Recycle Bell Private Limited, under the trade name Econiture, manufactures furniture using plastic waste at their manufacturing unit in Amravati, Maharashtra. This waste is sorted, processed, and extruded into lumber, which is then used to create a range of products. The products manufactured include chairs, stools, benches, tables, and shelves. Some of the processed waste plastics are also sold at various manufacturing stages, enhancing their sustainability initiatives. To thoroughly understand the environmental impact of their products, Econiture partnered with Monk Spaces to conduct a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).

The assessment began by identifying the relevant Product Category Rules (PCR) from the International EPD System. Econiture’s products were assessed following the guidelines of PCR 2019:14 – Construction products and PCR 2019:14-c-PCR-021 Furniture. The system boundary for the LCA includes the cradle-to-gate (A1-A3), the end-of-life (C1-C4), and beyond life cycle modules (D). The PCR also specified the environmental impact indicators to be declared, including Global Warming Potential (GWP), Water Deprivation Potential (WDP), and others.

Following the PCR requirements, data sheets were developed to capture detailed information about raw materials and ancillary materials used in the manufacturing process. The data for transportation, electricity usage, water consumption, waste generation, and packaging of finished products were also collected. The collected data was then used to calculate the environmental impacts per unit of product, utilizing the OneClick LCA tool and the Ecoinvent database.

During the LCA process, data unit discrepancies caused inconsistencies in the initial results. To resolve this, the data was meticulously reviewed and corrected. The environmental impacts were then recalculated to ensure accuracy. Version tracking systems were also used to document all revisions, ensuring transparency and reliability. This iterative approach is essential for reliable and precise LCA assessments. By refining data and updating methodologies, Econiture ensures transparency in evaluating its environmental footprint.

A detailed comparative assessment was also conducted to evaluate the cradle-to-gate environmental impacts of Econiture furniture. The comparison was done against conventional furniture made from steel, wood, and concrete. The comparison focused on the impacts per kilogram of furniture, considering key environmental impact indicators such as GWP-Total, WDP, and Abiotic Depletion Potential for Fossil Resources (ADP-Fossil). Primary Energy Non-Renewable Total (PENRT) was also assessed, representing the total use of non-renewable primary energy consumed during production. The assessment revealed that Econiture’s furniture generally performed better in several impact categories.

Once the comparison is complete, the assessment covers checks on completeness, sensitivity and consistency. Through this LCA, Econiture demonstrates its production of sustainable furniture and its dedication to environmental responsibility in the industry.