Porcelain stoneware tiles(Bla)

SECTION 2: Hazards identification

based on standard EN 14411 2016 (equivalent to standard ISO 13006 2018), i.e. they have a water absorption of less than 0.5% and are formed by pressing. Its common name is Porcelain Stoneware Tile. The porcelain stoneware tiles included in this study include 59 commercial formats, with and without glaze, with and without mechanical treatments, with thicknesses ranging from 6.5 mm to 14 mm, with an average fired weight of 21.5 kg/m2 and an unfired weight of 22.7 kg/m2. The annexes contain the results of the formats included in the scope of this EIS that present the minimum and maximum environmental impact, corresponding to the following formats: 30.4x60.8 cm of 15.5 kg/m2 and 40x40 cm of 34.6 kg/m2 in weight before firing and after firing of 15.1 kg/m2 and 29.8 kg/m2 respectively. The CPC code of the product is 37370. declares the following information about the technical specifications of the product: Product technical features (UGL) Technical properties Standard Average value Complies with Width the standard Complies with Longitude the standard Complies with Thickness the standard Straightness of EN-ISO Complies with sides 10545-2 the standard Orthogonality Complies with the standard Complies with Surface Flatness the standard Warp Complies with the standard Warpage EN-ISO 35-45 N/mm2 10545-4 Modulus of rupture EN-ISO 1600-2400 N Breaking Strength 10545-4 e>7.5 mm Modulus of rupture EN-ISO Bending strength 110-130 mm3 10545-6 Resistance to deep EN-ISO 10-6ºC-1 <7.0 x abrasion 10545-8 Linear thermal EN-ISO Resists expansion 10545-9 Thermal sock EN-ISO resistance 10545-12 Resists EN-ISO Frost resistance 10545-13 UA Class Chemical EN-ISO Complies with resistance 10545-14 the standard DIN 51130 DIN 51097 Depending on Stain resistance UNE 41901 models EX BS-EN 16165 6 A Verified Environmental Declaration Product technical features (GL) Technical Standard Average value properties Complies with the Width standard Complies with the Length standard Complies with the Thickness standard Straightness of EN-ISO Complies with the Sides 10545-2 standard Complies with the Rectangularity standard Surface Complies with the Flatness standard Complies with the Warpage standard Modulus of rupture Breaking 35 – 45 N/mm2 EN-ISO Strength 10545-4 Modulus of rupture Bending 1600-2400 N e>7.5 mm strength Resistance to EN-ISO Depending on Surface 10545-7 models abrasion Linear thermal EN-ISO <7.0 x 10-6ºC-1 expansion 10545-8 Thermal sock EN-ISO Resist resistance 10545-9 Cracking EN-ISO resistance 10545-11 Resist EN-ISO Frost resistance 10545-12 Resist Chemical EN-ISO resistance 10545-13 Class GA Stain resistance EN-ISO Minimum class 3 10545-14 This EPD covers residential interior and exterior flooring as a study scenario. However, the versatility of these ceramic tiles allows them to be installed in other locations such as walls, roofs, façades, exterior paving and other types of buildings with varying levels of foot traffic, such as hospitals, schools, offices and shopping centres The composition declared by the manufacturer is as follows: Substance/Component

Contains

Support (clays, feldspars, sands, etc.) 98% Decoration raw materials (grits, inks, dry- based glazes, liquid-based glazes and 2% micronized glazes) Substances contained in the product that are listed in the "Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) for Authorization" do not exceed 0.1% by weight of the product 3. LCA Information 3.1. Life Cycle Assestsment The LCA has been carried out with the support of the LCA for Experts software (Sphera-GaBi) [7] and with the latest version of the 2024.2 database. (SP40.0) [8]) (SpheraSolutions). The characterisation factors used are those included in the EN 15804 2012+A2 2019 standard. 3.2. Functional unit The functional unit considered is “Covering and decoration of 1 m² of indoor or outdoor flooring with ceramic tiles, with thicknesses ranging from 6.5 mm to 14 mm, from group BIa and an average weight of 21.6 kg/m² for 50 years.". 3.3. Reference service life (RSL) The reference service life of the product is the same as that of the building where it is installed, provided that it is installed correctly, as it is a long-lasting product that does not require replacement. A service life of 50 years has been considered Unit (expressed by Parameter functional unit) Reference service life Minimum 50 years Minimum values of the relevant characteristics according to Annex G of Declared product properties the EN 14411. (on gate), coatings, etc. For more information, request technical data sheets according to model. Design parameters of the For more information: Recomendaciones en la application (manufacturer's instalación de productos instructions), including cerámicos – TAU references to good practices cerámica Estimated quality of work, For more information, when installed according to request technical data the manufacturer's sheets according to specifications model. Results of the values of Installed from outside the relevant environment (for outdoor characteristics according applications), e.g. to Annex G of the EN weathering, pollutants, UV 14411. radiation and wind exposure, For more information, building orientation, shading, request technical data temperature, etc. sheets according to model. Results of the values of the relevant characteristics according Indoor environment (for to Annex G of the EN indoor applications), e.g. 14411. temperature, humidity, chemical exposure For more information, request technical data sheets according to model. For more information, Conditions of use, e.g.: request technical data frequency of use, sheets according to mechanical exposure, etc. model. For more information: Maintenance, e.g.: required frequency, type and quality Recomendaciones en and replacement of la instalación de replaceable components productos cerámicos – TAU cerámica 8 A Verified Environmental Declaration 3.4. Allocation rules In accordance with the standards and PCR, the principle of causality has been applied when assigning inputs and outputs in processes with multiple inputs and/or outputs. Therefore, an attempt has been made to establish the physical relationship between the inputs and outputs of the system and its different products. In generally terms, the inputs and outputs assigned to the declared unit have been weighted averages based on the production or specific weight of the tiles before and after firing, according to the criteria for each stage of the process. 