homepage | scs global services - 10 functional unit...rubber, epdm: a synthetic elastomer produced...

Environmental Product Declaration PLAE, Achieve Sheet Flooring

………………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

1

© 2017 SCSglobalServices.com

Environmental Product Declaration PLAE, Achieve Sheet Flooring

Declaration Owner

PLAE

108 Arnold Mill Road

Woodstock, GA 30188

Plae.us | 404.645.7900

Product

Achieve Sheet Flooring

Functional Unit

The functional unit is one square meter of floor covering provided and

maintained for a period of 60 years.

EPD Number and Period of Validity

SCS-EPD-04467

EPD Valid April 18, 2017 through April 17, 2022

Version: July 31, 2018

Product Category Rule

Product Category Rule (PCR) for preparing an Environmental Product

Declaration (EPD) for Flooring: Carpet, Resilient, Laminate, Ceramic,

Wood. NSF International. Version 2. 2014.

Program Operator

SCS Global Services

2000 Powell Street, Ste. 600, Emeryville, CA 94608

+1.510.452.8000 | www.SCSglobalServices.com

………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

1


Table of Contents

Product Scope……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...cover

ABOUT PLAE Vertical Inc. ....................................................................................................................................................................... 2

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................................................................................................ 2

PRODUCT APPLICATION ........................................................................................................................................................................ 2

PRODUCT PERFORMANCE .................................................................................................................................................................... 2

MATERIAL CONTENT ............................................................................................................................................................................... 3

PRODUCTION OF MAIN MATERIALS ................................................................................................................................................... 2

PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS ............................................................................................................................................................... 5

ADDITIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION ............................................................................................................................... 5

LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT ....................................................................................................................................................................... 6

FUNCTIONAL UNIT .................................................................................................................................................................................. 6

PRODUCT LIFE CYCLE FLOW DIAGRAM ............................................................................................................................................. 7

LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT STAGES AND REPORTED INFORMATION ............................................................................................ 8

LIFE CYCLE INVENTORY .......................................................................................................................................................................... 9

LIFE CYCLE IMPACT ASSESSMENT ..................................................................................................................................................... 11

SUPPORTING TECHNICAL INFORMATION ....................................................................................................................................... 16

REFERENCES ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 18

Disclaimers: This EPD conforms to ISO 14025, 14040, ISO 14044, and ISO 21930.

Scope of Results Reported: The PCR requirements limit the scope of the LCA metrics such that the results exclude environmental and social

performance benchmarks and thresholds, and exclude impacts from the depletion of natural resources, land use ecological impacts, ocean

impacts related to greenhouse gas emissions, risks from hazardous wastes and impacts linked to hazardous chemical emissions.

Accuracy of Results: Due to PCR constraints, this EPD provides estimations of potential impacts that are inherently limited in terms of

accuracy.

Comparability: The PCR this EPD was based on was not written to support comparative assertions. EPDs based on different PCRs, or different

calculation models, may not be comparable. When attempting to compare EPDs or life cycle impacts of products from different companies,

the user should be aware of the uncertainty in the final results, due to and not limited to, the practitioner’s assumptions, the source of the

data used in the study, and the specifics of the product modeled.

PCR review, was conducted by Jack Geibig, EcoForm. [email protected]

Approved Date: April 18, 2017 – End Date: April 17, 2022

Independent verification of the declaration and data, according

to ISO 14025:2006 and ISO 21930: 2007. ☐ internal external

Third party verifier

Tom Gloria, PhD, Industrial Ecology Consultants

………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

2


ABOUT PLAE Vertical Inc.

PLAE innovates and distributes the most advanced athletic flooring in the world for clients who refuse to accept second

best. We use the hardiest materials available to create dynamic surfaces that outperform, outlast, and totally dominate

their competition. We run our own race, pursue our own goals, because when it comes to the athletes who fuel our

passion, good enough is never enough.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Achieve is the world’s most innovative sports flooring system. Utilizing a patented fusion process, the resilient top layer is

fused to our hyper-aggressive PLAETech™ Foundation to create a single layer product. Our PLAETech™ Foundation is

specifically designed for the best athletes in the world. Engineered for maximum shock absorption and explosive energy

return, this product can withstand anything you throw at it, or drop on it. Supplying you and your athletes with confidence

and support, while training day-in, day-out.

PRODUCT APPLICATION

The PLAE Achieve provides the primary function of floor covering in indoor commercial areas including athletic training

facilities, fitness centers, military training areas, universities, weight rooms, cardio rooms, and locker rooms.

PRODUCT PERFORMANCE

Table 1. Product performance test results for PLAE Achieve rubber sheet flooring.

