Congrats, Yoshimei’s first EPD is live
Fresh on the transparency scoreboard, Yoshimei has published its debut Environmental Product Declaration. For teams that specify timber, this is one of those small-looking moves that changes who gets short‑listed. Here is what launched, who it serves, and how the competitive math shifts.
What Yoshimei just published
Yoshimei released its first-ever EPD in July 2025 for glued laminated timber made from Japanese cypress (Hinoki), JAS‑certified and intended for structural beams and columns in residential building. The declaration is listed under the EPD Hub Core PCR v1.1 and verified by the program operator EPD Hub. Scope language indicates structural use across common sizes, which reads as a practical fit for framing and timber contractors.
Why it matters for specs
On projects that request product-specific EPDs, a supplier without one forces design teams to assume a penalty in their carbon accounting. Having a verified declaration removes that friction, keeps Yoshimei in the running, and shortens back‑and‑forth during submittals. This matters alot for timber bids.
Product category, at a glance
The debut covers glued laminated timber, the workhorse structural element beside CLT and LVL in mass timber packages. The description signals everyday applicability, not a boutique one‑off, which is exactly what specifiers hope to see when schedules are tight and substitutions are risky.
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Competitor check, as of January 2026
Two peers already publish current EPDs covering glulam or adjacent engineered wood. Kalesnikoff lists current EPDs for glulam and CLT. Stora Enso maintains a broad set across CLT, GLT, and LVL in Europe. On the other side, Structurlam shows no current EPDs in public listings right now. Net effect, Yoshimei has entered the transparency arena, catching up to established publishers and gaining visible advantage where some rivals still lag.
Program operator choice
The EPD sits with EPD Hub, a recognized operator that serves construction products across geographies. Operator choice affects format and where AEC teams expect to find documents, not the underlying life‑cycle math. For manufacturers building a portfolio, consistency of operator and PCRs makes portfolio maintenance faster over time.
Developer credits
No external LCA consultant is named on the public record for this listing. If a partner supported the work, adding that credit in a release note helps procurement teams route questions quickly.
Website visibility check
We did not find a dedicated EPD or sustainability page hosting the document on yoshimei.com during our review on January 21, 2026. Adding a simple “Environmental Declarations” page, with the PDF and a short summary per product, will increase discovery in pre‑bid searches and reduce email churn.
What this signals next
A first EPD is often the opening track, not the whole album. Teams that extend coverage to closely related products, for example additional glulam dimensions or companion elements in the same supply chain, see smoother spec inclusion across entire timber packages. Choose an LCA partner that quarterbacks data collection inside the plant and across suppliers so engineers and production can stay focused while the paperwork moves forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Yoshimei product is covered by their first EPD and how is it typically used?
Glued laminated timber made from Hinoki cypress, JAS‑certified, intended for structural beams and columns in residential construction.
Who is the EPD program operator for Yoshimei’s debut declaration?
EPD Hub, using the EPD Hub Core PCR v1.1, with a verified listing in their system.
Which competitors already have EPD coverage for glulam or adjacent engineered wood?
Kalesnikoff and Stora Enso maintain current EPDs across glulam and other mass timber products, while Structurlam shows no current EPDs as of January 2026.
Is a named LCA developer listed for Yoshimei’s EPD?
No external developer is named on the public listing. If a consultant supported it, adding that credit publicly helps specifiers route questions.
What should Yoshimei do next to maximize commercial ROI from this EPD?
Post the PDF and a plain‑English summary on their website, extend coverage to adjacent SKUs, and keep operator and PCR choices consistent for easier renewals and comparisons.
About the Author
Eric works at the intersection of sustainability, regulation, and business strategy, helping manufacturers navigate the evolving landscape of EPDs and LCAs. Having spoken with hundreds of teams across North America, brings a deep understanding of what drives ROI, what regulators are asking for, and how companies can stay ahead with smart, scalable approaches to environmental reporting.
