EPD software comparison

Compare top alternatives to eTool for manufacturers

Q: What is EPD software, and how is it different from LCA software?

EPD software helps manufacturers generate verified, standard-compliant declarations (e.g., EN 15804, ISO 14025/21930) that communicate product carbon and environmental impacts. LCA software models a product’s life cycle environmental performance and is often a step toward an EPD. Some platforms combine both to help manufacturers go from raw data to verified EPDs.

Q: What are the benefits of using dedicated EPD software for manufacturers?

Dedicated EPD software streamlines data collection, supports compliance with standards, and accelerates verification and publication—enabling faster access to verified carbon data, portfolio-wide scaling, and improved visibility while reducing time, cost, and reliance on consultants.

Q: How do I choose the best LCA or EPD software for my manufacturing business?

Choose based on your goals, data maturity, and regional compliance needs. Look for verified EPD generation aligned with ISO 21930 and EN 15804 +A2, access to comprehensive databases (e.g., ecoinvent and industry EPDs), automation and multi-plant scaling, integration with ERP/PLM and material databases, and direct publication options that improve discoverability among specifiers and customers.

Q: Can I create EPDs without being an LCA expert?

Yes. Modern, automation-driven EPD platforms can include built-in guidance, templates, and verified EPD generators, helping manufacturers achieve third-party-verified results with less manual modelling and reduced reliance on consultants.

Q: What makes One Click LCA different from other EPD and LCA tools?

One Click LCA combines data, automation, and verification workflows in one platform, supporting scalable manufacturer processes, broad dataset access, global compliance coverage, and publishing visibility through specifier-facing hubs and manufacturer pages.

Q: How can manufacturers scale EPDs across multiple products or plants?

Scaling depends on data management, automation, and integrations. Multi-plant support, shared templates, and APIs can help manufacturers model, verify, and publish large portfolios efficiently with consistent data across markets.

Q: Do I need EPDs for regulatory compliance or market advantage?

In many regions, EPDs are increasingly required for construction materials and products. Beyond compliance, they help win specifications, differentiate products, and demonstrate credible carbon reductions to customers and investors.

Q: Is EPD software suitable only for large enterprises?

No. Many platforms support both SMEs and global enterprises. Smaller teams can start with a single product or site and expand to full portfolios as sustainability maturity grows.

See how eTool (Cerclos) compares with One Click LCA and other leading tools. Explore differences in speed to verified EPDs, portfolio scalability, integrations, and global coverage — and see how the right solution helps manufacturers meet compliance and client expectations more efficiently.

Compare building LCA tools instead

What to consider when choosing the right product LCA & EPD tool?

Choosing the right product LCA & EPD software means balancing compliance, speed, and scalability. Manufacturers need third-party-verified results aligned with EN 15804+A2, ISO 14040/44, ISO 14025/21930, and compliant with regulations such as the CPR and ESPR.

The right tool accelerates EPD generation and verification, supports portfolio-wide consistency, integrates seamlessly with multiple manufacturing systems and workflows, and ensures specifiers can easily find and access your data — all critical for staying competitive and compliant worldwide.

To help clarify the differences, we’ve compared eTool with other widely used tools — One Click LCA, Sphera GaBi, Ecochain, and openLCA. While each has its own strengths, the table below highlights how they perform on the factors that matter most to manufacturers.

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How eTool compares to top LCA & EPD tools for manufacturers?

Capability

eTool (Cerclos)

One Click LCA

Sphera GaBi

Ecochain

openLCA

Independent reviews

G2 3.5/5 (1 review)

G2 4.7/5 · Capterra 4.6/5 (53 reviews)

No public ratings aggregated

G2 5.0/5 · Capterra 4.0/5 (2 reviews)

SourceForge 5.0/5 (1 review)

Suitability for manufacturers

◐ Focus on AEC project LCAs; limited manufacturing depth

✔ Purpose-built for manufacturers of all sizes: multi-plant scaling, ERP/PLM integration

◐ Strong for corporate sustainability, less suited to factory-level EPD workflows

✔ Helix for portfolio LCA at scale; Mobius for product teams

◐ Usable for manufacturing, but requires manual modelling effort

Speed to verified EPDs

◐ Limited; EPD workflows secondary to project LCAs

✔ Fast-track options for external verification; option to select pre-verification further reducing the time

◐ Manual, consultancy-heavy; verification external to system

◐ Includes external verification steps; total process duration may vary based on verifier arrangements

◐ Manual; total process duration may vary based on verifier arrangements

Portfolio scale

◐ Project-focused, portfolio scaling limited

✔ Scales across thousands of products with templates + APIs

✔ Enterprise-level scaling, but resource-intensive

✔ Helix advertises hundreds of EPDs/PCFs in months

◐ Manual workflows; scaling slow and resource-heavy

Specifier visibility

◐ Exposure mainly within eTool ecosystem

✔ Manufacturer Pages + global EPD publishing

◐ Enterprise visibility; less focus on specifier access

◐ Regional EU-only visibility

◐ Dependent on external publication, no native specifier hub

Data coverage

ecoinvent licensed; smaller project libraries

500k+ construction EPDs, multiple LCI databases including ecoinvent and Carbon Minds