Test Method Property

Test Results

Achieve - 8 mm Achieve - 13 mm Achieve - 18 mm

ASTM D412 Tensile Strength 135 lbs/sq. inch 158.5 lbs/sq. inch 188 lbs/sq. inch

ASTM F137 Flexibility Pass Pass Pass

ASTM C518 Thermal Conductivity 0.4 Btu in./h ft2 F 0.9809 Btu in./h ft2 F 1.0850 Btu in./h ft2 F

ASTM F970 Static Load (1,000 LBS.) 0.004" 0.008" 0.010"

ASTM F1515 Resistance to Light Pass Pass Pass

ASTM F925 Resistance to Chemicals

(24 hrs and 5 min) Good Good Good

ASTM F4060 Taber Abrasion Good Good Good

ASTM F1514 Resistance to Heat Pass Pass Pass

ASTM D2859 Pill Flammability Pass Pass Pass

ASTM E303 Skid Resistance Dry = 99 / Wet = 99 Dry = 99 / Wet = 99 Dry = 99 / Wet = 99

ASTM F2117 Vertical Rebound 0.997 0.99 0.95

ASTM F2157 Deformation 2.0 mm 1.0 mm 0.9 mm

ASTM F2569 Force Reduction 0.126 0.307 0.331

………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

3


MATERIAL CONTENT

Table 2. Origin and availability of material content.

Component Materials Origin of Raw

Material

Availability Pre- and Post-

Consumer

Recycled

Content Renewable Non-Renewable Recycled

Layer Rubber, SBR, Crumb United States Fossil resource,

limited 0%/100%

Filler Calcium carbonate Global Mineral resource,

abundant

Filler Clay Global Mineral resource,

abundant

Filler Talc Global Mineral resource,

abundant

Layer Rubber, SBR,

Recycled United States

Fossil resource,

limited 100%/0%

Layer Rubber, EPDM Global Fossil resource,

limited

Adhesive Polymer Binder Global Fossil resource,

limited

Modifier Process Oil Global Fossil resource,

limited

Coloring Pigment Global Mineral Resource,

abundant

Layer Plastics Global Fossil resource,

limited

Additive Water United States Region

dependent

Additive Peroxides Global Fossil resource,

limited

Stabilizer Antioxidant Global Fossil resource,

limited

Table 3. Product material content in kg per m2 and as a percentage of total mass.

Component Materials Achieve - 8 mm Achieve - 13 mm Achieve - 18 mm

kg/m2 % kg/m2 % kg/m2 %

Layer Rubber, SBR, Crumb 3.1 41% 5.1 41% 7.1 41%

Filler

Filler

Filler

Calcium Carbonate 1.4 19% 2.4 19% 3.3 19%

Clay 0.48 6.2% 0.78 6.2% 1.1 6.2%

Talc 1.5x10-2 0.20% 2.5x10-2 0.20% 3.4x10-2 0.20%

Layer Rubber, SBR, Recycled 0.80 10% 1.3 10% 1.8 10%

Layer Rubber, EPDM 0.60 7.8% 0.98 7.8% 1.4 7.8%

Adhesive Polymer Binder 0.53 6.9% 0.87 6.9% 1.2 6.9%

Modifier Process oil 0.31 4.1% 0.51 4.1% 0.71 4.1%

Coloring Pigment 0.13 1.8% 0.22 1.8% 0.31 1.8%

Layer Plastics 0.12 1.5% 0.19 1.5% 0.27 1.5%

Additive Water 5.3x10-2 0.69% 8.6x10-2 0.69% 0.12 0.69%

Additive Peroxides 4.4x10-2 0.57% 7.2x10-2 0.57% 0.1 0.57%

Stabilizer Antioxidant 1.6x10-2 0.21% 2.6x10-2 0.21% 3.7x10-2 0.21%

Total 7.7 100% 13 100% 17 100%

………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

2


The following regulated hazardous chemicals may be present based on a review of Material Safety Data Sheets for the

product component materials:

2,5-Dimethyl-2,5-di(tert-butylperoxy)hexane (78-63-07)

4,4’-Diphenylmethane Diisocyanate (MDI) (101-68-8)

Aluminum hydroxide (21645-51-2)

Antimony Nickel Titanium oxide (8007-18-9)

Black pigment (1317-61-9)

Calcium carbonate (000471-34-1)

Calcium silicate (1344-95-2)

Carbon Black (1333-86-4)

Chrome (III) oxide (1308-38-9)

Di(tert-butylperoxyisopropyl)benzene (025155-25-3)

Diisocyanates (9016-87-9; 26447-40-5)

Ethylbenzene (100-41-4)

Iron (III) oxide (1309-37-1)

Magnesium silicate (14807-96-6)

Manganese (7439-96-5)

Polyisocyanate pre-polymer (proprietary)

Silica (amorphous) (112926-00-8; 7631-86-9)

Silica (crystalline) (14808-60-8)

Silicon dioxide (007631-86-9)

Titanium dioxide (13463-67-7)

Xylene (1330-20-7)

PRODUCTION OF MAIN MATERIALS

Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3): An abundant mineral found worldwide and is a common substance found in rocks. It can be

ground into varying particle sizes.

Clay: A naturally occurring material composed primarily of fine-grained minerals and will harden when dried or fired. It is

primarily made up of inorganic materials that contain large quantities of organic materials that impart plasticity.

Peroxides: Any class of chemical compounds containing a peroxyl group.

Pigment: Powdered organic, inorganic, metal-based, or biological substance that is mixed with a liquid in which it is relatively

insoluble and used to impart color to a substrate.

