Environmental Product Declaration (Self-Declared)

Desk Top Furniture Linoleum
Forbo Flooring Systems

Forbo Furniture Linoleum is the finishing touch for everyone who wants to create breath taking beautifully designed
and functional furniture that will stand out from the crowd while also standing the test of time. A high-quality material
with a proven pedigree, Furniture Linoleum is renowned for its elegance and durability and is suitable for countlessstunning decorative surfacing applications.
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 to publish Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) for all products including full LCA
reports. This EPD is using all recognized flooring Product Category Rules and is including additional information toshow the impacts on human health and eco-toxicity. By offering the complete story we hope that our stakeholders will
be able to use this document as a tool that will translate the environmental performance of Furniture Linoleum into thetrue value and benefits to all our customers and stakeholders alike.
For more information visit;www.forbo-flooring.com

Environmental Product Declaration (Self-Declared)

Desk Top Furniture Linoleum

Page 2 of 22

According to ISO 14025 & EN 15804

This declaration is a self-declared environmental product declaration in accordance with ISO 14025
and EN15804 that describes the environmental characteristics of the aforementioned product. It
promotes the development of sustainable products. This is not a third party certified declaration andall relevant environmental information is disclosed. This EPD may not be comparable to otherdeclarations if they do not comply with ISO 14025, EN 15804 and the reference PCR.

PROGRAM OPERATORDECLARATION NUMBER
DECLARED PRODUCTREFERENCE PCR

NA
Forbo Flooring B.V.
Industrieweg 12
P.O. Box 13
NL-1560 AA Krommenie
NA
Desk Top Furniture Linoleum
Flooring: Carpet, Resilient, Laminate, Ceramic, and Wood (NSF 2012)

DATE OF ISSUEPERIOD OF VALIDITY

16 September 2016
5 Years

DECLARATION HOLDER

Product definition and information about building physics
Information about basic material and the material’s origin
CONTENTS OF THE
DECLARATION

Description of the product’s manufacture
Indication of product processing
Information about the in-use conditions
Life cycle assessment results
Testing results and verifications

Environmental Product Declaration (Self-Declared)

Desk Top Furniture Linoleum

Page 3 of 22

According to ISO 14025 & EN 15804

Product Definition
Product Classification and description
This declaration covers Desk Top Furniture Linoleum consisting of 21
unadorned, elegant colors that add a distinctive touch to any piece offurniture. Furniture Linoleum is manufactured from renewable, natural
raw materials. Basic ingredients include natural linseed oil, rosin, woodflour and natural pigments. Because of this, Furniture Linoleum isbiologically degradable and doesn’t harm the environment at any stage
in its life. Linoleum is produced by Forbo Flooring for more than 150
years and our well-known brand Desk Top Furniture Linoleum is soldworldwide. This declaration refers to Desk Top Furniture Linoleum sheetof 2.0 mm nominal thickness.
Desktop Furniture Linoleum is build up in 3 layers as illustrated infigure 1.These three layers form one homogeneous product by thecross linking bonding’s formed during the oxidative curing process :Figure 1: Illustration of Desk Top Furniture
Linoleum1.
2.
3.

Backing: Impregnated paper, giving the product its flexibility to be used to curved surfaces.
Intermediate layer: This layer gives Desktop its design and color and is calendared on the paper backing.
Surface layer: After finishing the product at the trimming department a factory finish is applied to protect the surface
layer.

Range of application
Furniture Linoleum can be applied as a surface on furniture in numerous areas such as offices and similar work
environments, kitchens, shops and leisure centres. Furniture applications include:• Desktops• Shop and reception counters• Cupboards• Interior doors• Chairs• Cupboard panels• Dividing walls (movable and fixed)• Wall panelling

Environmental Product Declaration (Self-Declared)

Desk Top Furniture Linoleum

Page 4 of 22

According to ISO 14025 & EN 15804

Product Standard
The products considered in this EPD have the following technical specifications:

Accreditation

o
o
o
o

ISO 9001 Quality Management System
ISO 14001 Environmental Management System
OHSAS 18001 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems
SA 8000 Social Accountability Standard

Environmental Product Declaration (Self-Declared)

Desk Top Furniture Linoleum

Page 5 of 22

According to ISO 14025 & EN 15804

Delivery Status
Table 1: Specification of delivered productCharacteristics
Product thickness
Product Weight
2.0 mmRolls Width
LengthNominal Value
2.0

