International EPD System Adopts UL Solutions PCR Framework to Expand Support for North American Manufacturers
Launching on June 10, the International EPD System expands its North American offering through the adoption of the UL Solutions Builders Hardware PCR B framework, enabling manufacturers to publish ISO 21930-aligned Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).
The International EPD System (IES) is pleased to announce the adoption of the UL Solutions Product Category Rules (PCR) for Builders Hardware, strengthening support for manufacturers and professionals using EPDs to specify construction products in the North American market. The initiative launches on 10 June 2026, as part of a market alignment effort designed to reduce complexity for manufacturers seeking to publish Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) in the IES compliant with ISO 21930. The UL Part B PCR for Builders Hardware is valid until Aug 19, 2030.
The benefits of the initiative are multifold. The adoption allows all manufacturers to continue working with PCR ruleset (UL Solutions Part A & B) already widely recognised in the North American region, particularly by EPD specifiers downstream. Manufacturers in the early stages of EPD development can leverage this initiative by gaining global market access with the added credibility of the International EPD System. The initiative reflects a broader industry movement towards enhanced harmonisation, as it supports greater comparability across EPDs with programme operators that recognise the PCR.
For North American manufacturers, the approach removes the additional burden of reconciling with EN 15804 requirements when products are intended specifically for use and sale in the North American market. At the same time, the initiative caters to the needs of multi-national companies (MNCs) and North American subsidiaries of global organisations to publish EPDs through a single globally recognised programme operator.
"Adopting a selection of North American ISO 21930 compliant PCRs for the construction products category isn't about creating something new, it's about meeting North American manufacturers within the framework they already use and giving them the global reach of the International EPD System on top of it, and eventually creating a global space that narrows the gap between regional rule sets." – Kate McFeaters, Managing director of EPD North America, licensee of IES
The adoption builds a comprehensive pilot project during 2025-2026, which has already resulted in more than 150 EPDs published across construction-related product categories. It has helped manufacturers navigate practical implementation questions related to product variability thresholds, multi-product reporting, and ISO 21930 compliance.
The agreement with UL Solutions will be re-evaluated at the end of 2026, when both parties will jointly discuss opportunities for continued collaboration on further PCR alignment initiatives.
