ISO 22526-4:2023
(Main)Plastics — Carbon and environmental footprint of biobased plastics — Part 4: Environmental (total) footprint (Life cycle assessment)
Plastics — Carbon and environmental footprint of biobased plastics — Part 4: Environmental (total) footprint (Life cycle assessment)
This document provides life cycle assessment (LCA) requirements and guidance to assess impacts over the life cycle of biobased plastic products, materials and polymer resins, which are partly or wholly based on biobased constituents. The applications of LCA as such are outside the scope of this document. Clarifications, considerations, practices, simplifications and options for the different applications, are also beyond the scope of this document. In addition, this document can be applied in studies that do not cover the whole life cycle, with justification, for example in the case of business-to-business information, such as cradle-to-gate studies, gate-to-gate studies, and specific parts of the life cycle (e.g. waste management, components of a product). For these studies, most requirements of this document are applicable (e.g. data quality, collection and calculation as well as allocation and critical review), but not all the requirements for the system boundary.
Plastiques — Empreinte carbone et environnementale des plastiques biosourcés — Partie 4: Empreinte environnementale (totale) (Analyse de cycle de vie)
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INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 22526-4
First edition
2023-06
Plastics — Carbon and environmental
footprint of biobased plastics —
Part 4:
Environmental (total) footprint (Life
cycle assessment)
Plastiques — Empreinte carbone et environnementale des plastiques
biosourcés —
Partie 4: Empreinte environnementale (totale) (Analyse de cycle de
vie)
Reference number
ISO 22526-4:2023(E)
© ISO 2023
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ISO 22526-4:2023(E)
COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2023
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
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ISO 22526-4:2023(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Methodology for LCA of biobased products . 2
4.1 General description of an LCA . 2
4.2 General aspects of LCA for biobased plastic products . 2
4.3 Goal and scope of the LCA study . 3
4.3.1 Goal of the LCA study . 3
4.3.2 Scope of the LCA study . 3
5 Life cycle inventory (LCI) . 5
5.1 General . 5
5.2 Sources of data. 6
5.2.1 General . 6
5.2.2 Geographical data . 6
5.2.3 Temporal data . 6
5.3 Allocation procedure . 6
5.4 LCI — Collecting data and modelling . 7
5.4.1 Considerations for resource use . 7
5.4.2 Land use . 8
5.4.3 Water inventory . 9
5.5 Inventory of fossil and biogenic carbon flows . 11
5.6 Guidance for modelling agro-, forestry and aquaculture systems . 11
5.6.1 Modelling agricultural systems . 11
5.6.2 Modelling forestry systems . 14
5.6.3 Modelling aquaculture systems . 15
5.6.4 Modelling the use-phase in LCAs of biobased products .15
5.6.5 Modelling end-of-life processes in LCAs of biobased products .15
6 Life cycle impacts assessment (LCIA) .16
6.1 Impact categories and impact indicators . 16
6.1.1 General . 16
6.1.2 Selection of impact categories . 16
6.1.3 Applicability of methods and data . 16
6.1.4 Weighting and comparative assertions disclosed to the public . 17
6.2 Guidelines for specific impact indicators . 17
6.2.1 Treatment of fossil and biogenic carbon in assessing climate change . 17
6.2.2 Land use . 17
6.2.3 Impact of water use . . 18
7 Interpretation and reporting of LCA .18
7.1 Interpretation . 18
7.2 Reporting of LCA . . 19
7.3 Critical review . 19
Annex A (informative) Example of allocation on glycerol .20
Annex B (informative) Examples of fossil and biogenic carbon flows accounting and
communication .21
Annex C (informative) Examples of impact categories and impact indicators .23
Bibliography .25
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ISO 22526-4:2023(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use
of (a) patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed
patent rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received
notice of (a) patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are
cautioned that this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent
database available at www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all
such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to
the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see
www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 61, Plastics, Subcommittee SC 14,
Environmental aspects.
A list of all parts in the ISO 22526 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
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ISO 22526-4:2023(E)
Introduction
Increased use of biomass resources for manufacturing plastic products can be effective in reducing
global warming and the depletion of fossil resources.
Current plastic products are composed of biobased synthetic polymers, fossil-based synthetic polymers,
natural polymers and additives that can include biobased materials.
Biobased plastics refer to plastics that contain materials wholly or partly of biogenic origin.
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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 22526-4:2023(E)
Plastics — Carbon and environmental footprint of
biobased plastics —
Part 4:
Environmental (total) footprint (Life cycle assessment)
1 Scope
This document provides life cycle assessment (LCA) requirements and guidance to assess impacts over
the life cycle of biobased plastic products, materials and polymer resins, which are partly or wholly
based on biobased constituents.
The applications of LCA as such are outside the scope of this document. Clarifications, considerations,
practices, simplifications and options for the different applications, are also beyond the scope of this
document.
In addition, this document can be applied in studies that do not cover the whole life cycle, with
justification, for example in the case of business-to-business information, such as cradle-to-gate
studies, gate-to-gate studies, and specific parts of the life cycle (e.g. waste management, components
of a product). For these studies, most requirements of this document are applicable (e.g. data quality,
collection and calculation as well as allocation and critical review), but not all the requirements for the
system boundary.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 472, Plastics — Vocabulary
ISO 14025, Environmental labels and declarations — Type III environmental declarations — Principles and
procedures
ISO 14040:2006, Environmental management — Life cycle assessment — Principles and framework
ISO 14044:2006, Environmental management — Life cycle assessment — Requirements and guidelines
ISO/TR 21960, Plastics — Environmental aspects — State of knowledge and methodologies
EN 16575, Bio-based products — Vocabulary
EN 16760, Bio-based products — Life cycle assessment
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 472, ISO 14040, ISO 14044,
EN 16575, EN 16760 and ISO/TR 21960 apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
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ISO 22526-4:2023(E)
4 Methodology for LCA of biobased products
4.1 General description of an LCA
The general description of life cycle assessment is defined in ISO 14040:2006, Clause 4.