Unit
mm

2100
1.83 or 2.00 (4023)
≤ 30

g/m2
meter
meter

Material Content
Material Content of the ProductComponent
BinderFillerPigment
BackingFinishTable 2: Composition of Desktop Furniture Linoleum
Availability
Amount [%]Bio based crop24%
Bio based crop1%
Non Renewable
5%
Bio based waste product from wood
27.5%
processing
Calcium carbonate
Mineral abundant
14%
Titanium dioxide &Limited mineral
4%
Various otherpigments
Felt paper
Bio based crop (Cellulose 90%)
23.5%
Lacquer
1%
Material
Linseed oil
Gum rosin
Resin
Wood flour

OriginUSA/Canada/Europe
Indonesia/China
EuropeGermany
Germany
GlobalGermany
Netherlands

Production of Main Materials
Linseed oil : Linseed oil is obtained by pressing the seeds of the flax plant. After filtering a clear golden yellow liquidremains.
Gum rosin : Rosin is obtained by wounding pine trees. The crude gum is collected and is separated into turpentine
and rosin by distillation.
Wood flour : Postindustrial bio based soft wood waste from the wood industry, which is milled into flour.
Resin : A cationic polymerization reaction converts the hydrocarbon resin oil into a hard resin.
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.
Titanium dioxide : A white pigment produced from the mineral rutile, a naturally occurring form of titanium dioxide.
The production of the pigment is a large-scale chemical process
Various other pigments : The vast majority of the used color pigments are iron oxide based.
Felt Paper : Natural fiber (Cellulose) fleece, reinforced with an aqueous polymer dispersion.
Lacquer : The factory applied lacquer is a water-based, cross-linked acrylic finish.

Environmental Product Declaration (Self-Declared)

Desk Top Furniture Linoleum

Page 6 of 22

According to ISO 14025 & EN 15804

Production of Furniture Linoleum

Figure 2: Illustration of the Production process

Furniture Linoleum is produced in several stages starting with the oxidation of linseed oil mixed with rosin. With the
influence of oxygen from the atmosphere a tough sticky material is obtained called linoleum cement. The linoleum
cement is stored in containers for a few days for further reaction and after this it is mixed with wood flour, calcium
carbonate, resin, titanium dioxide and pigments. This mixture is calendared on a paper backing and stored in drying
rooms, to cure till the required hardness is reached. After approximately 7 days the material is taken out from thedrying room to the trimming department where the factory finish is applied on the surface of the product and the end
inspection is done. Finally the edges are trimmed and the sheet is cut to length into rolls of approximately 30 meter.
The trimmings and the rejected product are reused.
Health, Safety and Environmental Aspects during ProductionoISO 14001 Environmental Management Systemo

OHSAS 18001 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems

Environmental Product Declaration (Self-Declared)

Desk Top Furniture Linoleum

Page 7 of 22

According to ISO 14025 & EN 15804

Production Waste
Rejected material and the cuttings of the trimming stage are being thermally recycled in a waste incineration plant.
Packaging materials are being 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 Desktop istransported as follows:o Transport distance 40 t truck
615 kmo Transport distance 7.5t truck (Fine distribution)
123 kmo Capacity utilization trucks (including empty runs)
85 %o Transport distance Ocean ship
0 km
o Capacity utilization Ocean ship48%

Installation
Because of the specific techniques used during the installation of Desktop Furniture Linoleum 1% of the material is cut
off as installation waste. For installation of Desktop on the carrier material, e.g.: MDF, chipboard, multiplex or pressed
Plates, a scenario has been modeled assuming 0.280 kg/m2 of adhesive is required.

Health, Safety and Environmental Aspects during Installation
Forbo flooring recommends to use (low) zero emission water based PVA adhesives for installing Desktop Furniture
Linoleum.
Waste
Waste during the installation process can be thermally recycled in a waste incineration plant. Since the major part of
Desktop Furniture Linoleum is sold in Europe the European electricity grid mix is used in the calculations for theenergy recovery during incineration.
Packaging
Cardboard tubes and packaging paper can be collected separately and should be used in a local recycling process. In
the calculation model 100% incineration is taken into account for which there is a credit received.

