EPDs for PDUs in Europe The data-based guide
Planning a PDU EPD in 2026? Here is the European landscape in one read. We map who is publishing, which rulebooks they use, where expiries cluster, and how to choose a path that wins specs without bogging your team down. “PDU” here also covers rack PDUs, panelboards, distribution boards, and power strips for IT racks.
What counts as a PDU here
In the public registry, “Power Distribution Units” collects products that move power from incoming supply to equipment. Think rack PDUs for data centers, panelboards and distribution boards in buildings, and similar assemblies. If your product routes, meters, or switches power inside a facility, it likely competes in this search space.
Snapshot of the past five years
The registry shows 10 current EPDs for PDUs in Europe over the last five years, issued by 5 manufacturers and published through 1 program operator. Momentum peaked recently and then paused, which matters for timing your own release.
EPDs issued per year
| Year | EPDs issued |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 0 |
Seven declarations in 2023 signal an activation moment. Two more appeared in 2024, then 2025 shows a quiet period, which can be a window to get noticed when buyers refresh specs.
Who is publishing EPDs for PDUs
Five manufacturers appear in the last five years. SOCOMEC leads with 6 EPDs. ABB S.p.A., Hager Group, Legrand, and Severfield plc each show 1 EPD. The pattern suggests one active multi‑SKU portfolio that set the competitive bar while several peers tested the waters with single references.
The latest EPD on record
The most recent addition is ABB Low‑Voltage Dry‑Type Distribution Transformers issued on Dec 1 2024 by ABB S.p.A. under Association P.E.P, expiring on Dec 1 2029. It references the PEP rulebook titled Product Category Rules for Electrical, Electronic and HVAC‑R Products. This confirms both the operator and the PCR that currently set the tone for PDU‑adjacent products.
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Program operators used in Europe for PDUs
Every single PDU EPD in this set was published with Association P.E.P. That concentration means two things. Buyers are used to the PEP Ecopassport format for electrotechnical products. Manufacturers planning a PDU EPD in Europe can safely shortlist PEP, while still keeping options open if another operator better fits their portfolio. Operator agnosticism is fine, yet market familiarity reduces friction at review time.
PCRs that govern PDU EPDs in 2026
A PCR is the rulebook of Monopoly: ignore it and the game falls apart. Over the past five years we see 2 PCRs used, with one clearly dominant in published counts. Teams aiming for quick comparability should match the common rulebook unless a product’s scope makes a different PCR the better fit.
PCR usage and timing
| PCR name | EPDs observed | Latest expiry seen |
|---|---|---|
| Product Category Rules for Electrical, Electronic and HVAC‑R Products (PEP) | 10 | Dec 1 2029 |
A second PCR appears in the period but did not surface prominently in issued counts. If your product is atypical, review the alternatives during scoping.
Upcoming expiries of current PDU EPDs
Expiry clustering shapes competitive breathing room and renewal loads. Here is what is on the horizon for PDU EPDs currently on the market.
- 2026: 0 expiring
- 2027: 1 expiring
- 2028: 7 expiring
- 2029: 2 expiring
- 2030: 0 expiring
The 2028 pile‑up is the standout. If you publish in 2026, your declaration will stay fresh while a wave of competitors refreshes in 2028, which can be a tactical advantage. Most program rules cap validity at five years, so planning back from your target renewal date avoids last‑minute scrambles (PEP Ecopassport General Instructions, 2024).
Did manufacturers use an EPD consultant
None of the PDU EPDs in the period list a third‑party developer or EPD consultant. That can mean in‑house projects or simply unreported development support. If your team is stretched, an EPD service provider like Parq takes on the heavy lifting of data collection, supplier follow‑ups, and modeling so your engineers dont become part‑time auditors.
What this means for specs and sales in 2026
Many tendering frameworks assign a penalty when a product lacks a verified, product‑specific EPD. Showing up with a PDU EPD removes that handicap and helps keep you in play on projects where embodied carbon targets are tracked. The cost and effort are often recovered with a single mid‑sized project win.
How to choose your path in 2026
Pick the PCR first, because it defines scope and comparability. Given the field, PEP’s electrotechnical PCR is the reference point most buyers recognize. Select a program operator your customers already meet in submittals. Assemble one clean reference year of data for the manufacturing site that owns the SKU. If you run a multi‑SKU PDU lineup, sequence the releases to land ahead of the 2028 expiry wave.
A quick, practical next step
If you want the full, up‑to‑date background dataset behind this article or a sanity check on which PCR best fits your PDU roadmap, connect with me on LinkedIn and send a short message. I am happy to hop on a quick call and share the current competitive snapshot and renewal timing logic, free.
This guide uses counts from the global public registry of EPDs that most architects and specifiers rely on. Due to normal loading delays, some declarations from the last half of 2025 may not be reflected yet. If you need the freshest view for a board pack or bid, message me and I will send the latest extract.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many current EPDs exist for PDUs in Europe over the last five years?
10, across 5 manufacturers.
Which program operator is most used for PDU EPDs in Europe?
Association P.E.P published all observed PDU EPDs in the last five years.
Which PCR dominates PDU EPDs in Europe and how long are they valid?
PEP’s Product Category Rules for Electrical, Electronic and HVAC‑R Products dominates. Most declarations are valid for up to five years under operator rules (PEP Ecopassport General Instructions, 2024).
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.
