ACMA’s LCA+EPD Generator: A Smart Investment in Selling the Environmental Benefits of Composites

The 2025 version of ACMA’s LCA+EPD Generator is now up and running, and it’s already reshaping how composite manufacturers approach sustainability documentation. Designed to prepare cradle-to-gate environmental product declarations (EPDs) for FRP composite construction products, the Generator delivers more reliable results, at a fraction of the cost – $10,000 for ACMA members and $15,000 for non-members (pricing subject to change) – and in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods.

Beyond construction products, the Generator is expanding to support a wide range of applications. Cradle-to-grave lifecycle assessments, EPDs for non-construction products and those governed by existing product category rules (PCRs) – such as utility poles – can all be generated through this tool. This broad usefulness is exactly why ACMA’s Composites Growth Initiative (CGI) Fund invested in its development: it provides value across the industry and opens the door to new markets and sustainability-driven procurement programs.

A key strength of the Generator is the extensive pre-verified life cycle inventory (LCI) – a robust database of climate and environmental impacts for raw materials commonly used in FRP composites. Developed in partnership with Trinity Consultants, this dataset allows manufacturers to produce consistent, accurate LCA calculations even when gaps in primary data exist. Without it, consultants must independently locate and verify data – a process that can be both costly and time-consuming, with questionable alignment to actual composite inputs.

To further streamline the process, the Generator features digitized data entry forms that guide manufacturers through the submission of raw material, transportation and process data. This structure improves the reliability of submitted information while reducing both preparation costs and turnaround time.

ACMA’s strategic collaboration with SmartEPD (a digital EPD program operator) and Trinity Consultants (a leader in life cycle analysis) ensures the Generator meets the highest technical standards while remaining practical for everyday use. Their expertise in FRP product modeling and sustainability assessment has made this tool an unmatched resource for composite manufacturers.

Many firms advertise low-cost, rapid-turnaround LCA and EPD services, but fast doesn’t always mean accurate. Without proper data sources or deep knowledge of composite materials, resulting declarations can lack the rigor needed by decision-makers seeking reliable, comparative insights. This not only undermines market credibility but also limits a manufacturer’s ability to identify environmental “hot spots” and pursue meaningful performance improvements.

As momentum for sustainability accelerates, more clients – including state DOTs, commercial developers and global OEMs – are demanding detailed environmental reporting. From infrastructure and automotive to buildings and housing, product selection is increasingly influenced by lifecycle impact assessments. Participation in these markets will require FRP manufacturers to present credible, independently verified EPDs, and that’s exactly what ACMA’s Generator enables.

Steps to Generate Your EPD Using the Generator

1. Fill out the interest form
   Start by completing the form at https://acmanet.org/lca-epd. Once submitted, ACMA’s Sustainability Project Manager, Hannah Henry, will reach out to discuss the process and requirements specific to your manufacturing facility and product.
2. Participate in a kick-off call with our team of consultants
   In this call, we’ll define the scope of your project, walk you through the SmartEPD web platform, and based on the complexity of your product and data, you’ll receive a quote for your EPD.
3. Accept the quote
   After reviewing the proposal, you’ll receive a contract and non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to sign with ACMA and the consulting team.
4. Create a project and draft EPD
   Upon submitting your payment, you’ll create a project and begin working through the EPD template within the SmartEPD platform.
5. Collect and submit your product and facility data
   This includes production and utility data, bills of materials and other operational inputs. While the data collection phase may seem extensive, it’s critical to generating an accurate and reliable LCA. You’ll also have the opportunity to consult directly with Trinity Consultants to receive technical guidance and ensure transparency throughout the process.
6. Submit the draft EPD for verification
   Your data will be processed through a pre-verified LCA calculator and integrated into the draft EPD, which is then submitted to SmartEPD for review. Our consultants will work alongside you throughout the verification stage to provide support and ensure quality.
7. Publish your EPD
   Once verified, your EPD can be published and made publicly available on the SmartEPD platform, helping demonstrate your environmental performance to customers and regulators.

Fully leveraging the Generator’s capabilities will help composite producers not only meet emerging expectations but demonstrate the long-term reliability, cost-effectiveness and sustainability advantages of their products.

Composites manufacturers interested in using the Generator can get started by filling out the interest form at https://acmanet.org/lca-epd. John Schweitzer is Vice President of EH&S and Sustainability at ACMA. Email comments to jschweitzer@acmanet.org.