their fuels

Installation (A5)88% Adhesive

Use

Use (B2)

99% Electricity

EOL

EOL (C1-C4)

Production

Raw Material
Extraction (A1)

Transport

Transport ofRaw materials(A2)
Manufacturing(A3)
Transport Gate
to User (A4)

Installation
Use

Means of transport (truck,
container ship) and their fuels

4%

86% Thermal energy
Means of transport (truck,
container ship) and their fuels
87% adhesive

Use (B2)

99% Electricity

EOL (C1-C4)

Production

Raw Material
Extraction (A1)

Transport

Transport ofRaw materials(A2)
Manufacturing(A3)
Transport Gate
to User (A4)

Installation

1%

Installation (A5)

EOL

POCP

95%

Incineration of post-consumer
Flotex FR
Energy substitution fromincineration
52% PA 6.6
22% PVC
12% DOTP

97%< 0.5%
3%

Incineration of post-consumer
Flotex FR
Energy substitution fromincineration
48% PA 6.6
26% PVC
13% DOTP
Means of transport (truck,
container ship) and their fuels
79% Thermal energy
18% Packaging
Means of transport (truck,
container ship) and their fuels

Installation (A5)89% adhesive

Use

Use (B2)

99% electricity

EOL

EOL (C1-C4)

Incineration of post-consumer

Main contributing flows
Phosphorus
Use : Inorganic emissions to fresh water,
Phosphate, Phosphorus
EOL : Inorganic emissions to fresh water,
Phosphate, Phosphorus

Production : Inorganic emissions to air,Nitrogen oxides
Production: Inorganic emissions to fresh
water. Ammonium/Ammonia, Nitrate

Transport & installation : Inorganic
emissions to air, Nitrogen oxides
Use : Inorganic emissions to air, Nitrogenoxides
EOL : Inorganic emissions to air, Nitrogenoxides

Production : Inorganic emissions to air,Ammonia, Nitrogen oxides

Transport & Installation : Inorganic
emissions to air, Ammonia, Nitrogen oxides
Use : Inorganic emissions to air, Ammonia,
Nitrogen oxides
EOL : Inorganic emissions to air, Ammonia,
Nitrogen oxides

Production : Inorganic emissions to air,Nitrogen oxides
Production : Halogenated organic emissions
to air, NMVOC (unspecified), Propane

Transport & Installation Inorganic emissions
to air, Nitrogen oxides
Use : Inorganic emissions to air, Nitrogenoxides
EOL : Inorganic emissions to air, NitrogenFlotex FR
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ImpactCategory

Stage

Production

ADPF

Transport
Installation
Use
EOL

Production

ADPE

Transport
Installation
Use
EOL

Production

Transport
WDP

According to ISO 14025 and EN 15804

Installation

ModuleRaw Material
Extraction (A1)
Transport ofRaw materials(A2)
Manufacturing(A3)
Transport Gate
to User (A4)Main contributor

93%

Flotex FR
Energy substitution fromincineration
41% PA 6.6
26% PVC
26% DOTP< 0.1%

Means of transport (truck,
container ship) and their fuels

7%

86% Thermal energy
Means of transport (truck,
container ship) and their fuels

Installation (A5)99% adhesive

Use (B2)

99% Electricity

EOL (C1-C4)

Incineration of post-consumer
Flotex FR
Energy substitution fromincineration

Raw Material
Extraction (A1)
Transport ofRaw materials(A2)
Manufacturing(A3)
Transport Gate
to User (A4)

100%88% Zinc oxide< 0.05%Means of transport (truck,
container ship) and their fuels< 0.5%

60% Thermal energy
39% Packaging
Means of transport (truck,
container ship) and their fuels

Installation (A5)99% adhesive

Use (B2)

100% electricity

EOL (C1-C4)
Raw Material
Extraction (A1)
Transport ofRaw materials(A2)
Manufacturing(A3)
Transport Gate
to User (A4)99%
< 0.01%
1%Incineration of post-consumer
Flotex FR
Energy substitution fromincineration
51% PA 6.6
32% PVC
Means of transport (truck,
container ship) and their fuels
67% Packaging
31% Thermal energy
Means of transport (truck,
container ship) and their fuels

Installation (A5)76% adhesive

Use

Use (B2)

94% Electricity

EOL

EOL (C1-C4)

