MechoSystems: shades, fabrics, and where EPDs stand
Commercial shading is a specification knife‑fight. If a product lacks an Environmental Product Declaration, project teams often default to conservative carbon factors and move on to the next option. So how does MechoSystems (mechosystems.com) measure up across its broad portfolio of shades, controls, and fabrics?
Who they are and where they play
MechoSystems is a long‑time specialist in commercial solar shading. Think manual roller shades, motorized roller shades, automated daylighting controls, specialty geometries, and a deep bench of proprietary shadecloths. They sell into offices, healthcare, higher‑ed, hospitality, and civic projects where daylight control and glare management can make or break a space.
Product catalog at a glance
The range covers several product families rather than a single pure‑play line. Hardware spans manual clutches to networked motors and control electronics. Automation includes room‑level sensors up to building‑scale orchestration. Fabrics include PVC and non‑PVC collections in multiple openness factors and blackout options. Taken together, the SKU count lands in the hundreds once widths, colors, and control options are considered.
EPD coverage snapshot
Mecho’s EPD footprint is now broad for this category. Manual shade systems carry a product‑specific EPD valid into 2029 (EPD International, 2024) (EPD International, 2024). Their ElectroShade IQ2‑AC motorized shade mounting system also has a published EPD with validity to late 2029 (EPD International, 2024) (EPD International, 2024). On the materials side, Mecho shadecloth families number more than ten with current EPDs across PVC and non‑PVC groups, largely valid through mid‑2028. That puts Mecho in the rare position of covering both the fabric and the core shade system with verified disclosures.
Where the documentation still looks thin
We did not find EPDs for software or control components such as daylight sensors, processors, or wall stations. We also did not see EPDs for drapery systems or certain specialty assemblies. Those gaps matter when owners or LEED v5‑aligned specs ask for product‑specific EPDs across all visible packaged systems, not only the textile.
Why coverage depth wins specs
On projects that score carbon, a product‑specific EPD prevents conservative default factors from being applied, which reduces the penalty risk for specifers. When the shade system and the fabric both have EPDs, the assembly is easier to defend in submittals and substitutions. If controls or a companion system lack an EPD, that can become an avoidable friction point in design reviews.
Competitors Mecho sees most
Typical opponents on commercial bids include Hunter Douglas Architectural, Draper, Lutron shading, and Legrand Shading Systems. In practice, many rivals lean on fabric‑maker EPDs rather than system‑level ones. For example, Mermet publishes multi‑collection fabric EPDs valid to 2028 that appear in many specs (EPD International, 2023) (EPD International, 2023). European players also show system EPDs for roller blinds, signaling where the market is heading next on full‑assembly disclosures (EPD International, 2025).
A concrete opportunity
If a healthcare project mandates EPDs for every shading device in patient areas, a motorized roller shade plus fabric EPD is a strong start. Add EPDs for controls and any blackout drapery used in procedure rooms, and substitution pressure drops. Teams that publish these last pieces first often set the benchmark others are forced to follow.
What manufacturers can take from this
Two takeaways stand out. First, pursue system‑level EPDs, not just textiles. They unlock more of the spec and simplify embodied‑carbon accounting in design tools. Second, plan data collection for controls early. Bills of materials, electronics mass, and packaging data are straightforward to organize with white‑glove support, which keeps the timeline tight without pulling engineers off core work.
Bottom line for the Mecho read
MechoSystems now shows one of the most complete EPD stories in North American shading across fabrics plus both manual and motorized shade mounting systems. Closing the remaining gaps on controls and specialty lines would make that story hard to beat when LEED v5‑minded project teams set their shortlists.
Sources for dated facts in this article: Manual shade systems EPD validity and registration details (EPD International, 2024) (EPD International, 2024). Motorized ElectroShade IQ2‑AC EPD validity and registration details (EPD International, 2024) (EPD International, 2024). Mermet multi‑collection fabric EPD validity to 2028 (EPD International, 2023) (EPD International, 2023).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does MechoSystems publish an EPD for manual roller shade systems and how long is it valid?
Yes. Their manual shade systems have an EN 15804‑based EPD published in 2024 with validity into 2029 (EPD International, 2024).
Is there an EPD for Mecho’s motorized ElectroShade hardware?
Yes. The ElectroShade IQ2‑AC mounting system has an EN 15804‑based EPD first published December 2024 with validity to December 2029 (EPD International, 2024).
Do competitors offer system‑level EPDs or mostly fabric EPDs?
Most commonly fabric EPDs via textile suppliers. System‑level EPDs are emerging and still less common in North America, though examples exist in Europe and select brands (EPD International, 2025).
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.