Use stage
The service lifetime of a Furniture Linoleum for a certain application 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 the usephase are based on the cleaning and maintenance model for one year. Depending on the area of use, the technicallifetime advised by the manufacturer and the estimated time of use 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.

Environmental Product Declaration (Self-Declared)

Desk Top Furniture Linoleum

Page 8 of 22

According to ISO 14025 & EN 15804

Cleaning and MaintenanceFor the calculations the following cleaning regime is considered:- Dry cleaning with a dust wiper, twice a week.
- Once a week wet cleaning with a damp cloth using 0.062 l/m2 water and 0.0003 kg/m2 neutral cleaner.
This result in the use of 3.224 l/m 2*year water and 0.016 kg/m2*year neutral cleaner. The wet cleaning
takes place without power machine usage. Waste water treatment of the arising waste water from cleaning
is considered.
The cleaning regime that is recommended in practice will be highly dependent on the use of the premises where theFurniture Linoleum is installed.
Prevention of Structural Damage
Preventive measures and stain removal :• Sharp items may cause scratches, use soft protection in case of doubt.
• Remove stains immediately after spillage (such as ink, coffee, tea, red wine).
• Prevent stubborn stains from forming; use coasters under flowerpots, vases, cups etc.
• Desk Top: for stubborn stains such as ink and pencil, use a clean cloth and neutral cleaner.

End of LifeThe deconstruction of installed Desktop Furniture Linoleumcan be done mechanically and the electrical energy needed
for this is estimated to be 0.03 kWh/sqm. This amount of energy is taken into account for the calculations.
For the end of life stage no landfilling is taken into account, since the vast majority of the countries in which Desktop
Furniture Linoleum is sold are having a non landfill policy. Because of the high calorific value of Desktop theincineration is very profitable as a waste to energy conversion.

Life Cycle Assessment
A full Life Cycle Assessment has bee carried out according to ISO 14040 and ISO 14044.
The following Life Cycle Stages are assessed :o Production Stage (Raw material acquisition, transportation to Manufacturing and Manufacturing)o Transport Gate to Usero Installation Stageo Use Stageo End of Life StageEnvironmental Product Declaration (Self-Declared)

Page 9 of 22

Desk Top Furniture Linoleum

According to ISO 14025 & EN 15804

Production

Raw Material
Extraction andProcessing

Transport

Transport

Coating,

Installation

Installation
loss

Calendaring,Transport&

Drying,Energies with
regionalreference

End-of Life

Use

Trimming

Cleaning
regimeTransport

Incineration

Adhesive at
installing

Figure 3: Flow chart of the Life Cycle Assessment

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.
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.

Environmental Product Declaration (Self-Declared)

Desk Top Furniture Linoleum

Page 10 of 22

According to ISO 14025 & EN 15804

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 LCA dataset used to model the incineration of Desktop is based on data developed by European Resilient
Flooring Manufacturers’ Institute (ERFMI) and is specific to linoleum flooring products. This indicates that 250
kWh/tonne electricity and 9744 MJ/tonne thermal energy is recovered during incineration. This model is part of the
ERFMI 2008 LCA study on resilient floorings; critical reviewed by Dr ir Jeroen Guinée (Institute of Environmental
Sciences CML) /ERFMI 2008/.
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 6 Software System for Life Cycle Engineering, developedby Thinkstep has been used. All relevant LCA datasets are taken from the GaBi 6 software database. The datasetsfrom 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.

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 2015). 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 6 Software System for Life Cycle Engineering, developedby ThinkStep, is used. All relevant LCA datasets are taken from the GaBi 6 software database. The last revision of theused data sets took place within the last 10 years.

Environmental Product Declaration (Self-Declared)

