Cladding EPDs in the United States: the ultimate guide
Here is the 2026 state of play for cladding, façade panels, rainscreen systems, metal composite material, HPL panels, siding, and louvers in the United States. We pulled and analyzed the public registry that most specifiers rely on to make this a practical, data-first guide you can act on now.
What counts as “cladding” here
In this guide, cladding covers exterior wall panels and facades in the broad, real‑world sense. Think rainscreen systems, metal composite material panels, HPL panels, fiber cement siding, insulated metal panels, and even louvers where they function as part of the building skin. If your product helps form the outer face of the wall, it likely lives in this conversation.
2026 snapshot by the numbers
The United States cladding category shows 70 currently valid EPDs from 12 manufacturers and 8 program operators across 9 PCRs. The most recent issue we see is Airolite’s SCH401 Wind Driven Rain Louver, Horizontal Blade on Feb 6, 2025, published with Smart EPD LLC under Part B: Insulated Metal Panels, Metal Composite Panels, and Metal Cladding, valid until Feb 6, 2030. That single PCR anchors most of the current market.
EPDs issued per year
| Year | EPDs issued |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 55 |
The surge in 2025 suggests many teams moved in lockstep, likely standardizing on the same PCR and program operator. That clustering can be a blessing for comparability and a headache for differentiation.
Who is publishing the most
Two manufacturers account for the bulk of current cladding EPDs. Greenheck shows 28 and Airolite 27, followed by smaller clusters across ALPOLIC, Armstrong World Industries, CertainTeed Saint‑Gobain, Trespa, and others. The mix includes louvers, MCM, fiber cement, HPL panels, and specialty wall systems. Translation for commercial teams, the spec conversation is already data rich and fast moving, so waiting invites a competitor to set the benchmark for your category.
Program operators used in the US
Smart EPD LLC dominates volume with 58 cladding EPDs across 3 manufacturers. The next tier includes EPD International AB with 4 EPDs across 2 manufacturers, SCS Global Services and UL with 2 each, plus single EPDs from ASTM International, EPD Australasia, INIES, and NSF International. That pattern says one thing clearly, Smart EPD is a common choice for US cladding, yet multiple credible operators are in play. Diversity by manufacturer is moderate, which means operator selection can become a subtle positioning choice rather than a pure compliance checkbox.
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PCRs that actually show up, and what they mean for you
Nine distinct PCRs appear across current EPDs. One is the clear workhorse, Part B: Insulated Metal Panels, Metal Composite Panels, and Metal Cladding with 55 EPDs and latest expiries out to 2030. Part B: Cladding Product Systems EPD Requirements contributes 5 EPDs with expiries in 2029. PCR 2019:14 Construction products (EN 15804 A2, 1.2.5) shows 3 EPDs expiring across 2028. Legacy frameworks are still visible in small numbers, like PCR 2012:01 (EN 15804 A1) that times out in 2026. This matters when you plan renewals or a first release, because aligning with the most used PCR usually simplifies peer comparisons and submittal reviews.
The renewal horizon to watch
Upcoming expiries over the next five calendar years look like this, 2026 shows 1, 2027 shows 4, 2028 shows 6, 2029 shows 3, and 2030 shows 55. That last number reflects the 2025 wave all landing on similar validity windows. If your competitors published in that wave, your smartest move is to schedule your initial EPD or refresh so you are not buried in the 2030 pile.
The role of EPD consultants and service providers
Of the 70 current cladding EPDs in the United States, 68 list a third‑party EPD consultant or service provider. That tells us expert help is not a nice‑to‑have, it is the norm for this category. If you want the white‑glove path that pulls data from your organization instead of pushing the work onto your team, an EPD service provider like Parq keeps momentum high and internal effort low. Faster data wrangling means earlier submittals which often means a better shot at the spec.
Manufacturer lens, what stands out
- Airolite and Greenheck drive category volume, both leaning on Smart EPD and the same Part B PCR. If you compete with louvers or screen systems, this is the bar you must clear.
