EPDs for Copper in Europe: the ultimate data guide
Planning a copper EPD in Europe can feel like rewiring a live panel. Here is the 2026 landscape in plain English, with the hard numbers that matter for specs and sales. We analyzed the public registry most architects use to tally who is publishing, which PCRs they follow, where renewals are looming, and which program operators copper tube, pipe, sheet and façade brands actually pick.
Europe’s copper EPD snapshot
Copper is active but concentrated. Over the last five years we see 21 valid EPDs from 7 manufacturers and 4 program operators. The most recent issue landed on Dec 5, 2025 for Ground Rods by Byggelit Sverige AB with EPD Hub using the EPD Hub Core PCR v1.1 dated Dec 5, 2023, expiring Dec 4, 2030. That sets a useful benchmark for format and shelf life.
Why this matters commercially. In bids where carbon accounting is required, products without a product‑specific, third‑party verified EPD often carry a modeling penalty. Having one keeps your product in the spec conversation instead of being quietly swapped for a competitor.
Who is publishing EPDs
Seven manufacturers account for the entire set. One brand stands out by volume.
- Villeroy & Boch Gustavsberg AB holds 9 EPDs, the largest share in this category.
- Viega GmbH & Co. KG has 3 EPDs, while Byggelit Sverige AB, HME Copper Germany GmbH, Q‑Blue and SANHA GmbH & Co. KG cluster at 2 each. Ensto contributes 1.
This concentration means a new entrant with a well scoped EPD suite can quickly look competitive on project portals. Think of it like moving from radio silence to a verified profile that specifiers can actually compare.
Where copper EPDs get published
Four program operators appear in Europe for copper.
- EPD International AB hosts 9 EPDs, but all from a single manufacturer. That is breadth in volume yet narrow in user diversity.
- Kiwa covers 6 EPDs across 3 manufacturers, suggesting cross‑brand adoption.
- EPD Hub lists 3 EPDs across 2 manufacturers, including the latest issue mentioned above.
- ift Rosenheim GmbH hosts 3 EPDs from 1 manufacturer.
Operator selection is often about fit. Consider verification style, timeline, language needs and how your competitors publish. A program operator familiar to your buyer’s country can speed reviews.
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The rulebooks: PCRs used in Europe for copper
The data points to a mix of EN 15804 based rule sets and operator core PCRs. Several entries were recorded as unknown in the public registry metadata, which happens and does not block use in projects.
| PCR name | EPDs | Latest expiry |
|---|---|---|
| Unknown PCR | 9 | Apr 16, 2030 |
| PCR 2019:14 Construction products (EN 15804+A2) | 5 | Dec 12, 2026 |
| PCR 2019:14 Construction products (EN 15804+A2) (1.3.3) | 3 | Sep 23, 2027 |
| EPD Hub Core PCR version 1.1, Dec 5, 2023 | 2 | Dec 4, 2030 |
| EPD Hub Core PCR version 1.0, Feb 1, 2022 | 1 | Nov 16, 2028 |
What this means for planning. If your competitors used PCR 2019:14 under EN 15804+A2, aligning with that rulebook keeps your results comparable. If they moved to an operator core PCR, check the declared modules and scenarios match your product’s use and end‑of‑life reality. A PCR is the rulebook of Monopoly. Ignore it and the game falls apart.
Release cadence in the last five years
The cadence shows a 2021 wave followed by steady annual output.
| Year | EPDs issued |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 8 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 4 |
If you want to stand out in 2026, a coordinated bundle release for copper pipes and fittings or copper sheet and strip would instantly lift your visibility in the registry.
Expiry radar to protect specability
Eight copper EPDs are due to expire in 2026, all around Dec 12. One more follows on Sep 23, 2027. Four expire in 2028 with specific dates between Jan 12 and Dec 14. Another four hit in 2029 between Jun 12 and Oct 17. The long tail extends into 2030 with four expiries, including two on Jul 31 and Dec 4.
The 2026 cluster is a renewal cliff. If your EPD lives on those EN 15804 A2 PCRs, you will want the refresh drafted and reviewed well ahead of Q4 to avoid any gap in listings. It is easier to keep a product in the spec set than to re‑enter once the EPD lapses.
How often teams use an EPD service provider
Fifteen of the 21 copper EPDs involved an external EPD consultant or service provider. That is roughly 71 percent. The signal is clear. Most teams choose expert help for modeling, data collection and verification, then publish with the operator that fits their market. If your internal bandwidth is limited, an EPD service provider like Parq can take the heavy lift while your engineers keep building product.
Picking a program operator for copper products
There is no single right answer. Choose based on three filters. First, your primary sales geographies and buyer familiarity with the operator’s mark. Second, the PCR and module coverage that best reflects your product and customer use. Third, verification throughput and communication style. You want predictable reviews and a clear feedback loop, not last‑minute surprises.
Notably absent manufacturers in Europe
To pressure‑test the market, we checked several large European copper players in the public registry as of Jan 21, 2026. Wieland, Halcor and Conex Bänninger did not appear with current product‑specific EPDs under those names or domains. KME appears with an expired EPD and no current one. If you compete with any of these brands, publishing in 2026 would create a visible edge in bids and distributor lineups. If any of these firms maintain EPDs under different subsidiaries or categories, we will gladly review that nuance with you.
Practical moves for 2026
- If you face the Dec 2026 renewal cliff, start the data pull now so your update is verified well before year end.
- If you are new to EPDs, begin with your highest revenue copper SKUs. Pipes and fittings often deliver the quickest spec wins.
- If you already publish, consider a second EPD covering a different plant or process route to reflect real production variance.
A final note and how to get the full dataset
This article is based on the global public registry of EPDs that most architects and specifiers use. Because of loading delays, some EPDs from the last half of 2025 might not be reflected yet. If you want the full up‑to‑date background dataset, connect with me on LinkedIn and send a message. I am happy to share the tables, compare PCR fit for your copper line, and hop on a quick call for free to map the best path. It is definately worth aligning your EPD plan with the competitive landscape before you start.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many valid copper EPDs exist in Europe right now?
21 valid EPDs issued in the last five years are visible in the public registry for copper in Europe, across 7 manufacturers and 4 program operators.
Which program operator is most used for copper EPDs in Europe?
EPD International AB appears most by volume with 9 EPDs, though these are from a single manufacturer. Kiwa has 6 across 3 manufacturers, EPD Hub 3 across 2, and ift Rosenheim GmbH 3 across 1.
What PCRs should a copper manufacturer consider in 2026?
Common choices in the dataset are PCR 2019:14 under EN 15804+A2 and EPD Hub’s Core PCRs. Pick based on competitor alignment, declared modules, and upcoming expiry dates.
When do most copper EPDs expire next?
Eight expire in 2026 around Dec 12, one in 2027 on Sep 23, four in 2028, four in 2029, and four in 2030. Plan renewals early to avoid gaps.
Do most copper EPDs use an external consultant?
Yes. About 71% of EPDs in this set involved an EPD service provider, which can reduce time and coordination burden for manufacturers.
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.