Plastics: Synthesized from a wide range of organic polymers to form a solid that is moldable. They are typically organic

polymers of high molecular mass and are most commonly derived from petrochemicals, although it may be partially natural.

Polymer Binder: A chemical compound derived from petrochemicals used to cross link polymers.

Process Oil: Lube base stock that receives additional processing to impart a very specific hydrocarbon composition for use

as a chemical component in the manufacturing of rubber, plastics, and other polymeric materials.

Rubber, EPDM: A synthetic elastomer produced as a copolymer of ethylene and propylene, with small amounts of a diene to

cross link the material.

Rubber SBR, Crumb: Derived from two monomers, styrene and butadiene, forming styrene-butadiene. Crumb is typically

recovered from scrap tires and processed with a granulator, cracker mill, cryogenics, or other mechanical means reduces the

size.

Rubber SBR, Recycled: Derived from two monomers, styrene and butadiene, forming styrene-butadiene. Re-grind is made

from post-industrial scrap.

Talc: A common metamorphic mineral composed of hydrated magnesium silicate. It is the softest known mineral.

Water: The most widely used of all solvents. It is a natural resource that may be delivered from a public or private supplier,

or be self-supplied.

Environmental Product Declaration PLAE, Achieve Rubber Flooring

………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

5


PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS

Table 4. Product characteristics for PLAE Achieve rubber sheet flooring.

Characteristics Average Value Unit Minimum Value Maximum Value

Product Thickness 13.0 (0.512) mm (inch) 8.0 (0.315) 18.0 (0.709)

Wear Layer Thickness 3.0 (0.118) mm (inch) 3.0 (0.118) 3.0 (0.118)

Product Weight 12,401 (41) g/m2 (oz/ft2) 7,324 (24) 17,626 (58)

Product Form Rolls

Width: 1,219 (48) mm (inch) 1,219 (48) 1,219 (48)

Length: 15,240 (600) mm (inch) 10,688 (420) 7,620 (300)

VOC Emissions Test Method: FloorScore® (CA Specification 01350)

ADDITIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

All PLAE™ salvages, overages, and old material can be packaged and shipped back at the owner’s expense to PLAE’s PLAE-

UP™ Reclamation Program in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Materials accepted into the PLAE-UP program will be sorted,

shredded, cleaned and ground for the next generation of recycled rubber flooring, underlayment, and industrial products.

Similarly, all of PLAE’s rubber manufacturing scrap is collected and reground to be used in future flooring.

For more information regarding the PLAE-UP program, visit http://plae.us/our-story/.

http://plae.us/our-story/


………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

6


LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT

A cradle to grave life cycle assessment (LCA) was completed for this product group in accordance with ISO 14040, ISO 14044,

ISO 21930, and Product Category Rule for Environmental Product Declarations for Flooring: Carpet, Resilient, Laminate,

Ceramic, Wood (Version 2).

FUNCTIONAL UNIT

The functional unit is, according to the PCR, the total impact for the expected life of the building (60 years). But the service life

is dependent on the product lifetime, which is 15 years in this case. The PCR consequently requires separate reporting of LCA

results A) for 1 m2 of floor covering - extraction/processing, manufacturing, delivery and installation and end of life, B) the

average 1- year use stage, and C) for the 60 year life of the building as combined using A) and B), calculated from the

reference service life (RSL) of the product.


………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

7


PRODUCT LIFE CYCLE FLOW DIAGRAM

The diagram below is a representation of the most significant contributions to the life cycle of Achieve sheet rubber flooring.

This includes resource extraction and processing, product manufacture, use and maintenance, and end-of-life.


………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

8


LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT STAGES AND REPORTED INFORMATION

Sourcing/Extraction Stage (raw material acquisition)

This stage includes extraction of virgin materials and reclamation of non-virgin feedstock. Resource use and emissions

associated with both extraction of the raw materials and manufacture of flooring components are included.

Manufacturing Stage

Achieve flooring is manufactured at an ISO 9001 facility in the United States.

This stage includes all the relevant manufacturing processes and flows, including packaging. Production of capital goods,

infrastructure, production of manufacturing equipment, and personnel-related activities are not included.

Delivery and Installation Stage

Delivery

This stage includes the delivery of the flooring product to the point of installation. Modeling used in the life cycle assessment

assumed an estimated distribution distance to point of sale of 2,700 miles (4,370 km) by diesel truck and 153 miles (246 km)

by ocean freighter.

Installation

Achieve flooring is installed with an adhesive. The manufacturer recommends use of a zero-VOC, low odor, one-component

urethane adhesive. The recommended application rate is 0.119 gallons per square meter (0.452 kg/m2).

Waste

Waste generated during product installation can be disposed of in a landfill or incinerated.

Packaging

Table 5. Packaging material for the PLAE Achieve rubber sheet flooring. Results are shown per 1 m2 of flooring.

Material Amount (kg) Percent of Total

Corrugated board 0.11 27%

Packaging film (LDPE) 0.29 73%

Use Stage

Cleaning and maintenance

Achieve flooring can be cleaned with a mild detergent and water. The manufacturer recommends Diversey Profi diluted with

water. The recommended product cleaning and maintenance are summarized in Table 5.