Desk Top Furniture Linoleum

Page 11 of 22

According to ISO 14025 & EN 15804

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 Assendelft, the Netherlands. The GaBi 6 Hydropower dataset has therefore beenused (reference year 2012). The energy supplier is providing Forbo with a certificate every year.
CO2-Certificates
No CO2-certificates are considered in this study.
Life Cycle Inventory Analysis
The total primary energy for one square meter installed Desktop Furniture Linoleum 2.0 mm is presented in table 3
with their specific energy resources.
Table 3: Primary energy for all life cycle stages for Desktop Furniture Linoleum 2.0 mm for one year
Non-renewable primary energy by Unit Total Life
Total Life Production Transport Installation Use
resources
cycle
cycle (%)
(1 yr)
Total non-renewable primary energy
MJ
45,84
100
49,25
2,95
9,14
1,19
Crude oil
MJ
23,06
50%
14,81
2,7
4,6
0,4
Hard coal
MJ
3,06
7%
3,52
0,01
0,16
0,05
Lignite
MJ
1,59
3%
1,85
0
0,18
0,05
Natural gas
MJ
16,33
36%
26,16
0,23
4,21
0,61
Uranium
MJ
1,81
4%
2,91
0,01
-0,01
0,08
Renewable primary energy by
Unit Total Life
Total Life Production Transport Installation Use
resources
cycle
cycle (%)
(1 yr)
Total renewable primary energy
MJ
68,7
100
69,3
0,06
0,17
0,01
Geothermical
MJ
0
0%
0,01
0
0
0
Hydro power
MJ
9,72
14%
9,95
0
-0,01
0,01
Solar energy
MJ
58,75
86%
58,91
0,06
0,14
0
Wind power
MJ
0,23
0%
0,42
0
0,04
0,01

End ofLife-16,69
0,55
-0,68
-0,5
-14,87-1,18
End of
Life
-0,85
-0,01
-0,23
-0,37
-0,24

Environmental Product Declaration (Self-Declared)

Desk Top Furniture Linoleum

Page 12 of 22

According to ISO 14025 & EN 15804

Waste and non-renewable resource consumption
In the table 4 the non-renewable resource consumption and waste production are shown for all life cycle stages for a
one year usage.
Table 4: Waste categories and non-renewable resources for Desktop 2.0 mm (one year)
Wastes
Unit
Total Life cycle
Production
Transport
Installation Use (1yr)
Hazardous waste[kg]
9,66E-07
7,70E-07
7,92E-08
4,97E-09
3,11E-10
Non-hazardous waste[kg]
5,55E+00
3,87E+00
8,38E-03
4,72E-01
6,84E-02
Radioactive waste[kg]
1,97E-03
1,13E-03
3,82E-06
1,10E-04
2,63E-05
Resources
Unit
Total Life cycle
Production
Transport
Installation Use (1yr)
Non-renewable resources
[kg]
4,82
5,13
0,01
0,37
0,07

End of Life
1,12E-07
1,13E+00
6,96E-04
End of Life
-0,76

Life Cycle Assessment
In table 5 the environmental impacts for one lifecycle is presented for Desktop 2.0 mm. In table 6 the environmental
impacts are presented for all the lifecycle stages.
Table 5: Results of the LCA – Environmental impacts one lifecycle (one year) – Desktop 2.0 mm
Desktop
Impact Category : CML 2001 – Nov. 2010
Unit
2.0 mmGlobal Warming Potential (GWP 100 years)
3,83E+00
kg CO2-Equiv.
Ozone Layer Depletion Potential (ODP. steady state)
5,09E-08
kg R11-Equiv.
Acidification Potential (AP)3,39E-02
kg SO2-Equiv.
Eutrophication Potential (EP)9,67E-03
kg Phosphate-Equiv.
Photochem. Ozone Creation Potential (POCP)
1,62E-03
kg Ethene-Equiv.
Abiotic Depletion Potential Elements (ADPE)
2,24E-06
kg Sb-Equiv.
Abiotic Depletion Potential Fossil (ADPF)
4,37E+01[MJ]

Table 6: Results of the LCA – Environmental impact for Desktop 2.0 mm (one year)
Impact Category :Unit
Production Transport Installation Use (1yr)
CML 2001 – Nov. 2010
Global Warming Potential
kg CO2-Equiv.
-2,59E-01
3,00E-01
8,46E-01
7,35E-02
Ozone Layer Depletion Potential
kg R11-Equiv.
4,71E-08
8,94E-13
5,79E-10
2,06E-09
Acidification Potential
kg SO2-Equiv.
2,81E-02
4,98E-03
1,04E-03
1,10E-04
Eutrophication Potential
kg PSO4-Equiv.
8,83E-03
5,48E-04
1,59E-04
4,09E-05
Photochem. Ozone Creation Potential
kg Ethene-Equiv.
1,49E-03
1,71E-04
1,30E-04
1,88E-05
Abiotic Depletion Elements
kg Sb-Equiv.
2,09E-06
9,07E-09
1,41E-07
2,63E-08
Abiotic Depletion Fossil
MJ
4,62E+01
2,94E+00
9,14E+00
1,06E+00

End of Life
2,86E+00
1,19E-09-3,06E-04
9,10E-05-1,88E-04-2,52E-08-1,57E+01

The relative contribution of each process stage to each impact category for Desktop 2.0 mm is shown in figure 4.