4.2 General aspects of LCA for biobased plastic products
The LCA of a biobased plastic product shall cover the whole product, not only the biobased part; see
Figure 1. However, the focus of this document is on how to handle the specificities of the biobased part
of the product.
Figure 1 — Example of a product system of a biobased plastic product which includes biomass
as well as non-biogenic material feedstocks
NOTE 1 The boxes linked with bold arrows in Figure 1 represent the flows of biobased products (partly or
fully derived from biomass) that can be raw materials, intermediary products and final product.
NOTE 2 For simplification purposes, transportation steps have not been reported in Figure 1, but
transportation can occur within or between any of the unit processes.
This document provides requirements and guidelines for biobased products: see 4.3, Clause 5, Clause 6
and Clause 7.
An LCA for a biobased product shall include the four phases of LCA. LCA requirements and guidelines
are provided in ISO 14044:2006, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 and 4.5.
This document provides further guidance on the following, which can be important for biobased plastic
products, due to their biomass origin:
— geographical (see 5.2.2) and temporal scope (see 5.2.3) to be representative for the biomass
acquisition phase considering agricultural, forest and aquaculture specificities;
— allocation procedures (see 5.3) as the production stages typically generates co-products;
— consideration for resource elementary flows (see 5.4.1);
— data collection and modelling for land use (see 5.4.2), water use (see 5.4.3), and fossil and biogenic
carbon flows (see 5.5);
— modelling of agriculture and aquaculture systems (see 5.6) and
— inventory and modelling requirements for biobased plastic products end-of-life (see 5.6.4).
The ISO 22526 series focuses on biobased products for industrial application; food, feed and energy are
excluded from the scope. However, the guidelines and requirements for LCA provided in this document
can be applied to any product derived from biomass, irrespective of the application.
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ISO 22526-4:2023(E)
4.3 Goal and scope of the LCA study
4.3.1 Goal of the LCA study
When defining the goal of the LCA study, the requirements of ISO 14040:2006, 5.2.1 and ISO 14044:2006,
4.2.2 and 4.2.3 shall apply.
There is no single solution as to how LCA can be best applied, it depends on the goal of the LCA and on
each organization size and culture, its products, the strategy, the internal systems, tools and procedures
and the external drivers.
In defining the goal of an LCA, the following items shall be clearly stated:
— the intended application of the study;
— the reasons for carrying out the study;
— the intended audience, i.e. to whom the results of the study are intended to be communicated; and
— whether the results are intended to be used in comparative assertions intended to be disclosed to
the public.
4.3.2 Scope of the LCA study
4.3.2.1 General
The scope should be sufficiently well-defined to ensure that the breadth, depth and detail of the study
are compatible and sufficient to address the stated goal.
In addition to the definition of the scope of the LCA study in ISO 14044:2006, 4.2.3, the limitations,
assumptions and methods to assess issues specific to biobased products should be explained (e.g.
assumptions for use stage, for end-of-life stage, carbon storage).
In some cases, the goal and scope of the study may be revised due to unforeseen limitations, constraints
or as a result of additional information. Such modifications, together with their justification, should be
documented.
It shall be determined which impact categories, category indicators and characterization models
are included within the LCA study. The selection of impact categories, category indicators and
characterization models used in the LCIA methodology shall be consistent with the goal of the study
and considered as described in ISO 14044:2006, 4.4.2.2.
4.3.2.2 Function and functional unit
In defining the functional unit, the requirements of ISO 14040:2006, 5.2.2 and ISO 14044:2006, 4.2.3.2
shall apply.
The scope of an LCA shall clearly specify the function (performance characteristics) of the product
system being studied. The functional unit shall be consistent with the goal and scope of the study. One
of the primary purposes of a functional unit is to provide a reference to which the input and output
data are related. This reference is necessary to ensure comparability of LCA results, in particular
when different systems are being assessed to enable comparison on a common basis. Therefore, the
functional unit shall be clearly defined and measurable.
An appropriate reference flow shall be determined in relation to the functional unit. The quantitative
input and output data collected in support of the analysis shall be calculated in relation to this flow.
For biobased products which are intermediates or which can serve several functions or services, it is
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ISO 22526-4:2023(E)
recommended to use a reference flow such as weight or volume (e.g. 1 kg of product), and to provide
information whether it refers to dry matter weight, gross weight, etc.
EXAMPLE In the function of drying hands, both a paper towel and an air-dryer system are studied. The
selected functional unit can be expressed in terms of the identical number of pairs of hands dried for both
systems. For each system, it is possible to determine the reference flow, e.g. the average mass of paper or the
average volume of hot air required for one pair of hand-dry, respectively. For both systems, it is possible to
compile an inventory of inputs and outputs on the basis of the reference flows. At its simplest level, in the case of
paper towel, this is related to the paper consumed. In the case of the air-dryer, this is related to the mass of hot
air needed to dry the hands (copied from ISO 14040:2006, 5.2.2).
4.3.2.3 System boundary
In defining the system boundary, the requirements of ISO 14040:2006, 5.2.3 and ISO 14044:2006,
4.2.3.3 shall apply.
The system boundary shall be explained clearly and in an unambiguous way, preferably in a flow chart
figure. The exclusion of any life cycle stage shall be documented and explained.
LCA technique with proper justification may be applied in studies that are not LCA or LCI studies.
Examples are:
— cradle-to-gate studies;
— gate-to-gate studies; and
— specific parts of the life cycle (e.g. waste management, components of a product).
4.3.2.4 Cut-off criteria
When using cut-off criteria to decide on inclusion of inputs and outputs, the requirements of
ISO 14044:2006, 4.2.3.3.3 shall apply.
The choice of elements of the physical system to be modelled depends on the goal and scope definition
of the study, its intended application and audience, the assumptions made, data and cost constraints,
and cut-off criteria. The models used should be described and the assumptions underlying those choices
should be identified. The cut-off criteria used within a study should be clearly understood and defined
within the goal and scope definition phase.