Table 6. Cleaning and maintenance for PLAE Achieve rubber sheet flooring.

Cleaning Process Cleaning and Maintenance

Frequency

Frequency over 15 year

Reference Service Life

(RSL)

Energy & Resource

Use

Initial Cleaning Once per product lifetime Once per 15 year RSL Detergent; water

Daily Cleaning Daily 5,475 times over 15 year RSL Detergent; water

Heavy Soil and Restorative Cleaning As needed depending on use Dependent on use Detergent; water


………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

9


End-of-Life Stage

Recycling, reuse, or repurpose

Data for estimation of recycling rates for the product and packaging are taken from the US Environmental Protection

Agency’s Municipal Solid Waste Report, respectively. For product materials, it is assumed that 4% are recycled, while recycling

rates for packaging materials vary, depending on waste material type.

Disposal

For disposal of product materials which are not recycled, it is assumed that 20% are incinerated and 80% go to a landfill.

Transportation of waste materials at end of life assumes a 20 mile average distance to disposal, consistent with assumptions

used in the US EPA WARM model.

LIFE CYCLE INVENTORY

In accordance with ISO 21930, the following aggregated inventory flows are included in the LCA, in addition to the LCIA and

inventory flow requirements specified by the PCR:

Use of renewable material resources

Consumption of freshwater

Hazardous Waste

Non-hazardous Waste

All results are calculated using the SimaPro 8.0 model using primary and secondary inventory data. Classification for

Use of Renewable Material Resources is based on review of elementary flows and resources considered renewable on a

human time scale. Elementary flows related to use of wood, minerals, and land occupation were not included. Water

consumption is also not included as this is reported separately. Based on this classification process, no renewable material

resources are estimated for the product system under consideration. Energy resource use results for the flooring product

system are also presented below.

Table 7. Results for aggregated inventory flows for the Achieve rubber flooring products. Results shown per 1 m2 of flooring.

Impact Category Units Achieve - 8 mm Achieve - 13 mm Achieve - 18 mm

1-yr 60-yr 1-yr 60-yr 1-yr 60-yr

Freshwater consumption m3 3,000 12,000 3,300 13,000 3,600 14,000

Hazardous wastes kg 1.8x10-4 7.1x10-4 2.8x10-4 1.1x10-3 3.9x10-4 1.6x10-3

Non-Hazardous wastes kg 11 45 18 72 25 100


………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

10


Table 8. Range in life cycle energy use results for 1 m2 of Achieve rubber floor covering maintained for 1 year.

Energy Use Achieve - 8 mm Achieve - 13 mm Achieve - 18 mm

Non-Renewable Energy Use (MJ) 370 92% 530 92% 710 92%

Coal 47 12% 61 11% 78 10%

Natural Gas 110 27% 150 25% 190 24%

Crude Oil 210 53% 320 56% 440 58%

Biomass 5.1x10-3 0.001% 6.6x10-3 0.001% 8.1x10-3 0.001%

Nuclear Energy Use (MJ eq.) 26 6.4% 36 6.2% 47 6.1%

Renewable Energy Use (MJ) 7.9 1.9% 11 1.9% 14 1.9%

Hydropower 3.2 0.79% 4.6 0.80% 6.2 0.80%

Wind 0.36 0.09% 0.55 0.10% 0.77 0.10%

Solar 7.7x10-3 0.002% 1.2x10-2 0.002% 1.7x10-2 0.002%

Geothermal 1.0x10-3 0.00% 1.6x10-3 0.00% 2.3x10-3 0.00%

Biomass 4.3 1.1% 5.8 1.0% 7.3 1.0%

Total Primary Energy (MJ) 400 100% 580 100% 770 100%

Table 9. Range in life cycle energy use results for 1 m2 of Achieve rubber floor covering maintained for 60 years.

Energy Use Achieve - 8 mm Achieve - 13 mm Achieve - 18 mm

Non-Renewable Energy Use (MJ) 1,500 92% 2,100 92% 2,800 92%

Coal 190 12% 250 11% 310 10%

Natural Gas 450 27% 590 25% 740 24%

Crude Oil 850 53% 1,300 56% 1,800 58%

Biomass 9.1x10-2 0.006% 9.7x10-2 0.004% 0.10 0.003%

Nuclear Energy Use (MJ) 100 6.4% 140 6.2% 190 6.1%

Renewable Energy Use (MJ) 32 2.0% 44 1.9% 58 1.9%

Hydropower 13 0.79% 18 0.80% 25 0.80%

Wind 1.4 0.09% 2.2 0.10% 3.1 0.10%

Solar 3.1x10-2 0.002% 4.9x10-2 0.002% 6.8x10-2 0.002%

Geothermal 4.0x10-3 0.00% 6.5x10-3 0.00% 9.3x10-3 0.00%

Biomass 18 1.1% 23 1.0% 30 1.0%

Total Primary Energy (MJ) 1,600 100% 2,300 100% 3,100 100%


………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

11


LIFE CYCLE IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Life cycle impact assessment is the process of converting the life cycle inventory results into a representation of

environmental and human health impacts. For example, emissions such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide

(inventory) together contribute to climate change (impact assessment). The impact assessment for the EPD is conducted in

accordance with requirements of the PCR. Impact category indicators are estimated using the CML 2001 (Oct 2013)

characterization method. The LCIA and inventory flow results are calculated using SimaPro 8.0 software.

