Life Cycle Assessment

In an EPD, the upstream process covers all activities before the production of a product begins. This includes extraction and processing of raw materials, energy use, transportation, and pre-treatment of inputs. Chemicals and other resources used in the raw material process are also included.

Example: For plywood, the upstream process includes logging of trees, transportation to sawmills, wood drying, and glue production. It also includes the energy consumption and chemicals used in gluing and treating the wood before further processing.

In an EPD, the production process covers the steps where raw materials are transformed into a finished product. This includes processing, assembly, surface treatment, and quality control. Energy use, chemicals, and waste management are also included.

Example: At Lundbergs Furniture, this means that wood is processed, surface finishes of various materials are assembled, and plywood and solid wood are surface treated with water-based varnishes or oils before quality control and packaging.

Transportation of materials and products throughout the product's life cycle, including the shipment of raw materials to the factory, distribution of finished products, and any transportation during waste management. 

Example: At Lundbergs Furniture, wood is transported from suppliers to the factory in Tibro, where finished furniture is then distributed to retailers and customers.

In an EPD, the use phase covers the environmental impact that occurs during the product's lifetime, including maintenance, cleaning, and repairs. For furniture, this can mean the care of wood surfaces with oils or varnish and any repairs to extend the lifespan.

Example: At Lundbergs Furniture the use phase may include regular care of wood surfaces to maintain quality and reduce the need for new production. In an EPD-based life cycle analysis, a reference lifespan, such as 15 years for a table, is often used to standardize the environmental impact in the calculations.

In an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), the waste management phase covers the processes that occur when a product reaches the end of its life cycle, including disassembly, sorting, recycling, and final disposal. 

Example: The Sarek table is designed for easy disassembly, facilitating reuse and recycling. When the table is no longer used, the wood components can be recycled or converted into energy through combustion in heating plants. Metal fittings, such as screws and fasteners, can be sorted out and recycled as scrap metal, reducing the need for new raw material production.