Incineration of post-consumer
Flotex FR
Energy substitution from

Main contributing flows
oxides

Production : Nonrenewable energy
resources, Crude oil, Natural gas

Transport & Installation : Nonrenewableenergy resources, Crude oil, Natural gas
Use : Nonrenewable energy resources,
Crude oil, Natural gas, Uranium
EOL : Nonrenewable energy resources,
Crude oil, Natural gas

Production : Nonrenewable elements, Lead,
Zinc, Copper

Transport & Installation : Nonrenewableelements, Lead, Sulphur
Use : Nonrenewable elements, Lead,
Sulphur, Silver
EOL : Nonrenewable elements, Lead,
Sulphur
Production : Renewable resources Water,
Ground water, River water, River water toturbine, Lake water, Lake water to turbine
Production: Other emissions to fresh water,
Turbined water to river
Transport & Installation : Renewable
resources Water, River water, River water toturbineTransport & Installation: Other emissions tofresh water, Cooling water to river, Turbined
water to river
Use : Renewable resources Water, River
water, River water to turbine
Use: Other emissions to fresh water,
Cooling water to river, Turbined water toriver
EOL : Renewable resources Water, River
water, River water to turbine
EOL: Other emissions to fresh water,

Flotex FR
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ImpactCategory

Stage

Transport
Installation

Use
EOL

Production

IRTransport
Installation

Raw Material
Extraction (A1)
Transport ofRaw materials(A2)
Manufacturing(A3)
Transport Gate
to User (A4)

97%42% Glass fiber
19% PA 6.6
19% PVC

1%

Means of transport (truck,
container ship) and their fuels

2%

Installation (A5)96% adhesive

Use (B2)

99% electricity

EOL (C1-C4)
Raw Material
Extraction (A1)
Transport ofRaw materials(A2)
Manufacturing(A3)
Transport Gate
to User (A4)100%
< 0.01%< 0.2%

Incineration of post-consumer
Flotex FR
Energy substitution fromincineration
73% PVC
12% Glass fiber
Means of transport (truck,
container ship) and their fuels
37% Thermal energy
62% Packaging
Means of transport (truck,
container ship) and their fuels

Use

Use (B2)

100% Electricity

EOL

EOL (C1-C4)

Transport
Installation

EOL
Production

Raw Material
Extraction (A1)
Transport ofRaw materials(A2)
Manufacturing(A3)
Transport Gate
to User (A4)30%

Incineration of post-consumer
Flotex FR
Energy substitution fromincineration
62% PA 6.6
22% PVC

8%

Means of transport (truck,
container ship) and their fuels

62%

87% Packaging
Means of transport (truck,
container ship) and their fuels

Installation (A5)99% adhesive

Use (B2)

100% electricity

EOL (C1-C4)
Raw Material

98%

Main contributing flows
Cooling water to river, Turbined water toriver

Production : Inorganic emissions to air,Nitrogen oxides, Sulphur dioxides
Production : Particles to air, Dust (PM 2.5)

81% Thermal energy
Means of transport (truck,
container ship) and their fuels

99% adhesive

Use

HTP-c

Main contributor

Installation (A5)

Production

ETF-fw

Moduleincineration

Production

PM

According to ISO 14025 and EN 15804

Incineration of post-consumer
Flotex FR
Energy substitution fromincineration
24% PA 6.6

Transport & Installation : Inorganic
emissions to air, Nitrogen oxides, Sulphur
dioxidesTransport & Installation: Particles to air, Dust
(PM 2.5)
Use : Inorganic emissions to air, Nitrogenoxides, Sulphur dioxides
Use: Particles to air, Dust (PM 2.5)
EOL : Inorganic emissions to air, Nitrogenoxides, Sulphur dioxides
EOL: Particles to air, Dust (PM 2.5)
Production : Radioactive emissions to air,Carbon (C14)
Production: Radioactive emissions to fresh
water, Cesium (Cs137), Iodine (I129),
Cobalt (Co60)
Transport & Installation : Radioactive
emissions to air, Carbon (C14)
Use : Radioactive emissions to air, Carbon(C14)
EOL : Radioactive emissions to air, Carbon(C14)

