🧭Implementing the ISO 14020 Standard Series: A Practical Guide for Industry Leaders1. Understand the ISO 14020 Standard Family.Begin by famil...

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🧭Implementing the ISO 14020 Standard Series: A Practical Guide for Industry Leaders

1. Understand the ISO 14020 Standard Family.
Begin by familiarizing yourself with the three core standards:
ISO 14021—Self-declared environmental claims
ISO 14024—Type I ecolabels (independently certified)
ISO 14025—Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)
Each standard has specific requirements depending on your product type, market, and communication goals.
2. Conduct a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).
Use LCA tools to evaluate your product’s environmental impact throughout its life cycle—from raw material extraction to end-of-life. This provides a foundation for credible claims and environmental declarations.
3. Define Your Environmental Claim
Determine the type of environmental message that suits your strategy:
- For terms like “recyclable” or “biodegradable,” refer to ISO 14021.
- For recognized certifications or ecolabels, turn to ISO 14024.
- For detailed environmental profiles, use ISO 14025.
Claims must be specific, based on evidence, and free from misleading information.
4. Engage Accredited Experts or Certification Bodies
Collaborate with certified organizations where applicable.
- Certification bodies for Type I ecolabels
- Independent verifiers for Type III EPDs
These professionals ensure claims are verifiable and align with global best practices.
5. Develop Robust Internal Documentation
Maintain clear records, including:
- Testing methods and protocols
- LCA data and results
- Sources used to support claims
- Justifications for all communications
This documentation supports credibility and facilitates compliance audits.
6. Educate and Train Your Team
Provide training for product development, marketing, and compliance teams to:
- Recognize valid environmental claims.
- Communicate claims accurately.
- Detect and avoid greenwashing.
Well-informed teams help ensure consistency and integrity across your organization.
7. Communicate with Clarity and Integrity
Use accessible language in your communications. Make supporting information easy to find—such as linking digital materials or using QR codes that direct users to LCA or EPD data.
8. Monitor, Review, and Update Regularly
Environmental performance can shift due to new technologies, materials, or regulations. Reassess claims regularly to keep them accurate and relevant.
References:
1. ISO Official Standards Platform—https://www.iso.org/obp/ui
2. Intertek Overview of ISO 14020 Series—https://www.intertekinform.com/en-gb/resources/blog/what-is-iso-14020-series-of-standards/
Link:
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/iso-tc-207_iso14020-environmentallabels-sustainabilitystandards-activity-7338940978600230915-7RhZ?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAEBDhzIBsyuiuDI0-eiNhRpHh9ad-Axkqtk

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