The Role of EPDs in Sustainable Architecture
In today’s architectural landscape, the importance and benefits of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) cannot be overstated. Woven Image exemplifies this by operating responsibly and innovatively, focusing on resource efficiency and minimising environmental impacts throughout the product life cycle.
Since 2010, we have committed to Product Lifecycle Assessments (LCAs), establishing an embodied carbon baseline for EchoPanel® and identifying key material sources of impact along the value chain. Our commitment to transparency led us to publish our first EPD in 2018. The lifecycle approach in design and construction is increasingly critical, as clients, regulators, and society demand more sustainable solutions. For architects, EPDs are invaluable tools that guide sustainable material selection, energy-efficient design, and responsible construction
In 2024, we further reduced it by over 43.5% with 80% post-consumer recycled PET content, thanks to advancements in bicomponent fiber technology.
What is an EPD?
An EPD is a voluntary standardised declaration that scientifically quantifies and communicates a product’s environmental impact from a life cycle perspective in an objective, transparent and robust way, via independent verification.
An EPD does not imply that the product is environmentally superior to alternatives but is the most credible way to convey information about the environmental performance of a product and enables more informed comparisons and decisions. EPDs are governed by International and European standards, specifically ISOs 14025 and 14044, and EN 15804. These standards ensure consistency, transparency, and accuracy, making EPDs a reliable way to assess the environmental impacts of building materials.
Benefits of EPDs
- Empower architects and designers to select materials that align with sustainability goals through informed decisions based on validated product data rather than marketing claims.
- Are independently verified and based on LCA methodology, providing clear, transparent and traceable information about the products’ environmental impacts, promoting accountability and sustainable practices within the industry.
- Help comply with green building standards and streamline certification processes including BREEAM®, LEED® GreenStar® and WELL™.
- Enable architects to evaluate long-term environmental performance, leading to more sustainable, energy-efficient and low impact designs.
- Allow architects to present data-backed environmental benefits to clients, demonstrating commitment to sustainability.
In 2024, changes were made to the EPD program rules, preventing multiple sets of results. EPDs can now contain multiple similar products with only one set of environmental impact results. Individual EPDs ensures results are singular, with no need for a manual conversion and available on a centralized platform. In essence, the data published for each product has been simplified and made more accessible. As of 2025, Woven Image has published 10 individual product EPDs including EchoPanel® 12mm, EchoPanel® 24mm and the Precision Cut and Embossed Panel collections.
Woven Image’s LCAs have been an essential tool to support its responsible design and innovation initiatives, enabling the creation of low impact materials through smart and sensitive material use that maximises resource efficiency, reduces embodied carbon and extends product life. Woven Image’s commitment to continuous improvement, the environmental performance of products and transparency supports architects in making informed, sustainable decisions.