EPDs for Composite Lumber in Europe: The Ultimate Guide
Planning an EPD for composite lumber in Europe in 2026? Here is the practical, data-backed view of who is publishing, which program operators and PCRs they use, where expiries cluster, and how to position MDF, engineered wood, and wood–plastic composite decking to win more specs without guesswork.
What counts as “composite lumber” in specs today
Composite lumber in the European context spans engineered wood like MDF and OSB, prefabricated timber elements, and wood–plastic composites often sold as WPC decking. Buyers search with mixed terms such as composite timber, composite wood boards, engineered wood panels, and WPC decking. If your product uses fibers or strands with additives or resins to form a structural or finish element, you are in the right room.
2026 snapshot at a glance
Across Europe we see 8 current EPDs for composite lumber over the last five years. These came from 6 manufacturers and were published through 2 program operators, using 5 distinct PCRs. Issuance is steady and clustered in 2022 and 2023, which sets up a predictable renewal wave.
Manufacturers that appear in the data
Six names account for the current set: Klara Byggsystem, Kronospan Ltd., Metsä Wood, Stora Enso, Svenska Takelement AB, and UAB Scandia Steel. Metsä Wood and Stora Enso each hold two EPDs, while the others carry one each. That mix suggests multiple sub‑segments are active, from MDF to prefabricated timber components.
Program operators shaping this space
Two operators show up in Europe for this slice. EPD International AB carries 6 EPDs across 4 manufacturers, which points to broad adoption. EPD Hub carries 2 EPDs across 2 manufacturers, a smaller footprint yet used by multiple players. If your sales teams need recognizability with specifiers, both names are well understood in EU markets.
The rulebooks: PCRs used most often
Picking the right PCR is the moment that makes comparability real. Here is what competitors chose.
| PCR | EPDs | Latest expiry | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPD Hub Core PCR v1.0, Feb 1, 2022 | 1 | Jun 22, 2028 | Core rules route under EPD Hub |
| EPD Hub Core PCR v1.1, Dec 5, 2023 | 1 | Apr 29, 2030 | Newer route, longest runway in this set |
| PCR 2019:14 Construction products (EN 15804+A2) 1.3.3 | 2 | Oct 8, 2028 | Environdec Part A with updates |
| PCR 2019:14 c‑PCR‑006 Wood and wood‑based products for use in construction (EN 16485) Being updated | 3 | Oct 6, 2028 | Most common here, category specific |
| c‑PCR‑006 Wood and wood‑based products for use in construction (EN 16485) | 1 | Jan 21, 2027 | Earlier c‑PCR instance |
What this means in plain terms. If you are starting now, favor a PCR with runway past 2028 to avoid a near‑term rework during your first maintenance cycle. PCR selection also influences which background datasets and allocation methods fit, so picking what peers use can remove friction in bids.
At Kronospan or competing?
Follow us for product-by-product EPD analysis to see which composite lumber SKUs are winning specs and how to position against competitors like Metsä Wood and Stora Enso.
Issuance momentum since 2021
Most of the activity landed during 2022 and 2023, with a quiet 2024 and a single entry so far in 2025. That pattern will shape renewals.
| Year | EPDs issued |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2025 | 1 |
Renewal timeline 2026 to 2030
No expiries land in 2026. Two arrive in 2027, one under c‑PCR‑006 on Jan 21 and one under PCR 2019:14 on Nov 2. The big cluster is 2028 with five expiries. One is from EPD Hub Core PCR v1.0 on Jun 22, one from PCR 2019:14 on Oct 8, and three from the c‑PCR‑006 update window between Jul 21 and Oct 6. There is a gap in 2029, followed by a single EPD from EPD Hub Core PCR v1.1 expiring on Apr 29, 2030. This is your forward calendar for budget and resource planning.
Consultant lift: most EPDs were built with a service provider
Seven of the eight EPDs were produced with an external EPD consultant or service provider. If internal resources are thin or scattered across plants, this model can be faster and less disruptive. An EPD partner like Parq takes on the heavy data wrangling and program management so R&D and operations keep moving. Speed is the upside, quality and completeness are the safety net.
Latest entry to watch
The most recent EPD in this set is Raw Medium Density Fibreboard from Kronospan Ltd., issued Apr 30, 2025 under EPD Hub Core PCR v1.1. It is valid through Apr 29, 2030. For MDF competitors, this is a fresh benchmark and a signal that EPD Hub is a live route for 2026 starts.
Notable absences to watch
Some large European wood players are active in EPDs yet do not appear inside this specific composite lumber slice. As of Jan 21, 2026, EGGER has a laminate EPD with IBU that runs to Apr 14, 2026. Sonae Arauco lists MDF and particleboard EPDs with IBU valid to Jan 10, 2029. SWISS KRONO shows OSB with IBU to Jun 15, 2026 and a MagnumBoard entry with INIES to Nov 4, 2027. These are adjacent segments. If you compete with them, check whether buyers will compare against panel EPDs in your tenders. It is definately worth mirroring the PCR choice that shows up most in your target bids.
How to pick the right PCR path in 2026
Start with your competitive set. If they rely on c‑PCR‑006 and PCR 2019:14, that is usually the shortest path to a like‑for‑like comparison. If you are new to EPDs, a core PCR from EPD Hub or a current Environdec PCR can be a pragmatic first step, then you can refine scope and modules in the next cycle. Keep an eye on expiries around 2028 so you do not collide with peak verifier workloads.
What this means for growth
An EPD moves your product out of penalty categories in carbon accounting, which often decides shortlists in EU public projects. Sales momentum follows when estimators can point to a current declaration rather than a generic default. The value usually arrives in one mid‑sized project win, not a dozen small ones.
Get the full dataset and a free strategy chat
If you want the underlying tables and filters, message me on LinkedIn. I am happy to share the full up‑to‑date background data, answer questions, and jump on a quick call to help pick the best fit PCR and program operator for your upcoming EPD based on your exact competitive landscape.
Method notes for the careful reader
Figures above reflect current, public EPDs for composite lumber in Europe in the last five years. The global public registry used by most specifiers was the base, and due to normal loading delays, EPDs from the second half of 2025 may not yet be visible. Dates are shown in local format for clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which program operators are currently most used for composite lumber EPDs in Europe?
EPD International AB appears most frequently in this dataset, followed by EPD Hub. Both are well recognized with EU specifiers.
When do most composite lumber EPDs expire over the next five years?
Renewals cluster in 2028, with a smaller set in 2027 and a single expiry in 2030.
What is the main advantage of using an external EPD consultant or service provider?
Speed and lower disruption. External partners handle data collection and orchestration so product and plant teams stay focused.
Which PCRs are most common today for composite lumber in Europe?
c‑PCR‑006 under EN 16485 and Environdec’s PCR 2019:14 are the most common in this set, with newer EPDs also appearing under EPD Hub’s Core PCR v1.1.
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.