In principle, all elementary and technosphere flows should be accounted for. If not, mass, energy and
environmental significance should be used to determine cut-off criteria. The final report shall include
an estimation of completeness, based on:
— Mass cut-off (in % of total product mass): best estimation of the mass of all non-accounted
components of the product.
— Energy cut-off (in % of total energy consumption): best estimation of all energy consumption of
non-accounted mass inputs.
— Environmental significance: decisions on cut-off criteria should be based on best knowledge of
environmental significance. Such information may, for example, be sought on safety data sheets for
toxicological and ecotoxicological effects of a product where substance classification can guide on
possible cut-offs regarding such categories. For assessment of other relevant environmental impacts
also other sources of information should be looked for, such as emission declaration, approval
documentation, etc. Inputs such as transport of staff, or consumer transport may be excluded as
where it is established that they are insignificant.
Such simplifications shall be explicitly stated in the study report along with any supporting
documentation showing these calculations, specifying the names of any flows which have not been
taken into consideration.
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ISO 22526-4:2023(E)
4.3.2.5 LCIA methodology and types of impacts
The choices of which impact categories, category indicators and characterization models are selected
within the LCA study shall be explained.
4.3.2.6 Data quality
Data quality requirements shall be specified to enable the goal and scope of the LCA to be met and
should address what is listed in ISO 14044:2006, 4.2.3.6.2 and 4.2.3.6.3.
Site-specific and primary data should be used when appropriate and in line with the goal and scope of
the study.
The selection of level of geographical detail should be consistent with the goal and intended use of the
LCA and be justified in view of the availability and quality of data.
4.3.2.7 Comparisons between systems
As this document provides additional guidance and requirements for biobased products, the equivalence
of the systems being compared shall be evaluated before interpreting the results. Consequently, the
scope of the study shall be defined in such a way that the systems can be compared. Systems shall be
compared using the same functional unit and equivalent methodological considerations, such as system
boundary, data quality, allocation procedures, decision rules on evaluating inputs, and outputs and
impact assessment. Any differences between systems regarding these parameters shall be identified
and reported. Based on this information a well-reasoned assessment shall be included why the study is
valid and can be performed or why a comparison is very problematic or even scientifically not allowed.
In the latter case, such a study should not be terminated, but still should be published to educate about
the limits of LCA. If the study is intended to be used for a comparative assertion intended to be disclosed
to the public, interested parties shall conduct this evaluation as a critical review.
A life cycle impact assessment is an integral part of any LCA study, but especially for studies intended to
be used in comparative assertions and be disclosed to the public, this impact assessment part shall be
performed with utmost care.
If comparative assertions are intended to be disclosed to the public, additional requirements as set in
ISO 14044 apply.
5 Life cycle inventory (LCI)
5.1 General
Inventory analysis involves data collection and calculation procedures to quantify relevant inputs and
outputs of a product system.
The process of conducting an inventory analysis is iterative. As data are collected and more is learned
about the system, new data requirements or limitations may be identified that require a change in the
data collection procedures so that the goals of the study will still be met. Sometimes, issues can be
identified that require revisions to the goal or scope of the study.
The qualitative and quantitative data for inclusion in the inventory shall be collected for each unit
process that is included within the system boundary. The collected data, whether measured, calculated
or estimated, are utilized to quantify the inputs and outputs of a unit process. All individual unit
processes should be taken up in a process flow diagram representing the studied system and so also
identifying the system boundary.
When data have been collected from public sources, the source shall be referenced. For those data that
can be significant for the conclusions of the study, details about the relevant data collection process,
the time when data have been collected, and further information about data quality indicators shall be
referenced.
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ISO 22526-4:2023(E)
If life cycle inventory data do not meet the data quality requirements, as given in 4.3.2.6, this shall be
reported.
To decrease the risk of misunderstandings (e.g. resulting in double counting when validating or reusing
the data collected), a description of each unit process shall be recorded.
Since data collection may span several reporting locations and published references, measures should
be taken to reach uniform and consistent understanding of the product systems to be modelled.
5.2 Sources of data
5.2.1 General
Sources of inventory data should be specified and transparent.
Responsible sourcing and sustainable management practices can be found in the production of biobased
raw materials. Certification schemes usually address a broad array of management and performance
aspects that can be used directly in determining elementary flows and in informing impact assessment
and interpretation.
EXAMPLE Managing conformity with standards covering fertiliser application can be linked directly to
levels of fertiliser run-off and therefore elementary flow determination.
If biomass has been produced in conformance with a relevant standard this shall be taken into account
in determining elementary flows and in impact assessment and interpretation.
The most representative data should be used and the quality of data shall always be examined in order
to guarantee that they are adequate for the purpose of the study, and that they conform with the data
quality requirements of the study.
5.2.2 Geographical data
Average data should be collected and assessed across a representative geographical area where the
specific biomass has been produced. The data and scales used should be clearly specified in the study in
order to ensure optimal transparency.
...
FINAL
INTERNATIONAL ISO/FDIS
DRAFT
STANDARD 22526-4
ISO/TC 61/SC 14
Plastics — Carbon and environmental
Secretariat: DIN
footprint of biobased plastics —
Voting begins on:
2023-03-01
Part 4:
Voting terminates on:
Environmental (total) footprint (Life
2023-04-26
cycle assessment)
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO
SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION
OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH
THEY ARE AWARE AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING
DOCUMENTATION.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
Reference number
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO-
ISO/FDIS 22526-4:2023(E)
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES,
DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON
OCCASION HAVE TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE
LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL TO BECOME STAN-
DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
NATIONAL REGULATIONS. © ISO 2023
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 22526-4:2023(E)
FINAL
INTERNATIONAL ISO/FDIS
DRAFT
STANDARD 22526-4
ISO/TC 61/SC 14
Plastics — Carbon and environmental
Secretariat: DIN
footprint of biobased plastics —
Voting begins on:
Part 4:
Voting terminates on:
Environmental (total) footprint (Life
cycle assessment)
COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO 2023
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO
ISO copyright office
SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION
OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
THEY ARE AWARE AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING
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DOCUMENTATION.
