EPDs for Zinc in Europe: The ultimate data guide
Planning a zinc EPD in Europe and want the 2026 picture, not last decade’s rumor mill? Here is the full snapshot for rolled zinc, titanium zinc sheet and coil, preweathered zinc finishes, and upstream zinc used for galvanizing lines, built directly from current declarations.
Where the zinc EPD market stands in 2026
Europe’s zinc category is compact and active. We see 9 currently valid EPDs from 6 manufacturers supported by 2 program operators and 4 distinct PCRs. The latest issue landed on Jan 30, 2025 for “Preweathered rolled zinc, QUARTZ ZINC and ANTHRA ZINC, VMZINC” published via IBU with a validity to Jan 30, 2030.
If you make rolled or titanium zinc sheet, coil, or surface‑treated panels, this is a tight field where a single new EPD can shift the comparison set sales teams face.
Who is publishing
A few names carry most of the volume.
- NedZink B.V. leads with 3 EPDs.
- Befesa Zinc Aser shows 2 EPDs, pointing to recycling and secondary zinc transparency.
- Four additional manufacturers each hold 1 EPD: RHEINZINK GmbH & Co. KG, VM Building Solutions (VMZINC), SIGMA Coatings, and MINECO GROUP Gross d.o.o. PJ Srebrenica.
That spread means buyers do not see a single brand defining the baseline. There is room to stand out with a focused product‑specific declaration.
Which program operators zinc manufacturers choose
Two operators dominate, both well recognized by European specifiers.
- IBU hosts 6 EPDs across 4 manufacturers, which signals broad acceptance rather than a single‑client spike.
- EPD International AB hosts 3 EPDs across 2 manufacturers.
Either route fits mainstream expectations in the EU market. Both operators run on EN 15804 and ISO 14025 frameworks, and both set a five year validity for product EPDs, after which a review and update is required (EPD International GPI, 2024) (EPD International, 2024) and (IBU Program Rules, 2024) (IBU, 2024).
The PCRs shaping zinc EPDs
The rulebook you choose will guide system boundaries, modules, and comparability. Here is what is in force among current zinc EPDs in Europe.
| PCR name | EPDs in force | Latest expiry | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part B: Requirements on the EPD for Building Metals | 4 | Mar 22, 2027 | IBU guidance for metals, common in rolled and architectural zinc |
| PCR 2019:14 Construction products (EN 15804+A2) (1.3.3) | 1 | Apr 28, 2028 | Current EN 15804 A2 branch used at Environdec |
| PCR 2019:14 Construction products (EN 15804:A2) | 1 | Nov 16, 2026 | Older minor version still present |
| PCR 2019:14 Construction products (EN 15804:A2) (1.2.5) | 1 | Nov 16, 2026 | Same date as the parent entry, due together |
| Unknown PCR | 2 | Jan 30, 2030 | Recorded as unknown in the public registry but valid and visible to specifiers |
Two practical takeaways. First, IBU’s Part B for Building Metals is the common play for sheet and coil. Second, if you are selecting Environdec’s umbrella PCR 2019:14, use the most current minor version available at the time of verification to extend runway and comparability.
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Release cadence: issues per year
The category has been steady since 2021 with a small taper, which is normal as portfolios consolidate.
| Year | EPDs issued |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 |
A single new zinc declaration in 2025 still reset competitive talk tracks in bids. If your line includes preweathered finishes or titanium‑zinc alloys, one well scoped EPD can be the difference between being considered and being swapped out late in design.
Expiry risk to watch from 2026 to 2030
Renewals cluster in the near term, which creates an opening for new entrants and for quality upgrades.
- 2026: 4 EPDs expire. Two are under IBU’s Building Metals Part B on Jun 15, and two under EN 15804 A2 minor versions on Nov 16.
- 2027: 2 EPDs expire on Mar 22 under IBU’s Building Metals Part B.
- 2028: 1 EPD expires on Apr 28 under PCR 2019:14 A2 1.3.3.
- 2029: 1 EPD expires on Jan 2 recorded with Unknown PCR.
- 2030: 1 EPD expires on Jan 30 recorded with Unknown PCR.
