New Study Results - Eternal lead sheet: lifecycle from cradle to cradle

London, 06th December 2006 – Producers of building materials are struggling very hard to improve the lifetimes of their products. The lead sheet industry however is one step ahead. Working to the EN 12588 standard for lead sheet, members of the European Lead Sheet Industry Association (ELSIA) operate to manufacturing criteria, which ensure a longevity unmatched by any competing products.

In considering the environmental profile of a product from its manufacture to its eventual disposal at the end of its life, a “cradle to grave” approach is usually adopted in regard to

product stewardship. However, as a result of sophisticated systems of collection and recycling, which require very low energy consumption, lead sheet has no real grave. Instead it has a perpetual cycle of re-use. Long-term studies carried out by highly respected independent Dutch research institute TNO have come to significant conclusions: lead sheet has the best environmental performance as a weather-proofing product of all materials assessed.

“No alternative building material has a life-expectancy which comes close to that of lead sheet. Many synthetic substitutes deteriorate under UV light and several require total replacement after a period as short as 15 years”, states Ben Travers, chairman of ELSIA. “Correctly fitted lead sheet requires zero maintenance over its lifetime and can truly be used as a “fit and forget” material, until the building is demolished.”

Summaries of recent reports and further information can be found on ELSIA’s website under www.elsia-web.org.

About ELSIA:

The European Lead Sheet Industry Association (ELSIA) is the central trade association of the European lead sheet manufacturing industry. All members work to an established EN standard that guarantees the highest level of product quality. ELSIA is committed to funding long-term research and development to ensure that its products are environmentally sound. The members take a modern, responsible attitude to the health and safety of stakeholders and the environment.

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