Table 10 presents the life cycle impact assessment results for the product line for a 1 year and 60 year time horizon based

on the CML characterization methodology. Corresponding results using the TRACI characterization methodology are

presented in Table 11. Tables 12 through 14 present results for 1 m2 of flooring, including extraction of raw materials

through installation and end of life. Table 15 shows the average use stage impacts for 1 m2 of flooring over 1 year.

Assumptions used for product maintenance over the Reference Service Life (RSL) are summarized in Table 6. Tables 16

through 18 present the life cycle impact assessment results for 1 m2 of flooring over a 60 year period.

Table 10. CML Life Cycle Impact Assessment Results for the PLAE Achieve flooring product. Results are shown per sq. meter of

flooring.


1-yr 60-yr 1-yr 60-yr 1-yr 60-yr

Global warming, 100 year

time horizon kg CO2 eq 26 100 38 150 52 210

Acidification Potential kg SO2 eq 0.10 0.41 0.14 0.58 0.19 0.77

Ozone Depletion Potential kg CFC-11 eq 3.9x10-2 0.16 6.1x10-2 0.24 8.5x10-2 0.34

Photochemical Oxidation

Potential kg C2H4 5.7x10-3 2.3x10-2 8.3x10-3 3.3x10-2 1.1x10-2 4.4x10-2

Eutrophication Potential kg PO43- eq 1.8x10-6 7.1x10-6 2.8x10-6 1.1x10-5 4.0x10-6 1.6x10-5

Abiotic depletion, elements kg Sb eq 1.3x10-4 5.3x10-4 2.1x10-4 8.5x10-4 3.0x10-4 1.2x10-3

Abiotic depletion, fossil fuels MJ 370 1,500 530 2,100 710 2,800

Table 11. TRACI Life Cycle Impact Assessment Results for the PLAE Achieve flooring product. Results are shown per sq. meter of

flooring.


1-yr 60-yr 1-yr 60-yr 1-yr 60-yr

Global warming kg CO2 eq 25 100 37 150 50 200

Acidification kg SO2 eq 0.10 0.41 0.15 0.59 0.20 0.79

Ozone depletion kg CFC-11 eq 2.3x10-6 9.3x10-6 3.7x10-6 1.5x10-5 5.2x10-6 2.1x10-5

Smog kg O3 eq 1.6 6.3 2.4 9.4 3.2 13

Eutrophication kg N eq 8.4x10-2 0.34 0.13 0.53 0.19 0.74

Fossil fuel depletion MJ surplus 44 180 64 260 86 340


………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

12


Table 12. Cradle to install and end of life for PLAE 8 mm Achieve rubber flooring. Results are shown per 1 m2 flooring for an average

1-year time horizon. (Table A of the PCR)

Impact Category Units Extraction &

Processing Manufacturing

Delivery &

Installation Disposal Total

Global Warming

Potential, 100 year

time horizon

kg CO2 eq 7.2 3.3 8.7 7.0 26

27% 12% 33% 27% 100%

Acidification Potential kg SO2 eq 4.5x10-2 2.0x10-2 3.5x10-2 1.6x10-3 0.10

44% 19% 35% 1.6% 100%

Ozone Depletion

Potential kg CFC-11 eq

1.4x10-2 2.6x10-3 6.3x10-3 1.6x10-2 3.9x10-2

36% 6.7% 16% 41% 100%

Photochemical Ozone

Creation Potential kg C2H4 eq

2.3x10-3 9.2x10-4 1.6x10-3 8.3x10-4 5.7x10-3

41% 16% 28% 15% 100%

Eutrophication

Potential kg PO4

3- eq 6.1x10-7 8.1x10-8 1.0x10-6 3.4x10-8 1.8x10-6

34% 4.6% 59% 1.9% 100%

Abiotic Depletion

Potential, Elements kg Sb eq

1.1x10-4 7.7x10-7 1.7x10-5 3.3x10-7 1.3x10-4

86% 0.58% 13% 0.25% 100%

Abiotic Depletion

Potential, Fossil Fuels MJ eq

160 55 150 3.4 370

44% 15% 40% 0.92% 100%

Table 13. Cradle to install and end of life for PLAE 13 mm Achieve rubber flooring. Results are shown per 1 m2 flooring for an

average 1-year time horizon. (Table A of the PCR)



