Acoustical Ceiling EPDs in the U.S. The Data Guide
Planning an Environmental Product Declaration for ceiling tiles, suspended ceilings, or drop ceilings in 2026? This guide distills the real market data so manufacturers can pick the right PCR, the right program operator, and the right timing without guesswork.
The 2026 snapshot in one view
Over the last five years in the United States, 169 acoustical ceiling EPDs are active across 10 manufacturers and 10 program operators, supported by 11 distinct PCRs. Three brands dominate output with 142 EPDs combined, which shapes how specifiers compare products.
Who is publishing the most
Armstrong World Industries, CertainTeed Saint-Gobain, and USG account for 48, 48, and 46 EPDs respectively. That is 84 percent of all current declarations. Rockfon adds 16 and a long tail of niche players contribute the remainder. If you compete with those four, an EPD is not a differentiator, it is table stakes.
Program operators buyers actually use
UL hosts 96 EPDs from 4 manufacturers, making it the most common home for acoustical ceiling declarations. ASTM International follows with 30 EPDs from 2 manufacturers. IBU shows 17 across 2 manufacturers. Smart EPD LLC lists 13 but all from one manufacturer, which suggests concentration rather than broad market adoption. Smaller counts appear at SCS Global Services, Sustainable Minds, EPD International, BRE, EPD Norway, and a few unassigned records.
Diversity matters. UL and ASTM are used by multiple competitors, which aids comparability in bids. Single‑manufacturer clusters at some operators can still be fine, yet they may not signal category consensus.
The latest EPD we see
The most recent issue in the public registry is Tate Alustra on Jul 18, 2025 under EPD Hub, based on EPD Hub Core PCR version 1.1 from Dec 5, 2023, expiring Jul 17, 2030. This shows newer operator options are in play and not just the classic big two.
PCRs that set the rules in ceilings
Two PCR pathways do most of the heavy lifting.
- Part B: Non‑Metal Ceiling and Interior Wall Panel EPD Requirements covers 79 EPDs with latest expiries reaching Jan 14, 2030.
- Non‑Metal Ceiling Panels covers 53 EPDs with latest expiries running to Jun 1, 2029.
Together they anchor 78 percent of all current EPDs in the category. Other PCRs appear for metal systems, processed glass, mineral panels adapted for North America, and a small number under general EN 15804 or NPCR routes. Picking a PCR is like agreeing on the rules of Monopoly. If your competitors score with one rulebook, switching mid‑game makes comparisons harder.
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The 2026 renewal wave you should plan for
A large cohort of acoustical ceiling EPDs is scheduled to expire in 2026. We count 83 expiries clustered between Mar 8 and Oct 1 across common PCRs including Non‑Metal Ceiling Panels and the Non‑Metal Ceiling and Interior Wall Panel Part B. That timing tracks with the heavy 2021 issuance year.
2027 brings 26 expiries, 2028 brings 27, 2029 brings 25, and 2030 shows a smaller tail of 3. Renewal plans should prioritize products sitting in the Mar through Oct 2026 window to avoid gaps in bids and distributor line cards. EPDs typically run on a five year clock, so inventory your 2021 declarations and start refresh workflows now.
EPDs issued per year
| Year | EPDs issued |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 83 |
| 2022 | 26 |
| 2023 | 27 |
| 2024 | 30 |
| 2025 | 3 |
The 2025 count is low in the data set. That often reflects registry loading delays rather than a market pause. See the note at the end before you read too much into that drop.
Consultants behind the scenes
141 of the 169 EPDs were published with the help of an external EPD service provider or consultant. That is over four in five declarations. The pattern is clear. Teams keep engineers on product work and bring in an EPD partner to handle data wrangling, LCA modeling, and operator workflows. If you want speed and fewer internal meetings, this is definitley the norm. You can explore a partner like Parq or similar specialists and still publish with the operator your sales team prefers.
Strategy for choosing operator and PCR in 2026
Start from the competitive landscape. If your closest rivals publish at UL under the Non‑Metal Ceiling and Interior Wall Panel Part B, that route maximizes comparability in submittals and keeps reviewers from second‑guessing methods. If your product is metal or hybrid, check the Part B for Metal Ceiling and Interior Wall Panels, which has expiries reaching Apr 1, 2029. Newer options like EPD Hub’s Core PCR are valid alternatives if your product boundary or data availability aligns and you want far‑future expiries like Jul 17, 2030.
Also consider portfolio pacing. Renew a high‑volume ceiling tile early to avoid an expiry gap that forces pessimistic default factors in carbon‑constrained projects. Then slot in niche acoustic panels on a rolling basis so your pipeline is steady, not spiky.
Practical next steps that save calendar time
- Pull your 2021 to 2022 EPD list and flag anything expiring Mar to Oct 2026.
- Confirm which PCR your top three competitors used and match it unless there is a clear technical reason not to.
- Line up your operator and verifier now. Lead times compress when many manufacturers renew in the same quarter.
What this means commercially
An up‑to‑date ceiling tile or suspended ceiling EPD reduces substitution risk in specs that score environmental data. It keeps you in contention when owners push for transparent materials lists. Most buyers will not split hairs over whether your EPD is 18 or 36 months old inside its validity window. They care that it exists, is third‑party verified, and covers the right SKUs.
One final note on the data
This article relies on the global public registry of EPDs that most architects and specifiers consult. Due to loading delays, some EPDs issued in the second half of 2025 may not appear yet, which can make 2025 look quieter than it was.
If you want the full underlying data cut or a second opinion on the best‑fit PCR for your upcoming EPDs, connect with me on LinkedIn and send a message. I am happy to hop on a quick call to walk through the competitive landscape and timing at no cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many valid EPDs exist for acoustical ceilings in the United States over the last five years?
169 product‑specific EPDs are currently valid in this category, issued by 10 manufacturers through 10 program operators across 11 PCRs.
Which manufacturers published the most acoustical ceiling EPDs?
Armstrong World Industries and CertainTeed each have 48, USG has 46, and Rockfon has 16. The rest are split among smaller contributors.
Which program operator is most common for these EPDs?
UL hosts 96 EPDs from 4 manufacturers. ASTM International is next with 30 EPDs from 2 manufacturers. Several other operators host smaller counts.
Which PCRs are most widely used in this category?
Part B: Non‑Metal Ceiling and Interior Wall Panel EPD Requirements and Non‑Metal Ceiling Panels account for roughly 78% of all current EPDs.
When do most expiries occur and how should we plan?
A major expiry wave arrives in 2026 with 83 EPDs, clustered from Mar 8 to Oct 1. Prioritize renewal of 2021‑issued EPDs to avoid gaps.
Do most manufacturers use external EPD consultants or service providers?
Yes. 141 of 169 EPDs involved an external service provider, indicating a strong preference to outsource the heavy data and verification work.
About the Author
With a passion for sustainability and a love for complex data, Toby helps manufacturers efficiently collect data from across their organization and get their EPDs done right. He’s especially interested in how AI can support human expertise, helping R&D and factory teams work faster, smarter, and with less friction.
