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Source | Nippon Electric Glass via EuCIA

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The (EuCIA, Brussels, Belgium) has announced the addition of new glass fiber data to its Eco Impact Calculator, its online tool which enables composites companies to calculate the environmental impact associated with the production of their products.

The Eco Impact Calculator can be accessed free of charge at , and is a life cycle assessment (LCA) tool that is regularly updated to incorporate the latest advances in composite materials and process technologies. The new glass fiber data follows the availability of new data for carbon fibers announced in February 2020.

, the Brussels-based European Glass Fibre Producers Association, has produced a new, EU-average, peer-reviewed set of LCA data for glass fiber products based on the most recent industry manufacturing practices. This data, which includes multi-end and direct roving, dry chopped strand and for the first time glass fiber mat products, has been entered into the ecoinvent databases. With the assistance of EY Climate Change and Sustainability Services (EY CCaSS) in the Netherlands, EuCIA has also imported this data into the Eco Impact Calculator. EuCIA has decided to maintain both the existing and new data sets as material choices in the tool to allow the industry to transition at its own pace.

The Eco Calculator calculates the environmental impact of products “from cradle to gate,” including raw materials, transport, processing and waste generation to the point of sale. 

"GlassFibreEurope is committed to demonstrating glass fiber’s contribution to sustainable development, innovation and quality of life,” says Dr. Axel Jorns, permanent representative of CAA – Carl-August Advisory srl, and secretary general of FibreGlass Europe. “The European glass fiber industry has made a concerted effort to provide the most up-to-date industry-based LCA data and we are excited that this is now available to use through EuCIA's Eco Calculator.”

“EuCIA strongly believes that sustainability and the circular economy are key to the future development of the composites industry,” says EuCIA’s President, Roberto Frassine. “Glass fiber is the most widely used reinforcement for composites and this valuable new data from GlassFibreEurope represents the state of the art of the glass fiber industry. The Eco Calculator is a ‘living’ tool and we will continue to review the database and add to it as new and improved technologies enter the market.”

EuCIA’s Eco Impact Calculator calculates the eco footprint of composite parts using a transparent and uniform sector methodology for processes following ISO 14.040/044. The Eco Calculator calculates the environmental impact of products from cradle to gate, including the raw materials, transport, processing and waste generation up to the point of sale. The calculation of consecutive manufacturing processes is possible as well as modified materials. Users do not need any in-depth knowledge of LCA techniques to use the tool and the data can be exported in the form of an Eco Report to allow full life cycle calculations.

The Eco Calculator incorporates a pre-defined set of materials and processes, based on data EuCIA has collected over the past four years. Users are also able to enter their own data to generate a more precise result for their individual products and processes. The materials and processes included in the tool are under continuous review for quality and consistency, and new data is regularly added to extend and improve its scope and accuracy.

Organizations wishing to contribute to the further development of the Eco Calculator are invited to contact EuCIA.