Delivery &


Global Warming

Potential, 100 year

time horizon

kg CO2 eq 12 3.3 12 11 38

30% 8.5% 32% 29% 100%

Acidification Potential kg SO2 eq 7.2x10-2 2.0x10-2 5.0x10-2 2.6x10-3 0.14

50% 14% 34% 1.8% 100%

Ozone Depletion


2.3x10-2 2.6x10-3 9.5x10-3 2.6x10-2 6.1x10-2

37% 4.3% 16% 43% 100%

Photochemical Ozone


3.8x10-3 9.2x10-4 2.2x10-3 1.3x10-3 8.3x10-3

46% 11% 27% 16% 100%

Eutrophication

Potential kg PO4

3- eq 9.9x10-7 8.1x10-8 1.7x10-6 5.5x10-8 2.8x10-6

35% 2.9% 60% 1.9% 100%

Abiotic Depletion


1.8x10-4 7.7x10-7 2.7x10-5 5.4x10-7 2.1x10-4

86% 0.36% 13% 0.26% 100%

Abiotic Depletion


270 55 200 5.5 530

50% 10% 38% 1.0% 100%


………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

13


Table 14. Cradle to install and end of life for PLAE 18 mm Achieve rubber flooring. Results are shown per 1 m2 flooring for an

average 1-year time horizon. (Table A of the PCR)



Delivery &


Global Warming

Potential, 100 year

time horizon

kg CO2 eq 17 3.3 16 16 52

32% 6.3% 31% 31% 100%

Acidification Potential kg SO2 eq 0.10 2.0x10-2 6.5x10-2 3.7x10-3 0.19

54% 10% 34% 1.9% 100%

Ozone Depletion


3.2x10-2 2.6x10-3 1.3x10-2 3.7x10-2 8.5x10-2

38% 3.1% 15% 43.6% 100%

Photochemical Ozone


5.4x10-3 9.2x10-4 2.9x10-3 1.9x10-3 1.1x10-2

49% 8.3% 26% 17% 100%

Eutrophication

Potential kg PO4

3- eq 1.4x10-6 8.1x10-8 2.4x10-6 7.8x10-8 4.0x10-6

36% 2.0% 60% 2.0% 100%

Abiotic Depletion


2.6x10-4 7.7x10-7 3.9x10-5 7.7x10-7 3.0x10-4

87% 0.3% 13% 0.26% 100%

Abiotic Depletion


380 55 270 7.9 710

54% 7.8% 38% 1.1% 100%

Table 15. Average 1 year use stage impacts for PLAE Achieve rubber flooring per 1 m2 flooring. (Table B of the PCR)

Impact Category Units Use & Maintenance

Global Warming Potential, 100 year time horizon kg CO2 eq 1.7x10-3

Acidification Potential kg SO2 eq 6.9x10-6

Ozone Depletion Potential kg SO2 eq 2.4x10-6

Photochemical Ozone Creation Potential kg C2H4 5.8x10-7

Eutrophication Potential kg CFC-11 eq 9.8x10-11

Abiotic Depletion Potential, Elements kg Sb eq 5.9x10-9

Abiotic Depletion Potential, Fossil Fuels kg C2H4 eq 3.2x10-2


………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

14


Table 16. Life cycle stage impacts for PLAE 8 mm Achieve rubber flooring per 1 m2 flooring over an average building life of 60 years.

(Table C of the PCR)


