Definition of a ‘product’

  • Created:
  • Reference: KBCN1142

For Mat 02, the definition of a product is the same as for Mat 03: ‘A manufacturer-specific product (i.e. with a manufacturer reference number) that is specified by the designer (e.g. architect, engineer, interior designer, quantity surveyor, landscape architect etc.) or selected by the constructor (principle or sub-contractor), and installed on the project’.

It is acceptable for a product in Mat 02 to have variations in where it is manufactured, how it is manufactured and the source of its constituent products (as defined in Mat 03), providing these variations are not available for the specifier (or constructor) to choose between, but are instead determined by the manufacturer. If variations are available for the specifier to choose between then, for the purposes of Mat 02, each variation is effectively a different product.

Examples of acceptable variations for a product:-

  • If the product is manufactured in more than one location but the specifier cannot choose the location.
  • If the product is made on two different production lines in the same location but the specifier cannot choose the production line.
  • If the recycled content is sometimes 10% and sometimes 15%, etc., but the specifier cannot choose the recycled content.

Examples of unacceptable variations for a product:-

  • Different densities that the specifier can choose between.
  • Different thicknesses that the specifier can choose between.
  • Different constituent products (as defined in Mat 03) that the specifier can choose between.

The following exceptions are variations that the specifier can choose between, but shall still be considered a product for the purposes of Mat 02 (providing they are variations of a single product and not listed as separate products by the manufacturer). This is to recognise the practicalities of producing EPD for product ranges with varying combinations:-

  • Different decorative colours that the specifier can choose between.
  • Different decorative patterns that the specifier can choose between.
  • Bespoke modules/sizes determined by the specifier to suit the design.