Environmental Product Declaration (Self-Declared)

Desk Top Furniture Linoleum

Page 13 of 22

According to ISO 14025 & EN 15804

Figure 4: relative contribution of each process stage to each impact category for Desktop 2.0 mm for a one year usage.

Desktop Furniture Linoleum LCA & LCI - 1 year usage
120,00%100,00%80,00%

60,00%

40,00%

20,00%

0,00%
Global Warming
Potential-20,00%Ozone Layer
Depletion
Potential

Acidification
Potential

Eutrophication
Potential

Photochem. Abiotic Depletion Abiotic Depletion
Ozone Creation(Elements)(Fossil)Potential

Installation

Use-40,00%
Production

Transport

End of LifeInterpretation
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 most impact categories (ODP, AP, EP, POCP, ADPE, ADPF) the production stage has the main contribution to theoverall impact. For these categories the main contributor in the production stage is the Raw material supply with ashare of 64-87% of total impacts from the production stage.
For GWP, ADPE, and ADPF the adhesive for the installation has a significant impact. The LCA for the installation isbased on a conservative assumption of 280 g/m² adhesive. In practice this amount will almost always be lower
depending on the application of the material.
Forbo declares in the EPD a worldwide distribution by truck (951km) and container ship (4916 km). For this scenario
the transport has a relevance of 6%-15% in the impact categories GWP, AP, EP, POCP and ADPF.
The LCA for GWP reflects the use of renewable raw materials for the production of Desktop (linseed oil and Felt paper
backing). Carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, is locked in from the atmosphere in the course of the plant growth via
photosynthesis and stored during the use stage. This carbon dioxide is not released until the end of life when it isEnvironmental Product Declaration (Self-Declared)

Desk Top Furniture Linoleum

Page 14 of 22

According to ISO 14025 & EN 15804

incinerated with energy recovery – this process accounts for the greatest emission of greenhouse gases in the life
cycle of the product.
Energy recovery from incineration and the respective energy substitution at the end of life results in a credit for GWP,
POCP and ADPF as reported in the End of Life stage.

Additional Environmental Information
To be fully transparant Forbo Flooring does not only want to declare the environmental impacts required in the PCR,
but also the impacts on human health and eco-toxicity. Furthermore the outcome of the calculations according to theeuropean Standard EN15804 are published in this section.

Toxicity
For this calculations the USEtoxTM model is used as being the globally recommended preferred model forcharacterization modelling of human and eco-toxic impacts in LCIA by the United Nations Environment Programme
SETAC Life Cycle Initiative.
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 Level I (recommended and satisfactory),o level II (recommended but in need of some improvements)o level III (recommended, but to be applied with caution).
A mixed classification sometimes is related to the application of the classified method to different types of substances.
USEtoxTM is classified as Level II / III, unlike for example the CML impact categories which are classified as Level I.
Table 7: Results of the LCA – Environmental impacts one lifecycle (one year) – Desktop 2.0 mm
Desktop
Impact Category : USEtox
Unit
2.0 mmEcotoxicity
6,85E-01
PAF m3.day
Human toxicity, cancer
2,91E-09
Cases
Human toxicity, non-canc.
4,29E-07
Cases

In the following table the impacts are subdivided into the lifecycle stages.
Table 8: Results of the LCA – Environmental impact for Desktop 2.0 mm (one year)
Impact Category : USEtox

Unit

Production

Transport

Installation

Use (1yr)

End of Life

Ecotoxicity

PAF m3.day

6,28E-01

1,75E-02

2,72E-02

1,14E-02

8,51E-04

Human toxicity, cancer

cases

2,33E-09

7,34E-11

3,11E-10

2,83E-10-8,89E-11

Human toxicity, non-canc.

cases

3,84E-07

1,02E-08

2,95E-08

1,91E-09

4,02E-09

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.