Processing

Manufacturin

g

Delivery &

Installation Use Disposal Total

Global Warming

Potential, 100 year

time horizon

kg CO2 eq 29 13 35 0.12 28 100

27% 12% 33% 0.11% 27% 100%

Acidification

Potential kg SO2 eq

0.18 7.8x10-2 0.14 4.9x10-4 6.4x10-3 0.41

44% 19% 35% 0.12% 1.6% 100%

Ozone Depletion

Potential

kg CFC-11

eq

5.6x10-2 1.0x10-2 2.5x10-2 1.7x10-4 6.4x10-2 0.16

36% 6.7% 16% 0.11% 41% 100%

Photochemical

Ozone Creation

Potential

kg C2H4 eq 9.4x10-3 3.7x10-3 6.4x10-3 4.1x10-5 3.3x10-3 2.3x10-2

41% 16% 28% 0.18% 15% 100%

Eutrophication

Potential kg PO4

3- eq 2.4x10-6 3.2x10-7 4.2x10-6 6.9x10-9 1.3x10-7 7.1x10-6

34% 4.6% 59% 0.10% 1.9% 100%

Abiotic Depletion


4.5x10-4 3.1x10-6 6.9x10-5 4.2x10-7 1.3x10-6 5.3x10-4

86% 0.58% 13% 0.08% 0.25% 100%

Abiotic Depletion

Potential, Fossil

Fuels

MJ eq 660 220 590 2.2 14 1,500

44% 15% 40% 0.15% 0.92% 100%




Processing

Manufacturin

g

Delivery &


Global Warming

Potential, 100 year

time horizon

kg CO2 eq 46 13 49 0.12 45 150

30% 8% 32% 0.1% 29% 100%

Acidification

Potential kg SO2 eq

0.29 7.8x10-2 0.20 4.9x10-4 1.0x10-2 0.58

50% 14% 34% 0.08% 1.8% 100%

Ozone Depletion

Potential

kg CFC-11

eq

9.1x10-2 1.0x10-2 3.8x10-2 1.7x10-4 0.10 0.24

37% 4.3% 16% 0.07% 43% 100%

Photochemical

Ozone Creation

Potential

kg C2H4 eq 1.5x10-2 3.7x10-3 8.8x10-3 4.1x10-5 5.4x10-3 3.3x10-2

46% 11% 27% 0.12% 16% 100%

Eutrophication

Potential kg PO4

3- eq 4.0x10-6 3.2x10-7 6.8x10-6 6.9x10-9 2.2x10-7 1.1x10-5

35% 2.9% 60% 0.1% 1.9% 100%

Abiotic Depletion


7.3x10-4 3.1x10-6 1.1x10-4 4.2x10-7 2.2x10-6 8.5x10-4

86% 0.36% 13% 0.05% 0.25% 100%

Abiotic Depletion

Potential, Fossil

Fuels

MJ eq 1,100 220 820 2.2 22 2,100

50% 10% 38% 0.11% 1.0% 100%


………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

15





Processing

Manufacturin

g

Delivery &


Global Warming

Potential, 100 year

time horizon

kg CO2 eq 66 13 64 0.12 64 210

32% 6.3% 31% 0.06% 31% 100%

Acidification

Potential kg SO2 eq

0.41 7.8x10-2 0.26 4.9x10-4 1.5x10-2 0.77

54% 10% 34% 0.06% 1.9% 100%

Ozone Depletion

Potential

kg CFC-11

eq

0.13 1.0x10-2 5.2x10-2 1.7x10-4 0.15 0.34

38% 3.1% 15% 0.05% 44% 100%

Photochemical

Ozone Creation

Potential

kg C2H4 eq 2.2x10-2 3.7x10-3 1.1x10-2 4.1x10-5 7.7x10-3 4.4x10-2

49% 8.3% 26% 0.09% 17% 100%

Eutrophication

Potential kg PO4

3- eq 5.6x10-6 3.2x10-7 9.6x10-6 6.9x10-9 3.1x10-7 1.6x10-5

36% 2.0% 60% 0.04% 2% 100%

Abiotic Depletion


1.0x10-3 3.1x10-6 1.6x10-4 4.2x10-7 3.1x10-6 1.2x10-3

87% 0.26% 13% 0.03% 0.26% 100%

Abiotic Depletion

Potential, Fossil

Fuels

MJ eq 1,500 220 1,100 2.2 31 2,800

54% 7.7% 38% 0.08% 1.1% 100%


………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

16


SUPPORTING TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Unit processes are developed with SimaPro 8.0 software, drawing upon data from multiple sources. Primary data were

provided by the manufacturer and some of its suppliers for their manufacturing processes. The primary sources of

secondary LCI data are from the Ecoinvent and US LCI databases.

Data sources

Table 19. Data sources used for the LCA.

Component Material Description Material Dataset Data Source Publication

Date

Product

Stabilizer Antioxidant Chemicals organic, at plant/kg/GLO Ecoinvent 2010

Filler Calcium Carbonate Limestone, milled, packed, at plant/kg/CH Ecoinvent 2010

Filler Clay Clay, at mine/kg/CH Ecoinvent 2010

Filler Talc Talc, in ground Primary data 2010

Coloring Pigment Titanium dioxide, production mix, at plant/kg/RER Ecoinvent 2010

Modifier Process Oil White mineral oil, at plant/kg/RNA US LCI 2012

Additive Peroxides Chemicals organic, at plant/kg/GLO Ecoinvent 2010

Layer Plastics Packaging film, LDPE, at plant/kg/RER Ecoinvent 2010

Adhesive Polymer Binder Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate, at plant/kg/RER Ecoinvent 2010

Layer Rubber, EPDM Synthetic rubber, at plant/kg/RER Ecoinvent 2010

Layer Rubber, SBR, Crumb SBR – Crumb, recycled Primary data 2014

Layer Rubber, SBR, Re-grind SBR – Regrind/Scrap, recycled Primary data 2014

Packaging

Packaging Corrugated board Corrugated board, recycling fibre, single wall,

at plant/RER Ecoinvent 2007

Packaging Packaging film Packaging film, LDPE, at plant/RER Ecoinvent 2010

Transportation

Transport Truck Transport, combination truck, diesel

powered/US US LCI 2008

Transport Ocean freighter Transport, transoceanic freight ship/OCE US LCI 2008

Allocation

Resource use at the Lancaster, PA manufacturing facility (e.g., water and energy) was allocated to the product based on the

unit price as a fraction of the total facility sales.

The PLAE Achieve rubber sheet flooring system includes recycled materials, which are allocated using the recycled content

allocation method (also known as the 100-0 cut off method). Using the recycled content allocation approach, system inputs

with recycled content do not receive any burden from the previous life cycle other than reprocessing of the waste material. At

end of life, materials which are recycled leave the system boundaries with no additional burden.

Impacts from transportation were allocated based on the mass of material and distance transported.


………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

17


Cut-off criteria

According to the PCR, processes contributing greater than 1% of the total environmental impact indicator for each impact

must be included in the inventory. In the present study, except as noted, all known materials and processes were included in

the life cycle inventory.

Data Quality

Table 20. Data Quality of Life Cycle Inventory.

Data Quality Parameter Data Quality Discussion

Time-Related Coverage:

Age of data and the minimum length of time

over which data is collected

The most recent available data are used, based on other considerations such as data quality

and similarity to the actual operations. Typically, these data are less than 10 years old (typically

2008 or more recent). All of the data used represented an average of at least one year’s worth

of data collection, and up to three years in some cases. Manufacturer-supplied data (primary

data) are based on 2013 annual production.