Production : Inorganic emissions to air,Hydrogen sulphide
Production : Inorganic emissions to fresh
water, Chloride, Aluminium
Transport & Installation : Inorganic
emissions to air, Hydrogen sulphide
Transport & Installation: Inorganic emissions
to fresh water, Chloride, Aluminium
Use : Inorganic emissions to air, Hydrogensulphide
Use: Inorganic emissions to fresh water,
Chloride, Aluminium
EOL Inorganic emissions to air, Hydrogensulphide
EOL: Inorganic emissions to fresh water,
Chloride, Aluminium
Production: Halogenated organic emissions

Flotex FR
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ImpactCategory

According to ISO 14025 and EN 15804

Stage

Transport
Installation
Use

EOL

Production

ModuleExtraction (A1)
Transport ofRaw materials(A2)
Manufacturing(A3)
Transport Gate
to User (A4)Transport
Installation
Use
EOL

Production

SQP

Transport
Installation
Use

EOL

< 0.1%
2%

Means of transport (truck,
container ship) and their fuels
62% Thermal energy
37% Packaging
Means of transport (truck,
container ship) and their fuels

Installation (A5)93% adhesive

Use (B2)

100% Electricity

EOL (C1-C4)

Incineration of post-consumer
Flotex FR
Energy substitution fromincineration

Raw Material
Extraction (A1)
Transport ofRaw materials(A2)
Manufacturing(A3)

HTP-ncMain contributor
69% PVC

97%

21% PVC
58% PA 6.6< 0.5%

Means of transport (truck,
container ship) and their fuels

3%

27% Thermal energy
64% Packaging

Transport Gate
to User (A4)

Means of transport (truck,
container ship) and their fuels

Installation (A5)96% adhesive

Use (B2)

100% electricity

EOL (C1-C4)
Raw Material
Extraction (A1)
Transport ofRaw materials(A2)
Manufacturing(A3)
Transport Gate
to User (A4)

97%
1%
2%

Incineration of post-consumer
Flotex FR
Energy substitution fromincineration
63% PA 6.6
28% PVC
Means of transport (truck,
container ship) and their fuels
46% Thermal energy
53% Packaging
Means of transport (truck,
container ship) and their fuels

Installation (A5)98% adhesive

Use (B2)

100% Electricity

EOL (C1-C4)

Incineration of post-consumer
Flotex FR
Energy substitution fromincineration

Main contributing flows
to air, Vinyl chloride (VCM chloroethene)
Production: Group NMVOC to air,Formaldehyde (Methanal)
Production: Heavy metals to fresh water,
ChromiumTransport & Installation: Group NMVOC toair, Formaldehyde (Methanal)
Transport & Installation: Heavy metals to
fresh water, Chromium
Use: Group NMVOC to air, Formaldehyde(Methanal), Polychlorinated di-benzo-pfurans (2, 3, 7, 8 TCDD)
EOL: Heavy metals to air, Mercury
EOL: Group NMVOC to air, Formaldehyde(Methanal)
EOL: Heavy metals to fresh water,
Chromium
Production: Heavy metals to air, Mercury
Production: Inorganic emissions to air,Carbon monoxide
Production: Heavy metals to fresh water,
Arsenic (+V)
Production: Inorganic emissions to fresh
water, Chloride, Chlorine (dissolved),
FluorideTransport & Installation: Heavy metals to air,
Mercury
Transport & Installation: Inorganic emissions
to air, Carbon monoxide
Use: Heavy metals to air, Mercury
Use: Inorganic emissions to air, Carbon
monoxide
EOL: Heavy metals to air, Mercury
EOL: Inorganic emissions to air, Carbon
monoxide

Production: Land use, Occupation, Arable,
Arable irrigated intensive, Arable nonirrigated, Forest used

Transport & Installation: Land use,
Occupation, Arable, Arable irrigatedintensive, Arable non irrigated, Forest used
Use: Land use, Occupation, Arable, Arable
irrigated intensive, Arable non irrigated,
Forest used
EOL: Land use, Occupation, Arable, Arable
irrigated intensive, Arable non irrigated,
Forest used

Flotex FR
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According to ISO 14025 and EN 15804

