NSF Protocol 352 Addresses Economic, Environmental Analyses
August 5, 2009 // Published as a news service by IHS
NSF International issued NSF Protocol 352 (NSF P352), for the validation and verification of economic- and environmental-impact analyses.
These analyses are referred to as "eco-efficiency" analyses and are used to evaluate the economic and environmental impact of products or processes.
After releasing NSF P352, NSF validated BASF's Eco-Efficiency Analysis (EEA) methodology.
Eco-efficiency, according to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, means creating more goods and services while consuming fewer resources and generating less waste and pollution.
NSF P352 is intended to establish requirements to ensure consistency, objectivity and transparency in eco-efficiency analyses, according to NSF.
In BASF's case, it also provides a means for verification of BASF's individual EEA study results adhering to the eco-efficiency methodology.
NSF P352 was developed, reviewed and approved by a group of stakeholders from academia, industry and consumer product companies to address the need for a method for companies to analyze the sustainability of their products and services.
BASF's EEA of one of its Joncryl products - a water-based resin for the printing and packaging industry - is the first study to undergo verification by NSF for eco-efficiency analysis. The verifications are valid for three years, after which time the EEA will be re-evaluated and updated.
BASF's EEA tool is billed as quantifying the sustainability of products or processes throughout the life cycle, beginning with the extraction of raw materials through the end-of-life disposal or recycling of the product.
From the end-use perspective, the EEA compares two or more products to obtain data on the total cost of ownership and impact on the environment.
The analysis can be applied to market segments ranging from printing and packaging to automotive, according to NSF.
To date, more than 400 studies were launched or completed internally, as well as with customers, suppliers and governments in North America and Europe.
Experts said this protocol provides a means to validate an eco-efficiency methodology and a means to verify study results using an eco-efficiency analysis methodology.
Eco-efficiency analyses rely upon the concepts outlined in the International Organization for Standardization's (ISO) Life Cycle Assessment standards (ISO 14040 through 14043). Eco-efficiency analyses evaluate both environmental and economic issues.
Source: NSF International.