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IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
Reference number
Email: copyright@iso.org
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO-
ISO/FDIS 22526-4:2023(E)
Website: www.iso.org
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES,
DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON
Published in Switzerland
OCCASION HAVE TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE
LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL TO BECOME STAN-
DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
ii
© ISO 2023 – All rights reserved
NATIONAL REGULATIONS. © ISO 2023
---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 22526-4:2023(E)
Contents Page
Forword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Methodology for LCA of biobased products . 2
4.1 General description of an LCA . 2
4.2 General aspects of LCA for biobased plastic products . 2
4.3 Goal and scope of the LCA study . 3
4.3.1 Goal of the LCA study . 3
4.3.2 Scope of the LCA study . 3
5 Life cycle inventory (LCI) . 5
5.1 General . 5
5.2 Sources of data. 6
5.2.1 General . 6
5.2.2 Geographical data . 6
5.2.3 Temporal data . 6
5.3 Allocation procedure . 6
5.4 LCI — Collecting data and modelling . 7
5.4.1 Considerations for resource use . 7
5.4.2 Land use . 8
5.4.3 Water inventory . 9
5.5 Inventory of fossil and biogenic carbon flows . 11
5.6 Guidance for modelling agro-, forestry and aquaculture systems . 11
5.6.1 Modelling agricultural systems . 11
5.6.2 Modelling forestry systems . 14
5.6.3 Modelling aquaculture systems . 15
5.6.4 Modelling the use-phase in LCAs of biobased products .15
5.6.5 Modelling end-of-life processes in LCAs of biobased products .15
6 Life cycle impacts assessment (LCIA) .16
6.1 Impact categories and impact indicators . 16
6.1.1 General . 16
6.1.2 Selection of impact categories . 16
6.1.3 Applicability of methods and data . 16
6.1.4 Weighting and comparative assertions disclosed to the public . 17
6.2 Guidelines for specific impact indicators . 17
6.2.1 Treatment of fossil and biogenic carbon in assessing climate change . 17
6.2.2 Land use . 17
6.2.3 Impact of water use . . 18
7 Interpretation and reporting of LCA .18
7.1 Interpretation . 18
7.2 Reporting of LCA . . 19
7.3 Critical review . 19
Annex A (informative) Example of allocation on glycerol .20
Annex B (informative) Examples of fossil and biogenic carbon flows accounting and
communication .21
Annex C (informative) Examples of impact categories and impact indicators .23
Bibliography .25
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ISO/FDIS 22526-4:2023(E)
Forword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to
the World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see
www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 61, Plastics, Subcommittee SC 14,
Environmental aspects.
A list of all parts in the ISO 22526 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
iv
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---------------------- Page: 4 ----------------------
ISO/FDIS 22526-4:2023(E)
Introduction
Increased use of biomass resources for manufacturing plastic products can be effective in reducing
global warming and the depletion of fossil resources.
Current plastic products are composed of biobased synthetic polymers, fossil-based synthetic polymers,
natural polymers and additives that can include biobased materials.
Biobased plastics refer to plastics that contain materials wholly or partly of biogenic origin.
v
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FINAL DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/FDIS 22526-4:2023(E)
Plastics — Carbon and environmental footprint of
biobased plastics —
Part 4:
Environmental (total) footprint (Life cycle assessment)
1 Scope
This document provides life cycle assessment (LCA) requirements and guidance to assess impacts over
the life cycle of biobased plastic products, materials and polymer resins, which are partly or wholly
based on biobased constituents.
The applications of LCA as such are outside the scope of this document. Clarifications, considerations,
practices, simplifications and options for the different applications, are also beyond the scope of this
document.
In addition, this document can be applied in studies that do not cover the whole life cycle, with
justification, for example in the case of business-to-business information, such as cradle-to-gate
studies, gate-to-gate studies, and specific parts of the life cycle (e.g. waste management, components
of a product). For these studies, most requirements of this document are applicable (e.g. data quality,
collection and calculation as well as allocation and critical review), but not all the requirements for the
system boundary.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 472, Plastics — Vocabulary
ISO 14025, Environmental labels and declarations — Type III environmental declarations — Principles and
procedures
ISO 14040:2006, Environmental management — Life cycle assessment — Principles and framework
ISO 14044:2006, Environmental management — Life cycle assessment — Requirements and guidelines
ISO/TR 21960, Plastics — Environmental aspects — State of knowledge and methodologies
EN 16575, Bio-based products — Vocabulary
EN 16760, Bio-based products — Life cycle assessment
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 472, ISO 14040, ISO 14044,
EN 16575, EN 16760 and ISO/TR 21960 apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
1
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ISO/FDIS 22526-4:2023(E)
4 Methodology for LCA of biobased products
4.1 General description of an LCA
The general description of life cycle assessment is defined in ISO 14040:2006, Clause 4.
4.2 General aspects of LCA for biobased plastic products
The LCA of a biobased plastic product shall cover the whole product, not only the biobased part; see
Figure 1. However, the focus of this document is on how to handle the specificities of the biobased part
of the product.
Figure 1 — Example of a product system of a biobased plastic product which includes biomass
as well as non-biogenic material feedstocks
NOTE 1 The boxes linked with bold arrows in Figure 1 represent the flows of biobased products (partly or
fully derived from biomass) that can be raw materials, intermediary products and final product.
NOTE 2 For simplification purposes, transportation steps have not been reported in Figure 1, but
transportation can occur within or between any of the unit processes.
This document provides requirements and guidelines for biobased products: see 4.3, Clause 5, Clause 6
and Clause 7.
An LCA for a biobased product shall include the four phases of LCA. LCA requirements and guidelines
are provided in ISO 14044:2006, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 and 4.5.