Description of Selected Impact Categories
Abiotic Depletion Potential
The abiotic depletion potential covers all natural resources such as metal containing ores, crude oil and mineral raw
materials. Abiotic resources include all raw materials from non-living resources that are non-renewable. This impact
category describes the reduction of the global amount of non-renewable raw materials. Non-renewable means a timeframe of at least 500 years. This impact category covers an evaluation of the availability of natural elements in general,
as well as the availability of fossil energy carriers.
ADP (elements) describes the quantity of non-energetic resources directly withdrawn from the geosphere. It reflects
the scarcity of the materials in the geosphere and is expressed in Antimony equivalents. The characterization factors
are published by the CML, Oers 2010.
Are fossil energy carriers included in the impact category, it is ADP (fossil). Fossil fuels are used similarly to theprimary energy consumption; the unit is therefore also MJ. In contrast to the primary fossil energy ADP fossil does notcontain uranium, because this does not count as a fossil fuel.
Primary energy consumption
Primary energy demand is often difficult to determine due to the various types of energy source. Primary energy
demand is the quantity of energy directly withdrawn from the hydrosphere, atmosphere or geosphere or energy source
without any anthropogenic change. For fossil fuels and uranium, this would be the amount of resource withdrawn
expressed in its energy equivalent (i.e. the energy content of the raw material). For renewable resources, the energycharacterized amount of biomass consumed would be described. For hydropower, it would be based on the amount ofenergy that is gained from the change in the potential energy of water (i.e. from the height difference). As aggregatedvalues, the following primary energies are designated:
The total “Primary energy consumption non-renewable”, given in MJ, essentially characterizes the gain from theenergy sources natural gas, crude oil, lignite, coal and uranium. Natural gas and crude oil will both be used for energy
production and as material constituents e.g. in plastics. Coal will primarily be used for energy production. Uranium will
only be used for electricity production in nuclear power stations.
The total “Primary energy consumption renewable”, given in MJ, is generally accounted separately and comprises
hydropower, wind power, solar energy and biomass. It is important that the end energy (e.g. 1 kWh of electricity) andthe primary energy used are not miscalculated with each other; otherwise the efficiency for production or supply of theend energy will not be accounted for. The energy content of the manufactured products will be considered as
feedstock energy content. It will be characterized by the net calorific value of the product. It represents the still usableenergy content.
Waste categories
There are various different qualities of waste. For example, waste can be classed according to German and European
waste directives. The modeling principles have changed with the last GaBi4 database update in October 2006. Now all
LCA data sets (electricity generation, raw material etc.) already contain the treatment of the waste with very low waste
output at the end of the stage. So the amount of waste is predominantly caused by foreground processes during theFlotex FR
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According to ISO 14025 and EN 15804

production phase. This is important for the interpretation of waste amounts.
From a balancing point of view, it makes sense to divide waste into three categories. The categories
overburden/tailings, industrial waste for municipal disposal and hazardous waste will be used.
Overburden / tailings in kg: This category consists of the layer which must be removed in order to access raw
material extraction, ash and other raw material extraction conditional materials for disposal. Also included in thiscategory are tailings such as inert rock, slag, red mud etc.
Industrial waste for municipal disposal in kg: This term contains the aggregated values of industrial waste formunicipal waste according to 3. AbfVwV TA SiedlABf.
Hazardous waste in kg: This category includes materials that will be treated in a hazardous waste incinerator or
hazardous waste landfill, such as painting sludge’s, galvanic sludge’s, filter dusts or other solid or liquid hazardous
waste and radioactive waste from the operation of nuclear power plants and fuel rod production.
Global Warming Potential (GWP)
The mechanism of the greenhouse effect can be observed on a small scale, as the name suggests, in a greenhouse.
These effects are also occurring on a global scale. The occurring short-wave radiation from the sun comes into contact
with the earth’s surface and is partly absorbed (leading to direct warming) and partly reflected as infrared radiation.
The reflected part is absorbed by so-called greenhouse gases in the troposphere and is re-radiated in all directions,
including back to earth. This results in a warming effect on the earth’s surface.
In addition to the natural mechanism, the greenhouse effect is enhanced by human activities. Greenhouse gases thatare considered to be caused, or increased, anthropogenically are, for example, carbon dioxide, methane and CFCs.
Figure A1 shows the main processes of the anthropogenic greenhouse effect. An analysis of the greenhouse effectshould consider the possible long term global effects.
The global warming potential is calculated incarbon dioxide equivalents (CO2-Eq.). Thismeans that the greenhouse potential of anemission is given in relation to CO2. Since theresidence time of the gases in the atmosphere isincorporated into the calculation, a time range
for the assessment must also be specified. A
period of 100 years is customary.