- ALPOLIC, Trespa, CertainTeed Saint‑Gobain, and Armstrong World Industries add breadth across MCM, HPL, and other cladding families. A smaller count does not mean lower impact, especially in highly visible facade product lines.
- LP Corporation and Daltile appear with singular entries that can still unlock project access where an EPD is a hard requirement.
Picking the right PCR and operator, a simple rubric
A PCR is the rulebook of Monopoly, ignore it and the game falls apart. Start by scanning what direct competitors used. If a single PCR dominates your product family, following it usually accelerates verification and improves apples to apples comparisons. If you need a different framing, choose a program operator that regularly handles your product type and can verify quickly. Smart EPD is common stateside for cladding, but UL, SCS, and EPD International are also active here. Your verification partner should be efficient on data intake, transparent on timelines, and comfortable with the PCR you select.
Validity windows, planning, and the 2030 bulge
Program rules typically set EPD validity at up to five years, then require renewal or republication with updated data and often a current PCR version (EPD International GPI, 2024) (EPD International GPI, 2024). A cluster of 2025 issues means a cluster of 2030 expiries. Set reminders for A2 to A2 comparisons, and watch for any PCR revisions that land in the interim to avoid last‑minute surprises.
Notably absent or lapsed in the public registry
As of Jan 16, 2026 we do not see any current, published cladding EPDs for Petersen Aluminum’s PAC‑CLAD, although past EPDs exist and appear expired. We also do not find a current product‑specific EPD for Nichiha USA. If either has a recent publication under a different category or operator, we are happy to be corrected. The point stands, if a frequent spec brand is missing from the registry, projects that need EPDs will lean toward brands with live declarations.
Commercial reality, why this matters now
Specifiers still award credit for product‑specific EPDs in mainstream rating systems like LEED, so showing up with one avoids penalty assumptions during carbon accounting. In many bids, an EPD changes the conversation from price pressure to performance clarity. That is a practical sales unlock, not a vanity metric. It’s also a hedge, because some municipalities and private owners are moving faster than federal policy swings.
Your next move from here
- If you sell louvers, rainscreen, MCM, or IMPs, you are competing against a 2025 cohort with expiries in 2030. Use that rhythm to time a first release or a strategic refresh so you are not buried alongside everyone else.
- If your product is outside those clusters, you can still win with a focused EPD that mirrors the most common PCR for your niche.
- If you are unsure which PCR fits, message me on LinkedIn and I will share the full background dataset and hop on a quick call. We can pinpoint the best fit PCR based on your competitors and your product scope for free.
Data note, this guide is based on the global public EPD registry architects and specifiers commonly use. Due to normal publishing and loading cycles, some late‑2025 publications may not yet appear. If you see something that looks off or is missing, ping me and I will verify quickly. We’ll keep this page sharp, current, and definately useful.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the dominant PCR used for cladding EPDs in the United States right now?
Part B: Insulated Metal Panels, Metal Composite Panels, and Metal Cladding. It accounts for 55 of the 70 current EPDs and has expiries stretching to 2030.
Which program operator handles most cladding EPDs in the US market?
Smart EPD LLC by a wide margin, with 58 EPDs across 3 manufacturers. Other operators like EPD International AB, SCS Global Services, and UL also appear.
When do most current cladding EPDs expire?
A large wave lands in 2030, reflecting the 2025 publishing surge. Earlier expiries are modest, with scattered renewals in 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029.
Do most cladding manufacturers use an external EPD consultant?
Yes. 68 of 70 current cladding EPDs list a third‑party consultant or service provider, which signals that external expertise is now standard practice.
What if my product does not match the dominant PCR exactly?
A good LCA partner will map your product to the most comparable PCR used by direct competitors, then confirm alignment with a program operator to avoid rework. If a new or revised PCR is imminent, timing your release may save you one renewal cycle.
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.
