Paints EPD Program Operators in the US and Europe
If you make paints or coatings, picking a program operator can feel like choosing a streaming service before you know which show you want. The right choice shapes your rules, timelines, and how easily specifiers find your EPD. Here is a crisp field guide for the two markets most manufacturers ask about.
Start with the rulebook, then the logo on the cover
A Product Category Rule is the rulebook. For building products in Europe, EN 15804 A2 is the baseline most buyers expect. In North America, ISO 21930 and Part A or Part B PCRs used by major operators cover architectural, protective, and specialty coatings. If competitors’ EPDs cluster around one PCR family, using the same rulebook keeps your results comparable and avoids awkward apples to oranges comparisons.
United States: common operators for paints and coatings
Manufacturers most often publish with SmartEPD, UL Solutions, ASTM International, ICC-ES, or NSF. Each is a Type III program operator aligned with ISO 14025. Practical differences show up in two places. First, the PCR library available through the operator or via a recognized repository. UL, for example, lists Part B addenda covering coatings with organic binders and paints or varnishes tailored for North America. Second, the digital footprint. Specifiers search operator sites, product registries, and design tools, so confirm where your EPD will be hosted and syndicated.
Europe: the usual picks
Two operators stand out for construction products. IBU in Germany and The International EPD System in Sweden both publish EN 15804 A2 EPDs and are recognized widely across the EU. Regional options also exist, such as EPD Norge for the Nordics. In France, placing the EPD in the INIES database matters for RE2020 calculations, which makes local publication pathways relevant even when the EPD is created under a pan‑European operator.
Paints and coatings nuances to watch
Coatings span decorative to high‑build protective systems, so sub‑category PCRs can differ. You will see c‑PCRs for technical chemical products on the European side and North American addenda for coatings under some US programs. When in doubt, match the PCR used by the products your sales team faces most often. That keeps comparisons clean in bids and reduces back‑and‑forth with project LCAs.
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Verification and validity: hard numbers
EPDs published by IBU are valid for five years, after which an update is required ([IBU, 2025](https://ibu-epd.com/en/epd-creation/)). The International EPD System states the validity is normally five years subject to PCR rules and surveillance during the term ([EPD International, 2025](https://www.environdec.com/faq_backup)). If you are timing a launch around a PCR change, note that construction PCR 2019:14 version 1.3.4 reached its sunset on 20 June 2025 under ECO Platform rules ([EPD International, 2025](https://www-dev.environdec.com/news/epd-process-certification)).
Where your EPD will live
The PDF is only half the story. Ask where the machine‑readable dataset lands. In Europe, IBU provides IBU.data and many operators support ECO Platform uploads. In the US, check whether the operator syndicates to search portals that specifiers already use. Faster discovery means fewer hurdles when a project team is screening options.
Timelines and touchpoints
Verification queues expand during PCR transitions and major trade fairs. IBU publicly advised submitting months ahead of BAU 2025 to ensure on‑time publication. Treat these windows like tax season. Early, complete data packages get through review without drama.
A quick decision rubric for coatings teams
- Map your target geographies and rating systems, then select EN 15804 A2 in Europe and ISO 21930 in the US where applicable.
- Identify three competitor EPDs your sales team meets most often and note their PCR and operator. Aim to match for comparability.
- Confirm the operator’s digital publication channels and any mutual recognitions that extend reach without extra work.
- Ask for current review timelines and surveillance expectations so plant, R&D, and marketing can plan updates calmly.
The commercial lens
Choosing the operator that aligns with the rulebook your buyers already trust speeds due diligence on projects and shrinks the time your team spends answering avoidable RFI questions. That is the quiet ROI of a well placed EPD. Get the rulebook right, publish where your market looks first, and keep your update cadence predictable. It is definately the simpler path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do EPDs for paints and coatings in Europe have to follow EN 15804 A2 to be considered credible by specifiers?
Yes. For construction uses, EN 15804 A2 is the accepted baseline across EU markets, and operators such as IBU and EPD International publish to it.
How long are EPDs valid at major European operators?
Five years is typical at both IBU and The International EPD System, with surveillance rules during the term. Sources: IBU and EPD International, 2025.
Does matching a competitor’s PCR really matter?
It matters for comparability. Using the same PCR family reduces methodology differences that can otherwise obscure true performance gaps.
About the Author
John brings a clear, research-driven perspective on the EPD, LCA and HPD space and keeps a close pulse on environmental trends and standards in North America, helping clients understand where the industry is heading and how to get there.