This document provides further guidance on the following, which can be important for biobased plastic
products, due to their biomass origin:
— geographical (see 5.2.2) and temporal scope (see 5.2.3) to be representative for the biomass
acquisition phase considering agricultural, forest and aquaculture specificities;
— allocation procedures (see 5.3) as the production stages typically generates co-products;
— consideration for resource elementary flows (see 5.4.1);
— data collection and modelling for land use (see 5.4.2), water use (see 5.4.3), and fossil and biogenic
carbon flows (see 5.5);
— modelling of agriculture and aquaculture systems (see 5.6) and
— inventory and modelling requirements for biobased plastic products end-of-life (see 5.6.4).
The ISO 22526 series focuses on biobased products for industrial application; food, feed and energy are
excluded from the scope. However, the guidelines and requirements for LCA provided in this document
can be applied to any product derived from biomass, irrespective of the application.
2
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ISO/FDIS 22526-4:2023(E)
4.3 Goal and scope of the LCA study
4.3.1 Goal of the LCA study
When defining the goal of the LCA study, the requirements of ISO 14040:2006, 5.2.1 and ISO 14044:2006,
4.2.2 and 4.2.3 shall apply.
There is no single solution as to how LCA can be best applied, it depends on the goal of the LCA and on
each organization size and culture, its products, the strategy, the internal systems, tools and procedures
and the external drivers.
In defining the goal of an LCA, the following items shall be clearly stated:
— the intended application of the study;
— the reasons for carrying out the study;
— the intended audience, i.e. to whom the results of the study are intended to be communicated; and
— whether the results are intended to be used in comparative assertions intended to be disclosed to
the public.
4.3.2 Scope of the LCA study
4.3.2.1 General
The scope should be sufficiently well-defined to ensure that the breadth, depth and detail of the study
are compatible and sufficient to address the stated goal.
In addition to the definition of the scope of the LCA study in ISO 14044:2006, 4.2.3, the limitations,
assumptions and methods to assess issues specific to biobased products should be explained (e.g.
assumptions for use stage, for end-of-life stage, carbon storage).
In some cases, the goal and scope of the study may be revised due to unforeseen limitations, constraints
or as a result of additional information. Such modifications, together with their justification, should be
documented.
It shall be determined which impact categories, category indicators and characterization models
are included within the LCA study. The selection of impact categories, category indicators and
characterization models used in the LCIA methodology shall be consistent with the goal of the study
and considered as described in ISO 14044:2006, 4.4.2.2.
4.3.2.2 Function and functional unit
In defining the functional unit, the requirements of ISO 14040:2006, 5.2.2 and ISO 14044:2006, 4.2.3.2
shall apply.
The scope of an LCA shall clearly specify the function (performance characteristics) of the product
system being studied. The functional unit shall be consistent with the goal and scope of the study. One
of the primary purposes of a functional unit is to provide a reference to which the input and output
data are related. This reference is necessary to ensure comparability of LCA results, in particular
when different systems are being assessed to enable comparison on a common basis. Therefore, the
functional unit shall be clearly defined and measurable.
An appropriate reference flow shall be determined in relation to the functional unit. The quantitative
input and output data collected in support of the analysis shall be calculated in relation to this flow.
For biobased products which are intermediates or which can serve several functions or services, it is
3
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ISO/FDIS 22526-4:2023(E)
recommended to use a reference flow such as weight or volume (e.g. 1 kg of product), and to provide
information whether it refers to dry matter weight, gross weight, etc.
EXAMPLE In the function of drying hands, both a paper towel and an air-dryer system are studied. The
selected functional unit can be expressed in terms of the identical number of pairs of hands dried for both
systems. For each system, it is possible to determine the reference flow, e.g. the average mass of paper or the
average volume of hot air required for one pair of hand-dry, respectively. For both systems, it is possible to
compile an inventory of inputs and outputs on the basis of the reference flows. At its simplest level, in the case of
paper towel, this is related to the paper consumed. In the case of the air-dryer, this is related to the mass of hot
air needed to dry the hands (copied from ISO 14040:2006, 5.2.2).
4.3.2.3 System boundary
In defining the system boundary, the requirements of ISO 14040:2006, 5.2.3 and ISO 14044:2006,
4.2.3.3 shall apply.
The system boundary shall be explained clearly and in an unambiguous way, preferably in a flow chart
figure. The exclusion of any life cycle stage shall be documented and explained.
LCA technique with proper justification may be applied in studies that are not LCA or LCI studies.
Examples are:
— cradle-to-gate studies;
— gate-to-gate studies; and
— specific parts of the life cycle (e.g. waste management, components of a product).
4.3.2.4 Cut-off criteria
When using cut-off criteria to decide on inclusion of inputs and outputs, the requirements of
ISO 14044:2006, 4.2.3.3.3 shall apply.
The choice of elements of the physical system to be modelled depends on the goal and scope definition
of the study, its intended application and audience, the assumptions made, data and cost constraints,
and cut-off criteria. The models used should be described and the assumptions underlying those choices
should be identified. The cut-off criteria used within a study should be clearly understood and defined
within the goal and scope definition phase.
In principle, all elementary and technosphere flows should be accounted for. If not, mass, energy
environmental significance should be used to determine cut-off criteria. The final report shall include
an estimation of completeness, based on:
— Mass cut-off (in % of total product mass): best estimation of the mass of all non-accounted
components of the product.
— Energy cut-off (in % of total energy consumption): best estimation of all energy consumption of non-
accounted mass inputs. Environmental significance: decisions on cut-off criteria should be based
on best knowledge of environmental significance. Such information may, for example, be sought
on safety data sheets for toxicological and ecotoxicological effects of a product where substance
classification can guide on possible cut-offs regarding such categories. For assessment of other
relevant environmental impacts also other sources of information should be looked for, such as
emission declaration, approval documentation, etc. Inputs such as transport of staff, or consumer
transport may be excluded as where it is established that they are insignificant.
Such simplifications shall be explicitly stated in the study report along with any supporting
documentation showing these calculations, specifying the names of any flows which have not been
taken into consideration.
