Wedoany.com Report on Feb 12th, the American Coatings Association (ACA) announced in Washington, D.C. that it has collaborated with Sustainable Minds to release updated versions of the Product Category Rules (PCRs) for powder coatings and resinous flooring coatings. These rules are designed to help coatings manufacturers assess the environmental impact of their products in a standardized manner and support the creation of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).
Product Category Rules provide a framework based on specific criteria for measuring a product's environmental impact, enabling manufacturers to conduct Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) and optionally publish the assessment results in an Environmental Product Declaration. As many sustainability guidelines and green certification programs give preference to products with verified EPDs, these PCRs serve as practical tools within the industry. Life Cycle Assessment results can also showcase product performance characteristics, such as durability, and provide opportunities for coatings manufacturers to demonstrate improvements in supply chain resource efficiency.
According to the new rules, the PCR for resinous flooring coatings stipulates that the type of Environmental Product Declaration depends on whether the results are for a single-layer product or a multi-layer system. The PCR for powder coatings requires a cradle-to-gate assessment approach and evaluates the product as a single layer, not as a multi-layer system. These Product Category Rules for powder coatings and resinous flooring coatings are valid for five years from the date of publication, providing clear guidance for the industry.
The American Coatings Association is a voluntary, non-profit industry association focused on supporting the coatings and finishing industry and its practitioners, including manufacturers, raw material suppliers, distributors, and technical professionals. The association advocates for its members on legislative, regulatory, and judicial matters and promotes the advancement of coatings science. By releasing these PCRs for powder coatings and resinous flooring coatings, the ACA further advances the industry's sustainability efforts.
