What Is a Product Category Rule (PCR)?
If an EPD is a finished movie, a Product Category Rule is the script. It tells every producer of a given product type how to collect data, model impacts, and format results so audiences can compare two films fairly. Skip the script and you get chaos that slows bids and confuses specifiers. Follow it and your EPD lands clean, credible, and ready for the shortlist.
PCR in plain English
A Product Category Rule is the rulebook that governs how to create an LCA and the resulting EPD for a defined product category. It sets requirements so results are comparable across manufacturers. PCRs sit under recognized standards that shape the whole process from definitions to disclosures (ISO 14025, 2006; ISO 21930, 2017; EN 15804+A2, 2019).
What a PCR actually fixes
PCRs specify the declared unit, the system boundary, the life cycle stages to include, allocation and cut-off rules, data quality needs, and the impact categories to report. For construction products this typically follows the A1 to A3 manufacturing modules with options to extend through use and end of life when relevant (EN 15804+A2, 2019). The effect is simple. Everyone plays by the same rules.
Why manufacturers should care
Specifiers trust apples to apples more than apples to marketing copy. A valid PCR makes your EPD comparable and defensible, which shortens clarifications and boosts confidence during submittals. Programs like LEED v4.1 award points for product EPDs, which often influences who makes the spec list on projects that track embodied carbon (USGBC LEED v4.1, 2023). Clear rules speed decisions.
Who writes and maintains PCRs
Program operators and industry groups develop PCRs under the ISO framework, then publish and maintain them. In the United States, manufacturers can publish EPDs through several qualified program operators, each offering modern workflows and broad market acceptance. Choose the operator that best fits your internal processes and customer requirements (ISO 14025, 2006).
How to tell if your PCR is the right one
Start with scope. Confirm that the PCR matches your product type and intended markets. Check the version and effective dates since PCRs are reviewed and updated periodically. Make sure the declared unit fits how your customers buy and install the product. Confirm that the impact categories and modules align with relevant standards and customer expectations in your segment (ISO 21930, 2017; EN 15804+A2, 2019). Often the simplest route is to use the PCR most common in your industry for that product type, specifiers already recognize it, so at helps you mov faster. We maintain market data on PCR adoption across many product types, and can pinpoint the option that will make it easiest for teams to specify your product.
From PCR to credible EPD without the drag
The heaviest lift is not the modeling. It is gathering, validating, and organizing data across plants, suppliers, and product variants, then keeping everything aligned with the PCR’s rules. Parq combines a purpose-built platform with a white-glove data team so technical staff can stay focused on product and operations while we handle the wrangling. We produce dependable LCAs, EPDs, and HPDs fast, then publish with the program operator you choose.
Ready to simplify your path
If you want to pressure test which PCR applies to your product line or how to structure data collection against it, connect with Eric. He is happy to talk through options that fit the realities of a manufacturing environment and the expectations of your specifiers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a PCR?
A Product Category Rule (PCR) is the rulebook that defines how to create Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for a specific product type. It ensures every manufacturer follows the same methodology so results are comparable.
Why do I need a PCR for my EPD?
Without a PCR, an EPD has no credibility. PCRs make sure your results are aligned with international standards and can be fairly compared to competitors’ products, which is critical for specifiers and green building programs like LEED.
Who develops PCRs?
PCRs are created and published by program operators in collaboration with industry groups, technical experts, and stakeholders. They are reviewed and updated periodically to stay aligned with evolving standards.
How do I know which PCR to use for my EPDs?
Check that the PCR matches your product type, intended market, and declared unit. Confirm that it is current (not expired) and covers the life cycle stages and impact categories your customers expect. Often the share of EPDs of similar products that use a particular PCR is also relevant to consider.
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.