3.5. Cut-off rule and exclusions In this cradle-to-grave LCA study, a cut-off rule of 1% for the energy use (renewable and non - renewable) and 1% of total mass in those unitary processes, whose data is insufficient, have been applied. In total, more than 95% of all mass and energy inputs and outputs of the system have been included, excluding the not available nor quantified data. The excluded data are the following: • Diffuse emissions of particles into the atmosphere generated during the transport and storage of powdered raw materials. • Channelled atmospheric emissions, not regulated by law, generated during the combustion stages. • Long-term emissions (>100 years). • The production of goods, machinery, infrastructure, and industrial equipment that can be replaced in less than a year. • Mortar losses in stage A5. • Waste generated in mines, other than unusable soil, which is managed externally. • The catalyst used in the installation of fibreglass. 3.6. Representativeness, quality and selection of data The primary data have been provided directly by PAMESA Industrial Group, with six production centres located in Almazora, Castellón de la Plana, Onda and Villarreal (Castellón). In addition, primary data has been obtained from four spray-dried granule manufacturing plants belonging to the PAMESA Industrial Group located in Alcora and Onda (Castellón), from three mines managed by PAMESA Industrial Group located in the municipalities of Estercuel, Gargallo, Mas de las Matas, Castellote, Seno and Berge (Teruel), from a polishing plant located in Onda (Castellón) and from the 11 logistics centres managed by the Pamesa Industrial Group. Secondary data was obtained from the most up- to-date Sphera-GaBi databases [8] and modelled using LCA for Experts (Sphera-GaBi) [7]. All data refers to a geographical scenario for Spain in 2023. The results presented are representative of ceramic tiles, expressed as an average weighted by the production of the ceramic tiles belonging to the BIa group range, limiting this average by the products with the minimum and maximum environmental impact. The global warming potential (GWP-total) of the different technologies that make up the electricity mix used is 0.38 kgCO2 eq/kWh 3.7. Other calculation rules and assumptions The 59 ceramic tile references have different weights and environmental impacts. The following table shows the deviations between the formats with the highest and lowest environmental impact and the average, in relation to the product stage (A1-A3). The maximum value corresponds to the format with the highest weight in raw material, the greatest application of decorative materials for that format, and the mechanical treatments applied. The minimum value corresponds to the format with the lowest weight in raw material, a minimum amount of decorative materials for that specific format, and no mechanical treatments. Annex I and Annex II show the environmental impact results of the reference with minimum impact values and maximum values for stage A1-A3 respectively. Impact Relative variation Indicator from the average GWP-total -36%/+33% AP -9%/+37% POCP -7%/+35% 10 A Verified Environmental Declaration 4. System limits, scenarios, and additional technical information. All life cycle modules relevant to ceramic tiles according to the PCRs have been included: 4.1. Pre-manufacturing processes (upstream). Raw materials (A1) and Transport (A2) Ceramic tiles are composed of a ceramic support and a decorative layer. The raw materials included in the composition of the substrate are mainly clays, feldspars, sands and ceramic waste generated during manufacture. Part of the clays present in the composition of BIa come from quarries managed by Pamesa. e raw materials for decoration (glazes, engobes and inks) are produced in specialised plants. The most common raw materials are ceramic frits, pigments and inorganic materials. The raw materials used have different origins, according to their nature and properties; they are transported by road or by ship in bulk, depending on the distance and location of the extraction point. 4.2. Manufacturing of the product Manufacturing (A3) The raw materials are wet-milled and spray-dried to form granules. This granule is sent to the forming stage by uniaxial dry pressing and later, they are placed in a continuous dryer to reduce their humidity. The tiles coming from the dryer are covered with one or more thin layers of engobe and glaze, and in some cases, it is mostly decorated by inkjet printing, grits can also be applied to give it different characteristics. The pieces are then fired in single-layer roller kilns, resulting in a hard material that is resistant to water and chemicals. Optionally, the parts undergo mechanical surface treatments, such as cutting, polishing, or rectifying. After passing quality control processes, the classified pieces are assembled and packaged. Finally, they are transported to the brand's logistics centres for distribution. 