Absorption
Reflection
UV - radiation
Infraredradiation

CFCs
CO2

Figure A1:

CH4

Greenhouse effect (KREISSIG 1999)

Acidification Potential (AP)The acidification of soils and waters predominantly occurs through the transformation of air pollutants into acids. This

Flotex FR
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According to ISO 14025 and EN 15804

leads to a decrease in the pH-value of rainwater and fog from 5.6 to 4 and below. Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide
and their respective acids (H2SO4 and HNO3) produce relevant contributions. This damages ecosystems, whereby
forest dieback is the most well-known impact.
Acidification has direct and indirect damaging effects (such as nutrients being elutriated from soils or an increased
solubility of metals into soils). But even buildings and building materials can be damaged. Examples include metals
and natural stones which are corroded or disintegrated at an increased rate.
When analyzing acidification, it should be considered that although it is a global problem, the regional effects ofacidification can vary. Figure A2 displays the primary impact pathways of acidification.
The acidification potential is given in sulphur
dioxide equivalents (SO2-Eq.). The acidification
potential is described as the ability of certain
substances to build and release H+ - ions. Certain
emissions can also be considered to have an
acidification potential, if the given S-, N- andhalogen atoms are set in proportion to themolecular mass of the emission. The reference
substance is sulphur dioxide.

SO2
H2SO4

NOX

HNO3

Figure A2: Acidification Potential (KREISSIG 1999)

Eutrophication Potential (EP)
Eutrophication is the enrichment of nutrients in a certain place. Eutrophication can be aquatic or terrestrial. Air
pollutants, waste water and fertilization in agriculture all contribute to eutrophication.
The result in water is an accelerated algae growth, which in turn, prevents sunlight from reaching the lower depths.
This leads to a decrease in photosynthesis and less oxygen production. In addition, oxygen is needed for thedecomposition of dead algae. Both effects cause a decreased oxygen concentration in the water, which can eventuallylead to fish dying and to anaerobic decomposition (decomposition without the presence of oxygen). Hydrogen sulphideand methane are thereby produced. This can lead, among others, to the destruction of the eco-system.
On eutrophicated soils, an increased susceptibility of plants to diseases and pests is often observed, as is adegradation of plant stability. If the nutrification level exceeds the amounts of nitrogen necessary for a maximum
harvest, it can lead to an enrichment of nitrate. This can cause, by means of leaching, increased nitrate content ingroundwater. Nitrate also ends up in drinking water.

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Nitrate at low levels is harmless from a toxicologicalpoint of view. However, nitrite, a reaction product ofnitrate, is toxic to humans. The causes of
eutrophication are displayed in Figure A3. The
eutrophication potential is calculated in phosphate
equivalents (PO4-Eq). As with acidification potential,
it’s important to remember that the effects ofeutrophication potential differ regionally.

According to ISO 14025 and EN 15804

Air pollution
NOX

N2O

NH3

Fertilisation

Waste water
Figure A3:

NO3- NH +4

PO4-3

Eutrophication Potential (KREISSIG 1999)

Photochemical Ozone Creation Potential (POCP)
Despite playing a protective role in the stratosphere, at ground-level ozone is classified as a damaging trace gas.
Photochemical ozone production in the troposphere, also known as summer smog, is suspected to damage vegetationand material. High concentrations of ozone are toxic to humans.
Radiation from the sun and the presence of nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons incur complex chemical reactions,producing aggressive reaction products, one of which is ozone. Nitrogen oxides alone do not cause high ozone
concentration levels. Hydrocarbon emissions occur from incomplete combustion, in conjunction with petrol (storage,
turnover, refueling etc.) or from solvents. High concentrations of ozone arise when the temperature is high, humidity islow, when air is relatively static and when there are high concentrations of hydrocarbons. Today it is assumed that theexistence of NO and CO reduces the accumulated ozone to NO2, CO2 and O2. This means, that high concentrations ofozone do not often occur near hydrocarbon emission sources. Higher ozone concentrations more commonly arise inareas of clean air, such as forests, where there is less NO and CO (Figure A4).

In Life Cycle Assessments, photochemical ozone
creation potential (POCP) is referred to in
ethylene-equivalents (C2H4-Äq.). When
analyzing, it’s important to remember that theactual ozone concentration is strongly influenced
by the weather and by the characteristics of thelocal conditions.

