(Marketwired) - Draft Product Category Rule (PCR) modules for Roundwood and Pulp/Paper are now available for public comment. Announced in September 2015, these are the first PCR modules for roundwood and pulp/paper to allow for the development of Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) that cover a comprehensive set of environmental and health impact categories. SCS Global Services (SCS) is the Program Operator of the PCR development, which is being organized by the Environmental Paper Network North America (EPN).

"We are pleased to send this draft to public comment and welcome stakeholder feedback," said Joshua Martin, Director of EPN-North America. "This process will ensure that the PCR modules take into account the view of many stakeholders and include the most robust LCA methodology possible, thereby producing an effective decision-making resource for sustainability managers and consumers."

"We are excited to get to this step into the process, and look forward to receiving constructive feedback on the draft PCR modules," said Tobias Schultz of SCS, Chair of the PCR Working Group. "This PCR will set a new standard for LCA in not just the wood and paper sector, but other industries as well."

The PCR Working Group, comprised of members from industry, academia, and environmental groups, includes (listed alphabetically by last name):

• Richard Condit, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute

• James Ford, Climate for Ideas

• Jason Grant, Sierra Club

• Laura Hickey, National Wildlife Federation

• Susan Kinsella, Conservatree

• Jeff Mendelsohn, New Leaf Papers

• Henry Sauvagnat, Chempap Inc.

• Tobias Schultz, SCS Global Services (chair)

• Yalmaz Siddiqui, Office Depot

• Robert Vos, University of Southern California

• Ann Whalen, Appleton Coated Papers

For those interested in learning more, a public webinar will be held on January 14 regarding the PCRs. Register here.

The public comment period is open until January 31st. If you are interested in providing comments, please visit this webpage for instructions.

About the North American Environmental Paper Network
EPN, founded in 2002, is a network of organizations dedicated to empowering and motivating consumers, corporations, organizations and governments to protect forests, climate, air, water and communities through more sustainable production and consumption of pulp and paper. EPN member organizations are working to create transformational change in the pulp and paper industry in accordance with the Global Paper Vision and its seven priority areas. For information, visit www.environmentalpaper.org.

About SCS Global Services
SCS Global Services has been providing global leadership in third-party environmental and sustainability certification, auditing, testing, and standards development for more than three decades. Programs span a cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in green building, manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, and more. SCS is a Benefit Corporation, reflecting its corporate commitment to creating a material positive impact on society and the environment.