Representative Product Approach
To create the EPD, we selected a product that represents a major share of our joint production in 2024. We followed the standard Life Cycle Assessment (LCA**) method, of using a “worst-case” example – meaning the product with the highest carbon footprint per kilogram. This is to ensure that the environmental data is reliable.
We analyzed different joint types (1-phase, 3-phase, and repair joints) and chose the one with the highest CO₂ emissions for a full cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment.
Results and Comparisons
The EPD concludes that a 2.15 kg cold shrink compact joint causes about 24kg of CO₂ emissions when manufactured. For context, this impact is approximately equivalent to:
- A short-distance flight of 45–60 minutes (one passenger)
- Around 35 pints of beer
- 3–4 servings (75 g each) of beef
The EPD shows how environmental impacts vary between product versions and how renewable energy use can influence the results. The official EPD is calculated using non-renewable energy, because there are currently no renewable energy supply agreements that cover the whole validity period of the EPD (until 2030). However, Ensto remains strongly committed to renewable energy, and the EPD also includes alternative results based on renewable energy use.
Key Insights and Next Steps
The EPD highlights that most environmental impacts and reduction opportunities lie in materials – particularly aluminum, silicone, and other metals. Ensto’s own manufacturing emissions remain very low.
The results would also be lower if more detailed supplier data on embedded emissions were available. To ensure transparency and avoid greenwashing, conservative assumptions were used for material impacts and end-of-life scenarios.
Ensto is also actively enhancing supplier data collection, implementing rating systems, and strengthening supply chain collaboration. These efforts aim to ensure that future EPD updates capture realized reduction potential and reflect progress toward more sustainable material sourcing and energy use.
Read More
- See the EPD from the EPD-Hub
- For example, take a look at Cold Shrink Joint CJ11.2403, which has an EPD
* Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is an information sheet about a product’s environmental impact during its whole life cycle. It is standardized and verified by an external party.
** Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is standardized methodology for evaluating product life cycle impacts and identifying areas for improvement.