Hydrocarbons
Nitrogen oxides

Ozone

Dry and warm
climateHydrocarbons

Nitrogen oxides

Figure A4:

Photochemical Ozone Creation Potential

Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP)
Ozone is created in the stratosphere by the disassociation of oxygen atoms that are exposed to short-wave UV-light.
This leads to the formation of the so-called ozone layer in the stratosphere (15 - 50 km high). About 10 % of this ozone
reaches the troposphere through mixing processes. In spite of its minimal concentration, the ozone layer is essential
for life on earth. Ozone absorbs the short-wave UV-radiation and releases it in longer wavelengths. As a result, only aFlotex FR
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According to ISO 14025 and EN 15804

small part of the UV-radiation reaches the earth.
Anthropogenic emissions deplete ozone. This is well-known from reports on the hole in the ozone layer. The hole iscurrently confined to the region above Antarctica, however another ozone depletion can be identified, albeit not to thesame extent, over the mid-latitudes (e.g. Europe). The substances which have a depleting effect on the ozone canessentially be divided into two groups; the fluorine-chlorine-hydrocarbons (CFCs) and the nitrogen oxides (NOX).
Figure A5 depicts the procedure of ozone depletion.
One effect of ozone depletion is the warming of the earth's surface. The sensitivity of humans, animals and plants to
UV-B and UV-A radiation is of particular importance. Possible effects are changes in growth or a decrease in harvest
crops (disruption of photosynthesis), indications of tumors (skin cancer and eye diseases) and decrease of sea
plankton, which would strongly affect the food chain. In calculating the ozone depletion potential, the anthropogenicallyreleased halogenated hydrocarbons, which can destroy many ozone molecules, are recorded first. The so-called
Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) results from the calculation of the potential of different ozone relevant substances.
This is done by calculating, first of all, a scenario fora fixed quantity of emissions of a CFC reference(CFC 11). This results in an equilibrium state of totalozone reduction. The same scenario is considered
for each substance under study whereby CFC 11 is
replaced by the quantity of the substance. This
leads to the ozone depletion potential for each
respective substance, which is given in CFC 11
equivalents. An evaluation of the ozone depletion
potential should take the long term, global andpartly irreversible effects into consideration.

UV - radiation

Stratosphere15 - 50 km

Absorption

Absorption

CFCs
Nitrogen oxide

Figure A5:

Ozone Depletion Potential (KREISSIG 1999)

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References
GABI 10.6 2012
GABI 10.6 2012DUL ENVIRONMENT
PE 2012ILCD Handbook: General
guide for Life Cycle
Assessment - Detailed
guidance
STANDARDS AND LAWSDIN EN ISO 14044
ISO 14025 2006
ISO 14040 2006
CEN/TR 15941
EN 16810
EN 15804
CPR
EN-ISO 10874
EN 1307

SPHERA AG; Gabi 10.6: Software-System and Database for Life Cycle Engineering.
Copyright, TM. Stuttgart, Echterdingen, 1992-2017.
Gabi 10.6: Documentation of Gabi 10.6: Software-System and Database for Life Cycle
Engineering. Copyright, TM. Stuttgart, Echterdingen, 1992-2017. http://documentation.gabisoftware.com/
UL Environment’s Program Operator Rules
Description of Selected Impact Categories, SPHERA AG, 2012
European Commission-Joint Research Centre - Institute for Environment and Sustainability:
International Reference Life Cycle Data System (ILCD) Handbook- Recommendations forLife Cycle Impact Assessment in the European context. First edition November 2011. EUR
24571 EN. Luxemburg. Publications Office of the European Union; 2011
Environmental management - Life cycle assessment - Requirements and guidelines (ISO14044:2006); German and English version EN ISO 14044
DIN EN ISO 14025: Environmental labels and declarations — Type III environmental
declarations — Principles and procedures
Environmental management - Life cycle assessment - Principles and framework (ISO14040); German and English version EN ISO 14040
Sustainability of construction works - Environmental product declarations - Methodology forselection and use of generic data; German version CEN/TR 15941
Resilient, textile and laminate floor coverings - Environmental product declarations - Productcategory rules
EN 15804: Sustainability of construction works — Environmental Product Declarations —Core rules for the product category of construction products
REGULATION (EU) No 305/2011 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE
COUNCIL of 9 March 2011 laying down harmonized conditions for the marketing of
construction products and repealing Council Directive 89/106/EEC
Resilient, textile and laminate floor coverings – Classification
Textile floor coverings - Specification