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ISO/FDIS 22526-4:2023(E)
4.3.2.5 LCIA methodology and types of impacts
The choices of which impact categories, category indicators and characterization models are selected
within the LCA study shall be explained.
4.3.2.6 Data quality
Data quality requirements shall be specified to enable the goal and scope of the LCA to be met and
should address what is listed in ISO 14044:2006, 4.2.3.6.2 and 4.2.3.6.3.
Site-specific and primary data should be used when appropriate and in line with the goal and scope of
the study.
The selection of level of geographical detail should be consistent with the goal and intended use of the
LCA and be justified in view of the availability and quality of data.
4.3.2.7 Comparisons between systems
As this document provides additional guidance and requirements for biobased products, the equivalence
of the systems being compared shall be evaluated before interpreting the results. Consequently, the
scope of the study shall be defined in such a way that the systems can be compared. Systems shall be
compared using the same functional unit and equivalent methodological considerations, such as system
boundary, data quality, allocation procedures, decision rules on evaluating inputs, and outputs and
impact assessment. Any differences between systems regarding these parameters shall be identified
and reported. Based on this information a well-reasoned assessment shall be included why the study is
valid and can be performed or why a comparison is very problematic or even scientifically not allowed.
In the latter case, such a study should not be terminated, but still should be published to educate about
the limits of LCA. If the study is intended to be used for a comparative assertion intended to be disclosed
to the public, interested parties shall conduct this evaluation as a critical review.
A life cycle impact assessment is an integral part of any LCA study, but especially for studies intended to
be used in comparative assertions and be disclosed to the public, this impact assessment part shall be
performed with utmost care.
If comparative assertions are intended to be disclosed to the public, additional requirements as set in
ISO 14044 apply.
5 Life cycle inventory (LCI)
5.1 General
Inventory analysis involves data collection and calculation procedures to quantify relevant inputs and
outputs of a product system.
The process of conducting an inventory analysis is iterative. As data are collected and more is learned
about the system, new data requirements or limitations may be identified that require a change in the
data collection procedures so that the goals of the study will still be met. Sometimes, issues can be
identified that require revisions to the goal or scope of the study.
The qualitative and quantitative data for inclusion in the inventory shall be collected for each unit
process that is included within the system boundary. The collected data, whether measured, calculated
or estimated, are utilized to quantify the inputs and outputs of a unit process. All individual unit
processes should be taken up in a process flow diagram representing the studied system and so also
identifying the system boundary.
When data have been collected from public sources, the source shall be referenced. For those data that
can be significant for the conclusions of the study, details about the relevant data collection process,
the time when data have been collected, and further information about data quality indicators shall be
referenced.
5
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ISO/FDIS 22526-4:2023(E)
If life cycle inventory data do not meet the data quality requirements, as given in 4.3.2.6, this shall be
reported.
To decrease the risk of misunderstandings (e.g. resulting in double counting when validating or reusing
the data collected), a description of each unit process shall be recorded.
Since data collection may span several reporting locations and published references, measures should
be taken to reach uniform and consistent understanding of the product systems to be modelled.
5.2 Sources of data
5.2.1 General
Sources of inventory data should be specified and transparent.
Responsible sourcing and sustainable management practices can be found in the production of biobased
raw materials. Certification schemes usually add
...
2022-12-05
Date: 2023-02-15
ISO/FDIS 22526-4:20222023(E)
ISO TC 61/SC 14/WG 3
Secretariat: DIN
Plastics — Carbon and environmental footprint of biobased plastics — Part 4: Environmental
(total) footprint (Life cycle assessment)
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ISO/FDIS 22526-4:2023(E)
© ISO 20222023
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no
part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on the internet or an intranet, without
prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below or
ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.orgwww.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2023 – All rights reserved
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ISO/FDIS 22526-4:2023(E)
Contents
Forword . vi
Introduction . vii
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Methodology for LCA of biobased products . 2
4.1 General description of an LCA .2
4.2 General aspects of LCA for biobased plastic products .2
4.3 Goal and scope of the LCA study .3
5 Life cycle inventory (LCI) . 5
5.1 General .5
5.2 Sources of data .6
5.3 Allocation procedure .7
5.4 LCI — Collecting data and modelling .8
5.5 Inventory of fossil and biogenic carbon flows . 11
5.6 Guidance for modelling agro-, forestry and aquaculture systems . 11
6 Life cycle impacts assessment (LCIA) . 16
6.1 Impact categories and impact indicators . 16
6.2 Guidelines for specific impact indicators . 17
7 Interpretation and reporting of LCA . 18
7.1 Interpretation . 18
7.2 Reporting of LCA . 19
7.3 Critical review . 19
Annex A (informative) Example of allocation on glycerol . 20
A.1 Example for the basic approach . 20
Annex B (informative) Examples of fossil and biogenic carbon flows accounting and
communication . 21
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ISO/FDIS 22526-4:2023(E)
B.1 Example of fossil and biogenic carbon flows accounting . 21
B.2 Example of a representation of cradle-to-gate / cradle-to-grave perspective . 22
Annex C (informative) Examples of Impact categories and impact indicators . 24
C.1 Indicator of impacts which contribute to climate change . 24
C.2 Indicators of impacts which contribute to the exhaustion of non-renewable resources . 24
C.3 Impact which contributes to the exhaustion of renewable resources . 24
C.4 Indicators of impacts affecting human health . 24
Bibliography . 27
Forword . vi
Introduction . vii
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references. 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Methodology for LCA of biobased products . 2
4.1 General description of an LCA .2
4.2 General aspects of LCA for biobased plastic products .2
4.3 Goal and scope of the LCA study .3
4.3.1 Goal of the LCA study .3
4.3.2 Scope of the LCA study .3
5 Life cycle inventory (LCI) . 5
5.1 General .5
5.2 Sources of data .6
5.2.1 General .6