Geographical Coverage:

Geographical area from which data for unit

processes is collected to satisfy the goal of the

study

The data used in the analysis provide the best possible representation available with current

data. Actual processes for upstream operations are primarily North American. Surrogate data

used in the assessment are representative of North American or European operations. Data

representative of European operations are considered sufficiently similar to actual processes.

Data representing product disposal are based on US statistics.

Technology Coverage:

Specific technology or technology mix

For the most part, data are representative of the actual technologies used for processing,

transportation, and manufacturing operations. Representative fabrication datasets, specific to

the type of material, are used to represent the actual processes, as appropriate.

Precision:

Measure of the variability of the data values for

each data expressed

Precision of results are not quantified due to a lack of data. Data collected for operations were

typically averaged for one or more years and over multiple operations, which is expected to

reduce the variability of results.

Completeness:

Percentage of flow that is measured or

estimated

The LCA model included all known mass and energy flows for production of the rubber flooring

products. In some instances, surrogate data used to represent upstream and downstream

operations may be missing some data which is propagated in the model. No known processes

or activities contributing to more than 1% of the total environmental impact for each indicator

are excluded. In total, these missing data represent less than 5% of the mass or energy flows.

Representativeness:

Qualitative assessment of the degree to which

the data set reflects the true population of

interest

Data used in the assessment represent typical or average processes as currently reported from

multiple data sources, and are therefore generally representative of the range of actual

processes and technologies for production of these materials. Considerable deviation may exist

among actual processes on a site-specific basis; however, such a determination would require

detailed data collection throughout the supply chain back to resource extraction.

Consistency:

Qualitative assessment of whether the study

methodology is applied uniformly to the

various components of the analysis

The consistency of the assessment is considered to be high. Data sources of similar quality and

age are used; with a bias towards Ecoinvent data where available. Different portions of the

product life cycle are equally considered; however, it must be noted that final disposition of the

product is based on assumptions of current average practices in the United States.

Reproducibility:

Qualitative assessment of the extent to which

information about the methodology and data

values would allow an independent practitioner

to reproduce the results reported in the study

Based on the description of data and assumptions used, this assessment would be

reproducible by other practitioners. All assumptions, models, and data sources are

documented in the LCA report.

Sources of the Data:

Description of all primary and secondary data

sources

Data representing energy use at the manufacturing facilities represent an annual average and

are considered of high quality due to the length of time over which these data are collected, as

compared to a snapshot that may not accurately reflect fluctuations in production. For

secondary LCI datasets, both Ecoinvent and the US LCI data are used, with a bias towards

Ecoinvent data.

Uncertainty of the Information:

Uncertainty related to data, models, and

assumptions

Uncertainty related to the product materials and packaging is low. Actual supplier data for

upstream operations was sought but not available for all suppliers and the study relied upon

use of existing representative datasets. These datasets contained relatively recent data (<10

years), but in some instances lacked geographical representativeness. Uncertainty related to

the impact assessment methods used in the study are high. The impact assessment method

required by the PCR includes impact potentials, which lack characterization of providing and

receiving environments and does not consider exceedances of threshold (e.g., tipping points).


………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

18


REFERENCES

1. ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA, 19428-2959 USA.

http://www.astm.org/Standard/index.shtml

2. Ecoinvent Centre (2010) Ecoinvent data from v2.2. Swiss Center for Life Cycle Inventories, Dubendorf, 2010,

http://www.ecoinvent.org

3. ISO 14025: 2006 Environmental labels and declarations – Type III environmental declarations – Principles and

Procedures

4. ISO 14040: 2006 Environmental Management – Life cycle assessment – Principles and framework

5. ISO 14044: 2006 Environmental Management – Life cycle assessment – Requirements and guidelines

6. ISO 21930: 2007 Sustainability in Building Construction – Environmental declaration of building products.

7. Product Category Rule (PCR) for preparing an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for Flooring: Carpet,

Resilient, Laminate, Ceramic, Wood. NSF International. Version 2. 2014.

8. SCS Global Services. Life Cycle Assessment of Rubber Tile and Rolled Flooring. Updated April 2017. Final Report.

Prepared for Confidential client.

9. SCS Type III Environmental Declaration Program: Program Operator Manual v7.0. October 2015. SCS Global

Services

10. US EPA. Advancing Sustainable Materials Management: 2013 Fact Sheet. Assessing Trends in Material Generation,

Recycling and Disposal in the United States. June 2015

11. US EPA. WARM Model Transportation Research - Draft. Memorandum from ICF Consulting to United States

Environmental Protection Agency. September 7, 2004.

http://epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/tools/warm/SWMGHGreport.html#background.


SCS Global Services

2000 Powell Street, Ste. 600, Emeryville, CA 94608 USA

Main +1.50.452.8000 | fax +1.510.452.8001

For more information, contact:

PLAE Vertical Inc.

108 Arnold Mill Road

Woodstock, GA 30188

Plae.us | 404.645.7900

homepage | scs global services - 10 functional unit...rubber, epdm: a synthetic elastomer produced...

Documents