Product Category Rules Development
Product Category Rules (PCRs) define the framework for developing Environmental Product Declarations within a specific product category. They ensure consistent results and comparability for mutual recognition across all published EPDs.
Where Every EPD Begins
Before any life-cycle modelling can start, the product category needs a rulebook. Product Category Rules (PCRs) set the scope, system boundaries, functional unit and calculation rules that make every EPD within a category consistent and mutually comparable. Developed under the Global GreenTag General Program Instructions and aligned with ISO 14025 and EN 15804, this first phase lays the foundation the remaining three phases build on.
PCR development follows a structured five-step process — from appointing a moderator through a minimum 30-day public consultation to Expert Committee approval and periodic review — detailed in the section below.
Where This Phase Fits
PCR Development
Define the rules & scope for the product category.
LCA & EPD Development
Model the footprint; draft the EPD.
External & Internal Verification
Verifier reviews LCA & EPD against standards.
Registry & Publication
Register and publish the verified EPD.
PCR development is the entry point of the EPD journey — the phase that makes everything downstream consistent and comparable.
The PCR Development Process
From initial commencement to periodic review, PCR development follows a rigorous five-phase methodology to ensure quality and stakeholder alignment.
Appoint a moderator, research existing PCRs, announce development on the website, and engage interested parties.
Use the Master PCR template with input from existing PCRs to draft the new product category rules.
Expert Panel and Stakeholder Consultation with invitation, comment review, and a minimum 30-day public consultation period.
Expert Committee reviews the finalised PCR and approves it for publication on the GreenTag website.
Regular validity checks and updates when significant changes arise in the product category or standards.
Who's Involved
Three key roles drive PCR development, each contributing specialised expertise to ensure comprehensive, balanced product category rules.
PCR Moderator
Coordinates the entire PCR development process from commencement through to publication and ongoing quality control.
- Identify relevant CPC codes and invite experts
- Submit time plans and draft proposals
- Manage stakeholder consultation process
- Revise PCR based on feedback received
- Remain contact person during market use
LCA/PCR Experts
Companies and organisations contribute domain knowledge in relevant business sectors and life cycle assessment methodology.
- Provide technical LCA expertise
- Advise on presenting results in the EPD
- Contribute sector-specific knowledge
- Participate in the PCR review panel
Stakeholder Group
Selected to representatively cover different sectors nationally and internationally, ensuring balanced and comprehensive PCR outcomes.
- Participate in PCR preparation
- Harmonise new and existing PCRs
- Represent diverse sector interests
- Review and comment during consultation
What Goes Into a PCR
Every Product Category Rule must address twelve core requirements, ensuring comprehensive environmental assessment coverage.
Products Covered
Define the product range and categories addressed by the PCR.
Category Definition
Product category definition and detailed description of included products.
Goal and Scope
Functional unit, system boundaries, data quality requirements, and cut-off rules.
Materials and Substances
Materials and substances to be declared in the environmental assessment.
Inventory Analysis
Data collection procedures, calculation methods, and allocation rules for results.
Pre-determined Parameters
Parameters established for consistent reporting of LCA data across EPDs.
Impact Categories
Impact category selection and calculation rules for environmental assessment.
Downstream Processes
Description of use and end-of-life stages within the product lifecycle.
Additional Environmental Info
Rules governing the inclusion of supplementary environmental data.
EPD Content and Format
Instructions governing the content structure and format of published EPDs.
Omitted Life Cycle Stages
Information on any life cycle stages excluded and rationale for omission.
Validity and Renewal
Document validity period and schedule for periodic review and renewal.
PCR Master Document
The PCR Master Document contains all required information for developing product-category-specific PCRs. A new template was released in January 2025, and all deviations from the template must be highlighted and approved by the Expert Committee.
Mutual Recognition
Global GreenTag maintains agreements with other ISO 14025-conformant EPD programs. Recognised PCRs must align on functional unit, system boundary, impact categories, allocation rules, and stakeholder engagement requirements.
Public Consultation
All PCRs receive a minimum 30-day public consultation period. They are published on the GreenTag website and newsletter. The moderator addresses concerns and modifies the PCR when appropriate before sending it to the PCR Review Panel for final approval.
PCR Lifecycle
Understanding how PCRs are maintained, updated, and retired ensures the ongoing integrity of your Environmental Product Declarations.
Public Consultation
All PCRs must undergo a minimum 30-day public consultation period, published on the GreenTag website and newsletter.
- Minimum 30-day consultation period
- Published on website and newsletter
- Moderator addresses all concerns
- PCR modified when appropriate
- Sent to Review Panel for approval
Updates & Validity
PCRs are reviewed at regular intervals. An expired PCR cannot be used for new EPDs. Version numbers are assigned on each update.
- Regular interval reviews for validity
- Version numbers assigned on update
- Can be updated anytime during validity
- Validity extended when updated before expiry
- Expired PCR cannot issue new EPDs
De-registration
The Secretariat can de-register PCRs to reduce overlapping scopes. The PCR moderator and Expert Committee are informed of any de-registration decision.
- Reduces overlapping product scopes
- Moderator notified of decisions
- Committee informed prior to action
- Based on market demand assessment
Mutual Recognition
Agreements with other ISO 14025-conformant programs require alignment across these key criteria for PCR mutual recognition.
Functional Unit
Agreed basis for comparison of product environmental performance.
System Boundary
Consistent scope of life cycle stages included in the assessment.
Impact Categories
Aligned selection of environmental impact indicators and methods.
Allocation Rules
Consistent methods for distributing impacts across co-products.
Recycled Material Approach
Agreed methodology for recycled content and end-of-life recycling.
Similar Products Inclusion
Rules for which related products may be covered under the same PCR.
Validity Period
Aligned PCR validity duration and renewal requirements.
Stakeholder Engagement
Comparable consultation and stakeholder participation processes.
Ready to develop a PCR?
Get in touch with our team to begin the PCR development process or express your interest in joining an existing review panel.
Once the PCR is in place, the next phase is LCA & EPD Development.