Environmental Product Declaration (Self-Declared)

Desk Top Furniture Linoleum

Page 15 of 22

According to ISO 14025 & EN 15804

The Eco-toxicity is predominated by the production stage in which the raw materials are having a big impact with ashare of around 89% of the total impact category. Other small contributors are the transport to the customer and theadhesive used for installing the material.
In the Human toxicity (cancer) the largest contribution is coming from the production stage where the raw material
extraction is contributing 71% to the total impact, where the manufacturing is accountable for 8.5%. Other significant
contributions come from the Installation (Adhesive) with 11.5% and Use stage (Waste water treatment and electricity)with 9%.
Also for Human toxicity (non-canc.) by far the biggest impact is coming from the production stage, where thecontribution of the raw material extraction with 85% is predominating this life cycle stage. A small but significant
contribution to the total impact is coming from the installation stage. The other impact categories are all scoring lessthan 2%.
EN15804 Results
In this section the calculations have been conducted and verified according to the requirements of the European
Standard EN 15804. In addition, calculations followed the document “Part A: Calculation Rules for the Life Cycle
Assessment and Requirements on the Background Report”, however, Part A was not included as a part of theverification.
Table 9: Results of the LCA – Environmental impact for Desktop 2.0 mm (one year)
Parameter
GWP
ODP
AP
EP
POCP
ADPE
ADPF

Unit
[kg CO2-Eq.][kg CFC11-Eq.][kg SO2-Eq.][kg PO43-- Eq.]
[kg Ethen Eq.]
[kg Sb Eq.]
[MJ]

Manufacturing
A1-3-2,59E-01
4,71E-08
2,81E-02
8,83E-03
1,49E-03
2,09E-06
4,62E+01

Installation
A4
A5
3,00E-01
6,53E-01
8,94E-13
4,87E-10
4,98E-03
1,17E-03
5,48E-04
1,62E-04
1,71E-04
1,58E-04
9,07E-09
1,54E-07
2,94E+00 1,17E+01

Use (1yr)
B2
7,35E-02
2,06E-09
1,10E-04
4,09E-05
1,88E-05
2,63E-08
1,06E+00

C1
1,39E-02
9,89E-12
3,88E-05
3,47E-06
2,67E-06
4,32E-09
1,51E-01

End of Life
C2
6,08E-02
1,25E-13
2,35E-04
6,00E-05-8,32E-05
4,57E-09
8,24E-01

C3
4,34E+00
1,45E-09
5,75E-04
1,78E-04
7,58E-05
6,85E-08
1,55E+00

Credits
D-1,36E+00-1,73E-10-1,29E-03-1,54E-04-2,11E-04-1,15E-07-2,07E+01

GWP = Global warming potential; ODP = Depletion potential of the stratospheric ozone layer; AP = Acidification potential of land and water; EP = Eutrophication potential; POCP = Formation potential of tropospheric ozone
photochemical oxidants; ADPE = Abiotic depletion potential for non-fossil resources; ADPF = Abiotic depletion potential for fossil resources

Table 10: Results of the LCA – Resource use for Desktop 2.0 mm (one year)
Manufacturing
Installation
Use (1yr)
End of Life
Credits
Parameter
Unit
A1-3
A4
A5
B2
C1
C2
C3
D
PERE
[MJ]
3,91E+01
PERM[MJ]
3,04E+01
PERT[MJ]
6,95E+01
6,34E-02
3,80E-01
1,36E-02
6,80E-02
5,61E-02
6,43E-03-1,19E+00
PENRE
[MJ]
3,98E+01
PENRM[MJ]
9,47E+00
PENRT[MJ]
4,93E+01
2,95E+00
1,19E+01
1,19E+00
2,43E-01
8,26E-01
1,76E+00-2,23E+01
SM[kg]
4,09E-01
RSF[MJ]
1,47E-03
0,00E+00
2,71E-05
0,00E+00
0,00E+00
0,00E+00
0,00E+00
0,00E+00
NRSF[MJ]
1,45E-02
0,00E+00
2,84E-04
0,00E+00
0,00E+00
0,00E+00
0,00E+00
0,00E+00
FW[kg]
2,74E+01
1,59E-01
2,06E+00
1,14E-01
1,05E-01
8,48E-02-2,09E-02-1,89E+00
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 nonrenewable primary energy resources used as raw materials; PENRM = Use of non-renewable primary energy resources used as raw materials; PENRT = Total useof 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

Environmental Product Declaration (Self-Declared)

