Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) Profiles of Ceramic Tiles, Sanitary Ware, Clay Roofing Tiles and Clay Bricks: Insights from One Click LCA and the International EPD System

This study presents a comparative evaluation of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) within the traditional ceramic industry, emphasizing the intersection of energy use, environmental performance, and policy-relevant data structures. Four product categories—ceramic tiles, sanitary ware, clay bricks, and clay roof tiles—were analyzed using datasets from One Click LCA and the International EPD System. Environmental indicators assessed include fossil-based and total Global Warming Potential (GWP), freshwater consumption, and energy demand, standardized per 1 kg of product. The analysis reveals significant discrepancies in data provenance and methodological consistency across platforms, with One Click LCA offering harmonized datasets for tiles and sanitary ware, while the International EPD System permits variable sources, particularly evident in brick EPDs. These inconsistencies hinder comparability and dilute the strategic value of EPDs in guiding low-carbon market transitions. The study highlights that energy-intensive production stages in tiles and sanitary ware contribute to elevated environmental burdens, underscoring the need for harmonized software tools, transparent reporting formats, and standardized background databases. Confidentiality regarding energy sources and firing temperatures remains a barrier to optimization, while the absence of fossil fuel-specific GWP guidance and high EPD development costs limit broader market uptake. By expanding comparative assessments across production sites and product types, the research supports the development of robust benchmarks and tailored Product Category Rules (PCRs), reinforcing the role of EPDs as actionable instruments in energy policy and sustainable market design.