~20k proprietary datasets; depth, less breadth

Uses ecoinvent and others via library, no publicly available count

Community add-ons; EN 15804 packs

Pros & cons of eTool for manufacturers

eTool (by Cerclos) is an LCA platform originally designed for the building and infrastructure sector. It provides robust tools for project-level carbon assessment, design optimisation, and compliance with construction sustainability standards. While it can be used for product LCAs, it is not purpose-built for manufacturers. Its workflows are geared toward one-off project assessments rather than repeatable, verified EPD generation or scaling across multiple product lines. For manufacturers, this means limited automation, integration options, and portfolio management compared with specialised EPD software.

epd-concrete-highligt-image-68ee055de205e

Pros

Strong project LCA capabilities: Highly established in building and infrastructure LCAs, aligned with standards like EN 15978 and Green Star.
Compliance-ready workflows: Supports certification frameworks such as BREEAM, LEED, and IS Rating Scheme.
Collaborative platform: Enables team-based assessment and scenario comparison for design optimisation.
Integration with BIM tools: Allows data exchange between models and LCA workflows for efficiency.
Transparent methodology: Provides clear audit trails and calculation documentation.
Cloud-based system: Accessible via web browser with version control and shared access.

Cons

Primarily AEC-focused: Built around project LCAs, with limited functionality for product EPD generation or manufacturing integration.
Manual data input: Requires detailed user data; no automation for BOM imports or portfolio scaling.
Limited verifier and EPD publishing support: Lacks direct verification or publication workflows.
Niche ecosystem: Limited visibility outside the building design community.

Who should consider eTool?

Consultants and contractors delivering LCAs for buildings and infrastructure projects.
Manufacturers producing bespoke or project-based construction products.
Engineering teams seeking detailed embodied carbon data in design workflows.
Organisations needing compliance with Green Building certifications.
AEC professionals prioritising design-stage carbon optimisation over large-scale EPD automation.
Companies comfortable managing data manually or through consultants.

Best alternatives to eTool for manufacturers

One Click LCA is the world’s largest life-cycle assessment (LCA) and environmental product declaration (EPD) platform, purpose-built for manufacturers. It combines the in-depth modelling capabilities of SimaPro with the ease-of-use and scalability of One Click LCA. Recognised globally for its speed to verified EPDs, unmatched dataset coverage (+500,000 datasets), and automation, it enables companies of all sizes to scale sustainability across portfolios and plants. Trusted in 170+ countries and used in thousands of projects each month, One Click LCA helps manufacturers achieve compliance and become more competitive.

pre-verified-epd-highligt-image-68ee0d71cc7d9

One Click LCA: Pros

Purpose-built for manufacturers: Designed to support factories and enterprises of all sizes with workflows that scale across plants and product lines.

Fast-track to verified EPDs: Pre-verified EPD generators and a global verifier network accelerate compliance and reduce bottlenecks.
Largest data coverage: Access to 500,000+ EPDs and nine LCI databases, including ecoinvent and Carbon Minds, ensures robust modelling for every market.
Ease of use: Automation, guided templates, and built-in training allow non-experts to create high-quality LCAs without steep learning curves.
Integration with manufacturing systems: ERP, PLM, API, and BOM imports streamline data input directly from production workflows.
Specifier visibility: Manufacturer Pages and native publishing channels make EPDs easy to find and access in the largest LCA database in the world, visible to thousands of specifiers, designers and engineers who work with it.
Portfolio scale: Proven capability to manage thousands of products with consistent, template-based processes.

One Click LCA: Cons

Broad functionality can feel overwhelming: With so many modules and options, smaller manufacturers may need time to identify the right workflows.
Specialist features sometimes require onboarding: Advanced functions (e.g. complex integrations, custom APIs) may need additional training or support.
Not open-source: Unlike some alternatives, it’s a commercial platform — which means licensing costs, though these are balanced by automation and verifier savings.
Focus on compliance and scaling: While highly practical for manufacturers, it may be less suited for purely academic research use.

Who should consider One Click LCA?

You are a manufacturer looking to publish verified EPDs at scale, and need streamlined workflows that handle multi-plant operations and large product portfolios.

You want faster time-to-market with pre-verified EPD generators and fast-tracked options in collaboration with program operators.
You value ease of use for non-experts, with guided templates, ongoing training, dedicated customer success, and automation that reduce dependency on LCA specialists.
You need global data coverage, including 500k+ construction EPDs, ecoinvent, and regional compliance databases to meet both EU and international requirements.
You want to increase specifier visibility, with Manufacturer Pages and seamless publishing to global hubs that improve product discoverability.
You prefer a solution with integration flexibility, connecting to ERP, PLM, and other manufacturing systems to reduce manual data handling.

