CopperCopper is an efficient material when construction planners are looking for a sustainable material. Important changes in European environmental certification are now recognized according to German copper institute the contribution that copper can make to the circular economy. The changes to the published in October 2019 Standard EN 15804 contain core rules for product categories (PCR) for type III environmental declarations for every construction product and construction work.

The standard describes which phases in the product life cycle are taken into account in the EPD (Environmental Product Declaration). It is now mandatory to consider the end of product life and to report the additional benefits and burdens that result from reusing or recycling end of life products.


Igus urban bikePlastic recycling from and for industry and other uses


This modification of the standard will help reduce the environmental impact of copper and others metals to anchor them more firmly in the market at the end of their service life and to position them as sustainable solutions for construction applications.

Recycling champion copper unbeatable

The standard uses a modular approach for the phases in the product life cycle.

  • Production (module A)
  • in use (module B)
  • End-of-life phase (module C) 
  • End-of-life recycling (module D)

In the new standard, the compulsory module D gives an overview of the recycling performance and the benefits for the entire product life cycle. The module is therefore a key element in supporting an environmentally friendly circular economy in the construction sector.


SolidWorks 2022Solidworks 2023 | CAD software by and for users


Copper has an infinite lifespan. This renewable metal can be recycled over and over again without losing its properties. Copper recycling saves considerable abiotic resources and enormous amounts of energy. Copper requires 85% less energy than primary production. With the current focus on resource efficiency and recycling, recycling aspects must be taken into account in the environmental product declaration (EPD).

Copper remains the material of choice

The revised standard contains many improvements and significant changes for working with EPDs as an important next step. This promotes the use of recyclable building materials made of metals such as tin, zinc, brass, iron, bronze, aluminum, silver or alloys. The effects and benefits of recycling and reclaiming or reusing building materials are taken into account. Copper remains as a sustainable and exemplary recyclable metal for many areas of application material the first choice.

You might also be interested in...

Structural resin and composite for the high demands of aviation

Structural resin and composite for the high demands of aviation

Rampf presents a structural resin for the fairing in the aircraft main landing gear and a cyanate ester infusion system for ...
Microwave technology for curing and processing times that are up to 4 times faster

Microwave technology for curing and processing times that are up to 4 times faster

With the new modular microwave technology "Raku Microwave Curing" from Rampf, ultra-fast curing and...
Impact-resistant special molding compound for high-gloss body components

Impact-resistant special molding compound for high-gloss body components

Electric drives open up new design options for vehicle bodies. Röhm Molding Compounds presents ...
Ultra high-performance concrete for the large, heavy machine bed

Ultra high-performance concrete for the large, heavy machine bed

Ultra High Performance Concrete: Modesty definitely played no part in naming this material. After all...
KTL coating: frames for complex component geometries

KTL coating: frames for complex component geometries

Components that are to be coated using the KTL process are generally hung up on special devices...
Ultrashort pulse laser ablation for high-precision materials

Ultrashort pulse laser ablation for high-precision materials

Hail-Tec is the first company in Germany to offer the ultra-short pulse laser ablation (USP laser ablation) process as...