The Life Cycle Concept  
IPU uses the life cycle concept as a common thread in its services. The idea is that if products are to be subject to environmental assessment, it is important to include all relevant aspects in the entire life cycle of the product. Therefore, the life cycle concept is used as a backbone in Danish as well as in the European integrated product policy. The concept constitutes the foundation for a number of tools; e.g. ecolabelling, purchasing guidance, environmental product declarations, and since 1990, IPU has played a key role in the development of the Danish EDIP method (Environmental Design of Industrial Products) – an internationally acclaimed method for life cycle assessment (LCA).

IPU carries out projects on these topics for industries and authorities in Denmark and abroad. Alongside a focus on research activities pertaining to methodology development and chemicals assessment in LCA, IPU has worked on the development of LCA simplification tools for the industry. Over the years, a series of environmental assessments have been conducted on products, and an extensive database has been constructed to support the LCA work.

 

Cleaner Technology

IPU’s Cleaner Technology task group works for and with the industry to develop and implement resource-saving and less environmentally contaminating processes and production systems as well as substitution of hazardous chemicals. We have developed and implemented solutions in, e.g., the textiles industry, the graphics industry, the electroplating industry, the paper industry and the laundry industry, and we have vast expertise in industrial water management in general. The group has developed methods, tools, catalogues of ideas and handbooks for the industry on how to conserve and recycle water, energy and chemicals, and how to substitute hazardous substances, and we have great expertise in industrial water treatment and recycling.