Because EPDs have a five year validity under ISO 14025 program rules, teams should set internal timers about 12 to 18 months ahead of each date to collect fresh utility and production data without overtime stress (ISO 14025, 2010). If your declarations are tied to older minor PCR versions, a renewal is a good moment to align with the most current branch for cleaner benchmarking.
How often consultants are involved
7 of 9 zinc EPDs were developed with an external EPD service provider. That is 78 percent, a strong signal that teams prefer partners who can wrangle data, model in the right LCA software, and manage operator reviews. If you want a white‑glove path that keeps your R&D and plant teams focused on production, working with a dedicated partner like Parq is often the fastest move. It is not the cheapest route on paper, yet the time saved and the speed to specification usually outweighs the visible fee.
Picking your operator and PCR in practice
Think of the PCR as the Monopoly rulebook. Ignore it and the game falls apart. Most zinc EPDs in Europe choose either IBU with its Building Metals Part B or Environdec’s Construction Products PCR 2019:14 under EN 15804 A2. Match your closest competitors when your goal is comparability and easier evaluator reviews. If your product is unusual, for example a high recycled‑content secondary zinc input, a broader construction PCR can still be the right fit while you validate boundaries with the operator.
Zinc forms to prioritize
If you sell architectural titanium zinc sheet and coil, start there. Buyers feel pain fastest when a product rolls into cladding or a standing seam roof without a product‑specific EPD, since project teams face conservative default factors and sometimes a percentage penalty in embodied carbon accounting. With an EPD, your product enters apples‑to‑apples comparisons and is less likely to be swapped late due to carbon targets. That is the spec moat you actually want.
A quick spotlight on the newest entry
VM Building Solutions’ preweathered rolled zinc for QUARTZ ZINC and ANTHRA ZINC went live on Jan 30, 2025 at IBU and runs to Jan 30, 2030. For similar preweathered products, a declaration that profiles surface treatment steps in A1 to A3 and discloses coating inputs pays off in reviews because it addresses the exact questions consultants and assessors send by email.
Smart next steps in 2026
- Map your zinc portfolio against the table above and the expiry cluster in 2026 and 2027. Pick one hero product per line and lock a publication quarter now.
- Decide on operator first, then confirm PCR fit. If you plan Europe‑wide sales, IBU and Environdec both meet buyer expectations.
- Line up data early. A clean year of utilities, scrap rates, coil breakage, and transport modes makes verification smoother. Prospective EPDs are possible for new SKUs, yet they will need a refresh once a full year is on the books.
If speed matters, do not split ownership across too many internal hands. One empowered lead, plus an EPD consultant who can chase data and model end‑of‑life scenarios, is usually the difference between a Q2 publication and a Q4 scramble that collides with vacations. That is definately avoidable.
Data notes and how to get help
This guide uses the global public registry that most architects and specifiers consult. Due to loading delays, entries from the last half of 2025 may not all be visible yet. If you want the full, up‑to‑date dataset behind this article, or a quick read on the best‑fit PCR for your zinc EPD, connect with me on LinkedIn and send a note. Happy to share the data, answer questions, and hop on a short call at no cost so you can move with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are zinc EPDs valid in Europe and when should we start a renewal?
Program operators set a five year validity under ISO 14025. For expiries in 2026 and 2027, begin data collection 12 to 18 months prior to the date to avoid rush work (EPD International GPI, 2024) and (IBU Program Rules, 2024).
Which program operator is most common for zinc EPDs in Europe today?
IBU hosts 6 of the 9 active zinc EPDs across 4 manufacturers, while EPD International AB hosts 3 across 2 manufacturers. Both are widely accepted.
Which PCR should a rolled or titanium zinc product use?
Most current zinc EPDs use either IBU’s Part B for Building Metals or Environdec’s PCR 2019:14 under EN 15804 A2. Match your competitors for comparability, or use the newest minor version available to extend runway.
Do most zinc EPDs rely on an external consultant or service provider?
Yes. 7 of 9 active zinc EPDs were developed with an external partner, which aligns with the tendency to outsource data wrangling and verification management to specialists.
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.