5.2.2 Geographical data .6
5.2.3 Temporal data .6
5.3 Allocation procedure .7
5.4 LCI — Collecting data and modelling .8
5.4.1 Considerations for resource use .8
5.4.2 Land use .8
5.4.3 Water inventory .9
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ISO/FDIS 22526-4:2023(E)
5.5 Inventory of fossil and biogenic carbon flows . 11
5.6 Guidance for modelling agro-, forestry and aquaculture systems . 11
5.6.1 Modelling agricultural systems . 11
5.6.2 Modelling forestry systems . 15
5.6.3 Modelling aquaculture systems . 15
5.6.4 Modelling the use-phase in LCAs of biobased products. 15
5.6.5 Modelling end-of-life processes in LCAs of biobased products . 16
6 Life cycle impacts assessment (LCIA) . 16
6.1 Impact categories and impact indicators . 16
6.1.1 General . 16
6.1.2 Selection of impact categories . 16
6.1.3 Applicability of methods and data . 16
6.1.4 Weighting and comparative assertions disclosed to the public . 17
6.2 Guidelines for specific impact indicators . 17
6.2.1 Treatment of fossil and biogenic carbon in assessing climate change . 17
6.2.2 Land use . 17
6.2.3 Impact of water use . 18
7 Interpretation and reporting of LCA . 18
7.1 Interpretation . 18
7.2 Reporting of LCA . 19
7.3 Critical review . 19
Annex A (informative) Example of allocation on glycerol . 20
Annex B (informative) Examples of fossil and biogenic carbon flows accounting and
communication . 21
Annex C (informative) Examples of impact categories and impact indicators . 24
Bibliography . 27
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ISO/FDIS 22526-4:2023(E)
Forword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO
collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directiveswww.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of any
patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or on
the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patentswww.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World
Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see
www.iso.org/iso/foreword.htmlwww.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 61, Plastics, Subcommittee SC 14,
Environmental aspects.
A list of all parts in the ISO 22526 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at
www.iso.org/members.htmlwww.iso.org/members.html.
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ISO/FDIS 22526-4:2023(E)
Introduction
Increased use of biomass resources for manufacturing plastic products can be effective in reducing global
warming and the depletion of fossil resources.
Current plastic products are composed of biobased synthetic polymers, fossil-based synthetic polymers,
natural polymers and additives that can include biobased materials.
Biobased plastics refer to plastics that contain materials wholly or partly of biogenic origin.
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FINAL DRAFT INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/FDIS 22526-4:2023(E)
Plastics — Carbon and environmental footprint of biobased
plastics — Part 4: Environmental (total) footprint (Life cycle
assessment)
1 Scope
This document provides Lifelife cycle assessment (LCA) requirements and guidance to assess impacts
over the life cycle of biobased plastic products, materials and polymer resins, which are partly or wholly
based on biobased constituents.
The applications of LCA as such are outside the scope of this document. Clarifications, considerations,
practices, simplifications and options for the different applications, are also beyond the scope of this
document.
In addition, this document can be applied in studies that do not cover the whole life cycle, with
justification, for example in the case of business-to-business information, such as cradle-to-gate studies,
gate-to-gate studies, and specific parts of the life cycle (e.g. waste management, components of a product).
For these studies, most requirements of this document are applicable (e.g. data quality, collection and
calculation as well as allocation and critical review), but not all the requirements for the system boundary.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 472, Plastics — Vocabulary
ISO 14025, Environmental labels and declarations — Type III environmental declarations — Principles and
procedures
ISO 14040:2006, Environmental management — Life cycle assessment — Principles and framework
ISO 14044:2006, Environmental management — Life cycle assessment — Requirements and guidelines
ISO/TR 21960, Plastics — Environmental aspects — State of knowledge and methodologies
EN 16575, Bio-based products — Vocabulary
EN 16760, Bio-based products — Life cycle assessment
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN 16760ISO 472, ISO 14040,
ISO 14044, ISO 472EN 16575, EN 16760 and ISO/TR 21960 apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
© ISO 2023 – All rights reserved 1
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ISO/FDIS 22526-4:2023(E)
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obphttps://www.iso.org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/https://www.electropedia.org/
4 Methodology for LCA of biobased products
4.1 General description of an LCA
The general description of life cycle assessment is defined in ISO 14040:2006, Clause 4.
4.2 General aspects of LCA for biobased plastic products
The LCA of a biobased plastic product shall cover the whole product, not only the biobased part; see
Figure 1. However, the focus of this document is on how to handle the specificities of the biobased part
of the product.
Figure 1 — Example of a product system of a biobased plastic product which includes biomass
as well as non-biogenic material feedstocks
NOTE 1 The boxes linked with bold arrows in Figure 1 represent the flows of biobased products (partly or fully
derived from biomass) that can be raw materials, intermediary products and final product.
NOTE 2 For simplification purposes, transportation steps have not been reported in Figure 1, but transportation
can occur within or between any of the unit processes.
This document provides requirements and guidelines for biobased products: see 54.3, Clause 5, Clause 6,
and Clause 7, Clause 8.
An LCA for a biobased product shall include the four phases of LCA. LCA requirements and guidelines are
provided in ISO 14044:2006, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 and 4.5.
This document provides further guidance on the following, which can be important for biobased plastic
products, due to their biomass origin:
— geographical (see 65.2.2) and temporal scope (see 65.2.3) to be representative for the biomass
acquisition phase considering agricultural, forest and aquaculture specificities;
— allocation procedures (see 65.3) as the production stages typically generates co-products;
— consideration for resource elementary flows (see 65.4.1);
2 © ISO 2023 – All rights reserved
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ISO/FDIS 22526-4:2023(E)
— data collection and modelling for land use (see 65.4.2), water use (see 65.4.3), and fossil and biogenic
carbon flows (see 65.5);
— modelling of agriculture and aquaculture systems (see 65.6) and
— inventory and modelling requirements for biobased plastic products end-of-life (see 65.6.4).
