First Cradle-To-Grave EPDs

Sika, the worldwide market leader in thermoplastic roofing and waterproofing membranes, has published new product-specific Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) for its Sarnafil® S 327 and G 410 single-ply PVC roofing membranes. By publishing these new EPDs, Sika becomes the first manufacturer in the industry to distribute Cradle-to-Grave declarations for single-ply roofing membranes.

The EPDs, which are verified by ASTM International, provide a summary of detailed environmental impact data developed in a life-cycle analysis of the products. While most manufacturers, including Sika, offer a basic Cradle-to-Gate EPD for their roofing membranes, the Cradle-to-Grave version offers a complete life-cycle picture of the product and its impact on the environment. Cradle-to-Grave EPDs include all stages from raw material extraction (cradle) through the production of the membrane as well as delivery to site and installation, maintenance and end of service life (grave).

Unlike with Cradle-to-Gate EPDs, which only offer a portion of the product’s life cycle, the additional information included in Cradle-to-Grave EPDs allows architects, contractors and building owners to make much more informed decisions in regard to the environmental effects of their product purchases as they now have the ability to see a complete picture.  

“We here at Sika have always prided ourselves as being a sustainable company in the products we produce and in our operations,” said Bill Bellico, Director of Marketing for Sika Roofing. “We’ve been manufacturing our proven, Sarnafil roof membranes for over 50 years and are proud to take the product transparency of the single ply roofing industry to the next level with our Cradle-to-Grave EPDs.”