Desk Top Furniture Linoleum

Page 16 of 22

According to ISO 14025 & EN 15804

Table 11: Results of the LCA – Output flows and Waste categories for Desktop 2.0 mm (one year)
Manufacturing
Transport
Installation
Use (1yr)
End of Life/credits
Parameter
Unit
A1-3
A4
A5
B2
C1
C2
C3
D
HWD
[kg]
7.12E-06
7.96E-07
1.32E-06
2.29E-06
1.24E-07
9.44E-07
0.00E+00-5.76E-06
NHWD[kg]
4.92E+00
1.26E-02
4.67E-01
1.16E+00
5.86E-02
7.87E-03
4.16E-02-1.46E+00
RWD[kg]
1.30E-03
5.78E-06
1.25E-04
7.19E-04
3.78E-05
1.56E-06
2.43E-05-9.36E-04
CRU
[kg]
0
MFR
[kg]
0
MER
[kg]
1.60E+00
EE Power[MJ]
1,91E-02
2,07E+00
EE Thermal energy[MJ]
2,07E-01
2,24E+01
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; EE = Exported energy per energy carrier

Interpretation
The interpretation of the environmental impacts of the EN 15804 results are similar to the interpretation found on
pages 13 and 14.

Environmental Product Declaration (Self-Declared)

Desk Top Furniture Linoleum

Page 17 of 22

According to ISO 14025 & EN 15804

References
GABI 6 2012

THINKSTEP AG; GaBi 6 : Software-System and Database for Life Cycle Engineering.
Copyright, TM. Stuttgart, Echterdingen, 1992-2016 thinkstep AG.

NSF International
May 22, 2012
UL ENVIRONMENTERFMI 2008

Product Category Rule for Environmental Product Declarations
Flooring: Carpet, Resilient, Laminate, Ceramic, WoodUL Environment’s Program Operator Rules
Final report: LCA, Environmental Information Sheet and Ecodesign Model of Resilient
Flooring by order of ERFMI, ThinkStep, 2008
PCR - Part A: Calculation rules for the Life Cycle Assessment and Requirements on the
Background Report, Institut Bauen und Umwelt e.V.
Description of Selected Impact Categories, ThinkStep AG, 2012
European Commission - Joint Research Centre - Institute for Environment andSustainability: International Reference Life Cycle Data System (ILCD) Handbook - General
guide for Life Cycle Assessment - Detailed guidance. First edition March 2010. EUR 24708
EN. Luxembourg. Publications Office of the European Union; 2010

IBU 2011
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

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: Sustainability of construction works — Environmental Product Declarations —Core rules for the product category of construction products

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.

Environmental Product Declaration (Self-Declared)

Desk Top Furniture Linoleum

Page 18 of 22

According to ISO 14025 & EN 15804

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 energycharacterised 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 characterises 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 characterised 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. All LCA data sets (electricity generation, raw material etc.) already contain the treatment of the wastewith very low waste output at the end of the stage. So the amount of waste is predominantly caused by foregroundprocesses during the 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 sludges, galvanic sludges, 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.

Environmental Product Declaration (Self-Declared)

Desk Top Furniture Linoleum

Page 19 of 22

According to ISO 14025 & EN 15804

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.

Absorption
Reflection
UV - radiation
T

Infraredradiation

ra

ce

re
sphe
tmo

CH4

a
he
nt

Figure A1:

i
es

CFCs
CO2

s
ga

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.

Greenhouse effect (KREISSIG 1999)

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

Environmental Product Declaration (Self-Declared)

Desk Top Furniture Linoleum

Page 20 of 22

According to ISO 14025 & EN 15804

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.

NOX
SO2
H2SO44
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.
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.

Air pollution
NOX

N2O
NH3

Fertilisation

NO3 -Waste water
Figure A3:

PO4

NH4+

-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.

Environmental Product Declaration (Self-Declared)

Desk Top Furniture Linoleum

Page 21 of 22

According to ISO 14025 & EN 15804

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 NO 2, 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-Equiv.). 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 asmall 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.

Environmental Product Declaration (Self-Declared)

Desk Top Furniture Linoleum

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.

Page 22 of 22

According to ISO 14025 & EN 15804

UV - radiation

Stratosphere15 - 50 km

Absorption

Absorption

CFCs
Nitrogen oxide

Figure A5:

Ozone Depletion Potential (KREISSIG 1999)