ThisThe ISO 22526 series of Standards focuses on biobased products for industrial application; food, feed
and energy are excluded from the scope. However, the guidelines and requirements for LCA provided in
this standarddocument can be applied to any product derived from biomass, irrespective of the
application.
4.3 Goal and scope of the LCA study
4.3.1 Goal of the LCA study
When defining the goal of the LCA study, the requirements of ISO 14040:2006, 5.2.1 and ISO 14044:2006,
4.2.2 and 4.2.3 shall apply.
There is no single solution as to how LCA can be best be applied, it depends on the goal of the LCA and on
each organization size and culture, its products, the strategy, the internal systems, tools and procedures
and the external drivers.
In defining the goal of an LCA, the following items shall be clearly stated:
— the intended application of the study;
— the reasons for carrying out the study;
— the intended audience, i.e. to whom the results of the study are intended to be communicated; and
— whether the results are intended to be used in comparative assertions intended to be disclosed to
the public.
4.3.2 Scope of the LCA study
4.3.2.1 General
The scope should be sufficiently well -defined to ensure that the breadth, depth and detail of the study
are compatible and sufficient to address the stated goal.
In addition to the definition of the scope of the LCA study in ISO 14044:2006, 4.2.3, the limitations,
assumptions and methods to assess issues specific to biobased products should be explained (e.g.
assumptions for use stage, for end-of-life stage, carbon storage)).
In some cases, the goal and scope of the study may be revised due to unforeseen limitations, constraints
or as a result of additional information. Such modifications, together with their justification, should be
documented.
It shall be determined which impact categories, category indicators and characterization models are
included within the LCA study. The selection of impact categories, category indicators and
characterization models used in the LCIA methodology shall be consistent with the goal of the study and
considered as described in ISO 14044:2006, 4.4.2.2.
4.3.2.2 Function and functional unit
In defining the functional unit, the requirements of ISO 14040:2006, 5.2.2 and ISO 14044:2006, 4.2.3.2
shall apply.
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ISO/FDIS 22526-4:2023(E)
The scope of an LCA shall clearly specify the function (performance characteristics) of the product system
being studied. The functional unit shall be consistent with the goal and scope of the study. One of the
primary purposes of a functional unit is to provide a reference to which the input and output data are
related. This reference is necessary to ensure comparability of LCA results, in particular when different
systems are being assessed to enable comparison on a common basis. Therefore, the functional unit shall
be clearly defined and measurable.
An appropriate reference flow shall be determined in relation to the functional unit. The quantitative
input and output data collected in support of the analysis shall be calculated in relation to this flow. For
biobased products which are intermediates or which can serve several functions or services, it is
recommended to use a reference flow such as weight or volume (e.g. 1 kg of product), and to provide
information whether it refers to dry matter weight, gross weight, etc.
EXAMPLE In the function of drying hands, both a paper towel and an air-dryer system are studied. The selected
functional unit can be expressed in terms of the identical number of pairs of hands dried for both systems. For each
system, it is possible to determine the reference flow, e.g. the average mass of paper or the average volume of hot
air required for one pair of hand-dry, respectively. For both systems, it is possible to compile an inventory of inputs
and outputs on the basis of the reference flows. At its simplest level, in the case of paper towel, this is related to the
paper consumed. In the case of the air-dryer, this is related to the mass of hot air needed to dry the hands (copied
from ISO 14040:2006, 5.2.2).
4.3.2.3 System boundary
In defining the system boundary, the requirements of ISO 14040:2006, 5.2.3 and ISO 14044:2006, 4.2.3.3
shall apply.
The system boundary shall be explained clearly and in an unambiguous way, preferably in a flow chart
figure. The exclusion of any life cycle stage shall be documented and explained.
LCA technique with proper justification may be applied in studies that are not LCA or LCI studies.
Examples are:
— cradle-to-gate studies;
— gate-to-gate studies; and
— specific parts of the life cycle (e.g. waste management, components of a product).
4.3.2.4 Cut-off criteria
When using cut-off criteria to decide on inclusion of inputs and outputs, the requirements of
ISO 14044:2006, 4.2.3.3.3 shall apply.
The choice of elements of the physical system to be modelled depends on the goal and scope definition of
the study, its intended application and audience, the assumptions made, data and cost constraints, and
cut-off criteria. The models used should be described and the assumptions underlying those choices
should be identified. The cut-off criteria used within a study should be clearly understood and defined
within the goal and scope definition phase.
In principle, all elementary and technosphere flows should be accounted for. If not, mass, energy
environmental significance should be used to determine cut-off criteria. The final report shall include an
estimation of completeness, based on:
— Mass cut-off (in % of total product mass): best estimation of the mass of all non-accounted
components of the product.
— Energy cut-off (in % of total energy consumption): best estimation of all energy consumption of non-
accounted mass inputs. Environmental significance: decisions on cut-off criteria should be based on
best knowledge of environmental significance. Such information may, for example, be sought on
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ISO/FDIS 22526-4:2023(E)
safety data sheets for toxicological and ecotoxicological effects of a product where substance
classification can guide on possible cut-offs regarding such categories. For assessment of other
relevant environmental impacts also other sources of information should be looked for, such as
emission declaration, approval documentation, etc. Inputs such as transport of staff, or consumer
transport may be excluded as where it is established that they are insignificant.
Such simplifications shall be explicitly stated in the study report along with any supporting
documentation showing these calculations, specifying the names of any flows which have not been taken
into consideration.
4.3.2.5 LCIA methodology and types of impacts
The choices of which impact categories, category indicators and characterization models are selected
within the LCA study shall be explained.
4.3.2.6 Data quality
Data quality requirements shall be specified to enable the goal and scope of the LCA to be met and should
address what is listed in ISO 14044:2006, 4.2.3.6.2 and 4.2.3.6.3.
Site-specific and primary data should be used when appropriate and in line with the goal and scope of
the study.
The selection of level of geographical detail should be consistent with the goal and intended use of the
LCA and be justified in view of the availability and quality of data.
4.3.2.7 Comparisons between systems
As this document pro
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