NLconnect PCRs for Fiber Optic Products Now Officially Standardized in the Netherlands

NLconnect PCRs for Fiber Optic Products Now Officially Standardized in the Netherlands

NLconnect announces that its Product Category Rules (PCRs) for both passive and active fiber optic products have been included in the Dutch National Environmental Database (Nationale Milieudatabase, NMD). This marks a significant step forward in the sustainability framework for the international fiber optic industry. The announcement was made at ANGA COM, the international trade show for broadband and media in Cologne.

Standardized Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) provide transparent information about the environmental impact of a product over its full life cycle. To be accepted into the NMD, EPDs for fiber optic products must now use the NLconnect PCRs. It has now also become possible for such EPDs to be officially accepted throughout Europe.

Consistent Methodology

The PCRs have been formally adopted as complementary Product Category Rules (c-PCRs) – the official standard within the NMD system for EPDs. This ensures that all entries in the Dutch database are developed according to a consistent and transparent methodology, enabling comparability of environmental performance across fiber optic products and suppliers.

Accepted throughout Europe

The fiber optic industry throughout Europe stands to directly benefit from the NLconnect PCRs. With the inclusion of these PCRs in the NMD, EPDs developed using these PCRs can be verified by the Dutch organization Stichting MRPI (Milieu Relevante Product Informatie). MRPI is a member of ECO Platform, the European umbrella organization for EPD program operators. Thanks to that membership, these verified EPDs are recognized across EU member states without the need for additional national verification procedures.

Product-Level Data

It is expected that telecom operators will gradually move away from spend-based methods toward more supplier- and product-specific approaches for calculating their product-related CO₂ emissions. NLconnect’s Managing Director, Mathieu Andriessen, commented: “As the fiber industry matures, the need for accurate and traceable product-level data is growing. Using Life Cycle Assessments and EPDs enables operators and suppliers to steer their decarbonization efforts more effectively and meet stricter reporting requirements like the CSRD. The standardization of the NLconnect PCRs in the Dutch National Environmental Database is a key enabler of this shift.”

NLconnect encourages the international fiber industry to adopt its PCRs when conducting LCAs and drafting EPDs. The NLconnect PCRs are freely available for download via nlconnect.org and are also available on the website of the NMD.

ANGA COM 2025

This announcement was made during NLconnect’s participation at ANGA COM 2025 in Cologne. At the event, NLconnect hosts a panel session titled “Beyond Compliance: How Reporting Standards Drive Sustainable Innovation.” The session explores how the NLconnect PCRs can help telecom operators and vendors meet their sustainability targets and regulatory obligations. The panel also discusses how other frameworks and tools – such as the SBTi Corporate Net-Zero Standard and the CTI Framework – can complement the PCRs and support broader sustainability strategies in the telecoms sector.

Useful Links

• NLconnect PCRs overview and downloads: https://www.nlconnect.org/over-ons/product-category-rules
• Dutch National Environmental Database (NMD): https://milieudatabase.nl/en/

About NLconnect

NLconnect is the Dutch broadband and telecoms trade association. Its members include companies that build, own, and operate fiber, cable, mobile, and wireless networks, as well as service providers and suppliers active across the broadband and telecoms value chain.

The association advocates for the policy and business interests of the Dutch broadband and telecoms industry and fosters collaboration among its members. NLconnect promotes innovation, knowledge exchange, and healthy competition in the sector.

NLconnect supports the ongoing development of robust and sustainable broadband infrastructure, enabling digital connectivity for all in the Netherlands.