In just a few years, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) have gone from being static documents attached to tender packages to becoming a strategic tool in the race for customers. At Pipelife Norway, the approach to EPDs has evolved from PDFs to structured digital data – and now the pipe manufacturer is actively preparing for the next major shift: the EU’s Digital Product Passport (DPP).
From paperwork to decision-making
– When we started, EPDs were mostly ‘collector’s items’ included in tenders, says Knut Jøssang, Head of Information Solutions and Data Flow at Pipelife, with responsibility for EPD development.
– Today, customers actually read the figures and want to integrate them directly into their own systems. That requires structured, machine-readable data – not PDF attachments.
The shift from document to data accelerated when Pipelife decided to raise internal expertise and take full ownership of the EPD process. This included implementing LCA.no’s EPD Generator.
Today, four dedicated product managers produce EPDs for Pipelife’s three Norwegian factories and imported products from sister companies. An EPD coordinator reviews each declaration for content and format before publishing. The result is a consistent, fully digital EPD portfolio – compatible with BIM systems and aligned with upcoming regulatory requirements.
Pipelife Norway, Surnadal Photo: Harald M. Valderhaug
Making smart use of environmental data
Although digital EPDs are still relatively new across the construction industry, Pipelife is already seeing clear benefits – particularly when competing for tenders.
– It’s becoming much easier to demonstrate lower greenhouse gas emissions, and customers can see exactly how we compare to others, says Jøssang.
– When contractors and developers start using the data actively, digital environmental information will no longer be a bonus – it will be a requirement.
Because one EPD can cover hundreds of article numbers, the ability to scale digital data down to the individual product level is essential.
Knut Jøssang, Head of Information Solutions and Data Flow at Pipelife, responsible for EPDs.
According to Jøssang, the EPD number is like the product’s national insurance number – and it must be directly linked to the product’s unique ID to ensure full traceability.
But the benefits extend well beyond tendering. Internally, digitalisation has also brought real gains. Automating data flows has reduced manual workload, while environmental data is increasingly being integrated with production data, offering deeper insights and faster decisions.
– We can quickly identify which processes produce the most emissions and where we can cut costs or switch to lower-impact materials, Jøssang explains.
– One example is our ongoing development of cable conduit pipes using recycled material in the mid-layer. This significantly reduces the use of virgin plastic – and the environmental footprint.
With the EU’s upcoming DPP regulations, the need for structured, connected product information is more urgent than ever. At Pipelife, this is already a priority.
– We’re already working with ISO 23386 and ISO 23387 – two of the key standards forming the foundation for DPP, says Jøssang.
– The final solution hasn’t been locked in yet, but the building blocks are in place. The next step is cleaning up our data and using unambiguous product identifiers like GTIN. That way, we’re ready when the requirements arrive.
Preparing for DPP means facing both technical and organisational challenges. It requires consistent standards across the value chain, and seamless linking of environmental and technical product data.
– The big picture matters. Environmental information must flow in the same way as technical data. Only then will industry actors have the full overview – from design and construction to maintenance and reuse.
Transport of PE pressure pipes
The clear advice: Get your data house in order
Jøssang has a clear message for manufacturers wondering how to get started with digitalisation.
– Start by cleaning up your own data. Structure your technical and environmental data sets, and begin tracking energy and material consumption precisely. That will put you in a strong position for EPDs, DPPs and future data demands. And you’ll benefit long before regulations force your hand.
Hilde Sandmæl, Key Account Manager at LCA.no, underlines that the shift from PDF to digital is also a mindset change:
– When we move from documents to data, we also move from cost to competitive advantage. That turns EPD work into a tool for innovation – not just compliance.
Pipelife shows that environmental data is about more than ticking boxes. It’s a key to smarter operations, stronger market positioning – and essential preparation for a future where transparency and traceability are non-negotiable.
Summary:
Pipelife has digitalised its EPD process using BIM-compatible, machine-readable formats.
Digital EPDs offer advantages in tendering, cost-efficiency and production insight.
The company is preparing for Digital Product Passports by standardising product data and using GTINs.
Environmental and technical data must flow together to support lifecycle decisions.
Use existing standards – don’t reinvent the wheel.
The message to the industry: Start now – the benefits come long before the regulations.