"Publishing our first EPD with One Click LCA gave us a baseline of where we stand with specific products and opened our eyes to aspects we hadn’t considered before, like insulation materials and coatings. The EPD serves as a trustworthy resource for specifiers and sets the stage for further sustainability improvements across our divisions – it's beneficial in many ways."

Marc Dutil

CEO of Canam Group

"All of our product ‘recipes’ go through the One Click LCA tool, and this has allowed us to fine-tune them as much as possible, and get them to be as low carbon as possible. Also to ensure that anything we’re looking to add into the bricks isn’t going to have a negative impact on them."

Jack Topliss

Technical Data Administrator at Ibstock

"Every project using One Click LCA was successful. In one instance, thanks to the software, we were the first rebar coupler manufacturer to publish an EPD, which really confirmed our position as market leaders. We pioneered the path to sustainability, as our competitors have not published certified EPDs yet"

Vincent Dubois

QHSE Systems Division Manager at Dextra Group

Used by 9 of 10 world's top construction products manufacturers

FAQ: Choosing the best EPD & LCA software for manufacturers

What is EPD software, and how is it different from LCA software?

Environmental product declaration (EPD) software enables manufacturers to generate verified, standard-compliant declarations (EN 15804, ISO 14025) that communicate product carbon and environmental impacts. Life-cycle assessment (LCA) software, on the other hand, models a product’s full environmental performance — often as the first step toward an EPD. Platforms like One Click LCA combine both capabilities in one system, making it easier for manufacturers to go from raw data to verified EPDs.

What are the benefits of using dedicated EPD software for manufacturers?

EPD software streamlines data collection, ensures compliance with standards, and accelerates verification and publication. For manufacturers, this means faster access to verified carbon data, portfolio-wide scaling, and market visibility through specifier databases. Solutions such as One Click LCA for manufacturers automate much of the process — reducing time, cost, and reliance on external consultants.

How do I choose the best LCA or EPD software for my manufacturing business?

The right choice depends on your goals, data maturity, and regional compliance needs.

Look for software that provides:

Verified EPD generation aligned with ISO 21930, EN 15804 +A2
Access to comprehensive global databases (e.g., ecoinvent, industry EPDs)
Automation and multi-plant scaling
Integration with ERP/PLM systems and material databases
Direct publication options for visibility among specifiers and customers

One Click LCA stands out for combining all of these in a single, scalable platform.

How much does EPD software cost?

Pricing varies by functionality and scale.

Entry-level or academic tools can appear affordable but often require additional consultant time for verification and publishing.

Integrated solutions such as One Click LCA for manufacturers include LCA modelling, verification, and EPD publishing within one modular licence — with options that fit single-product SMEs and global enterprises alike.

Can I create EPDs without being an LCA expert?

Yes — that’s the main advantage of modern, automation-driven EPD platforms.

Tools like One Click LCA are designed for business users, with built-in guidance, templates, and verified EPD generators.

Manufacturers can achieve third-party-verified results with minimal manual modelling or dependency on consultants.

Which standards should manufacturers follow for EPD creation?

Manufacturers producing construction or product EPDs typically follow EN 15804, ISO 21930, ISO 14040/44, and ISO 14025 standards.

Regionally, other frameworks — such as North American PCRs, DGNB, LEED, or BRE — may apply.

One Click LCA ensures global compliance and includes pre-verified templates for all major EPD programmes and certification schemes.

What makes One Click LCA different from other EPD and LCA tools?

Unlike traditional or consultant-based systems, One Click LCA unites data, automation, and verification in one platform.

It offers the world’s largest LCA database (500 000 + datasets), multi-plant scalability, and global compliance coverage in 170 + countries.

Manufacturers use it to cut EPD lead times from months to weeks — while ensuring visibility through public specifier hubs and manufacturer pages.

How can manufacturers scale EPDs across multiple products or plants?

Scalability depends on data management, automation, and system integration.

One Click LCA’s EPD Generator and multi-plant setup enable manufacturers to model, verify, and publish thousands of products efficiently — using shared templates and APIs.

This allows consistent environmental data across product lines and markets, reducing duplication and verification costs.

Do I need EPDs for regulatory compliance or market advantage?

In many regions — including the EU, UK, and North America — EPDs are becoming mandatory for construction materials, building products, and consumer goods.

Beyond compliance, they help manufacturers win specifications, differentiate products, and demonstrate credible carbon reductions to buyers and investors.

With One Click LCA, EPDs become a strategic advantage, not just a reporting requirement.

Read the LCA compliance landscape in Europe for construction and manufacturing

Is EPD software suitable only for large enterprises?

Not at all. While many global manufacturers use One Click LCA, the platform also serves SMEs seeking affordable, guided EPD solutions.

Small teams can start with a single product or site, then expand to a full portfolio as sustainability maturity grows — with the same verified datasets and standards.

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Compare top alternatives to eTool for manufacturers

What to consider when choosing the right product LCA & EPD tool?

How eTool compares to top LCA & EPD tools for manufacturers?