4.3. Construction Process Transport (A4) The product is distributed 22% in Spain, 45% in Europe and 33% in the rest of the world. A4 Transport to site Scenario Information Unit (expressed by functional unit) According to the Type and fuel consumption destinations in the of the vehicle, type of distribution as vehicles used for transport, described above: e.g. long distance trucks, 0.2476 l diesel (Euro ship, etc. truck 6, 27 t) 0.0244 l fuel oil (ship) 300 km national distribution: 22% 1390 km rest of Distance Europe distribution: 45% 6520 km rest of the world distribution: 33% Capacity utilisation (including 85% in truck no-load return) 100% ship Bulk density of transported ≈415.4 kg/m3 products Usable capacity factor (factor: = 1 or < 1 or ≥ 1 for products 1 that are packed compressed or nested) Product installation and process construction (A5). Once the product has been unpacked, it is installed using mortar, in accordance with the standard operating procedures for ceramic tiles. Packaging waste is managed separately depending on the geographical location of the installation site. To this end, three scenarios have been considered. Based on sales distribution, waste management has been considered for Spain, Europe and the rest of the world. 12 A Verified Environmental Declaration Furthermore, a 15% loss has been considered during the tile installation stage, according to data provided by Pamesa Industrial Group. A5 Installation Unit (expressed by Scenario Information functional unit) Supplementary materials for 3,3 kg/m2 installation (specify each material) Water use 0.8 l/m2 Use of other resources Not applicable Quantitative description of Not applicable the type of energy (regional mix) and consumption during the installation process Waste of materials at the Product losses: 3227 g construction site before Packaging wastes: processing of waste Cardboard: 162 g generated at the product Plastic: 28 g installation (specified by Wood: 80 g type) Output of materials Product losses for (specified by type) as a recycling: 2,259 g result of waste treatment Product losses for final waste at the construction deposition: 968 g site, e.g. from waste Incinerated cardboard: collected for recycling, 4 g energy recovery, disposal Recycled cardboard: (specified by route) 144 g Cardboard for final deposition: 14 g Incinerated plastic: 4 g Recycled plastic: 20 g Plastic for final deposition: 4 g Incinerated wood: 25 g Recycled wood: 37 g Wood for final deposition: 18 g Direct emissions to ambient Not applicable air, soil and water 4.4. Use linked to the structure of the building B1 Use Once installed, the tiles do not require any energy or water to operate. The only maintenance required after installation is normal cleaning. For this reason, only the environmental burdens attributable to the maintenance of the product (module B2) are considered. Maintenance process According to PCR for ceramic tiles (EN17160) residential scenario for floor cleaning Maintenance cycle Wash once a week with water and once every two weeks with detergent Auxiliary materials for Detergent: maintenance (e.g. cleaning 1.34E-04 kg/m2 per products) (specify each wash material) Material wastage during Not applicable maintenance (specify type)) Net tap water consumption 0.1 l/m2 per wash Energy input during Not applicable maintenance (e.g. vacuum cleaning), type of energy carrier (e.g. electricity) and amount, if applicable and relevant B3-B4-B5 Repair, Replacement and refurbishment Ceramic tiles do not require repair, replacement or refurbishment, and their potential impact is not significant. 4.5. Use linked to the operation of the building B6-B7 Operational energy use and Operational water use. These modules are not relevant for ceramic tiles. 4.6. End of life stage C1 Deconstruction and demolition The impacts attributable to the removal of the product in the context of a building rehabilitation or during its demolition are negligible, as specified in the RCP of ceramic tiles. C2 Transport Product waste is transported 50 km by lorry for management, either by disposal in inert landfills or for recycling. C3 Waste management for reuse, recovery and recycling 70% of tiles are considered to be recycled and/or reused, as indicated in the PCR. C4 Final disposal It was assumed that 30% of the product was sent to controlled landfills after its service life had ended. In addition, the adhesive material and 90% of the water used in the installation are taken into account. End of life Parameter Unit (expressed by functional unit) Collection process, 25,5 kg total specified by type Recovery system, 17,9 kg for recycling specified by type Disposal, specified by 7,7 kg to landfill type The product waste is transported in a Euro 6 compliant heavy-duty truck (27 t) to be managed either to Assumptions for landfilling or recycling. An scenario development average distance of (e.g.: transport) 50km from the building site to the final destination is considered. The return journey of the lorries is also included (100% empty return). 4.7. Benefits and burdens beyond the system Module D The net environmental burdens and net benefits of obtaining the secondary material from waste at the installation stage and at the end of life of the product have been considered. 4.8. Information on biogenic carbon content Ceramic tiles are mineral products and therefore do not contain biogenic carbon. According to standard EN 16449, it is necessary to calculate the biogenic carbon content, which in this case comes from packaging, wooden pallets and cardboard. Biogenic carbon content Parameter Unit (expressed by functional unit) Biogenic carbon content - of the product Biogenic carbon content 1.9E-01 kg C of the package 14 A Verified Environmental Declaration 5. Declaration of the environmental parameters of the LCA and the ICV. Environmental impacts. The estimated impact results are relative and do not indicate the final value of the impact categories, nor do they refer to threshold values, safety margins or