Nordic Structures: mass timber EPDs in focus
Nordic Structures builds with black spruce at industrial scale. If you design with CLT or glulam, they are often on the shortlist. Here is how their product range stacks up today on EPD coverage and where adding a few more declarations could unlock more specs.
Who they are
Nordic Structures is a Quebec‑based mass timber manufacturer best known for structural black spruce products. The company’s portfolio centers on two flagship lines that show up on North American projects frequently.
What they make
- Nordic X‑Lam CLT panels for walls, floors, and roofs.
- Nordic Lam glulam beams and columns for primary structure.
Beyond panels and beams, they also market engineered wood components and shop services such as CNC, prefabrication, and design‑assist. The day‑to‑day catalog spans dozens of panel thicknesses, layups, and glulam sizes rather than a handful of SKUs, which fits how mass timber is actually bought.
Current EPD coverage
As of December 20, 2025, Nordic has two current product‑specific EPDs that cover its core lines. One EPD is for Nordic X‑Lam CLT and one is for Nordic Lam glulam. Both are published with CSA Group as the program operator and list FPInnovations as the developer, with validity running to November 8, 2028. Historically they have published additional EPDs that are now expired, which signals experience with renewals rather than a one‑off.
Where gaps may remain
Two areas look light if your specs ask for comprehensive coverage across every component:
- Inputs and sub‑products. Nordic previously had an EPD covering softwood lumber used upstream that has since expired, and we did not find a current one replacing it. If a project team wants EPDs for primary products and key inputs, this can slow approvals.
- Other engineered components. If I‑joists or assembly‑level floor cassettes are offered under the Nordic EWP banner, a current product‑specific EPD did not surface. That is a common gap across the category, not unique to Nordic.
None of this prevents CLT and glulam from being specified. It just means some projects will ask more questions during submittals.
Competitive set on typical projects
On Canadian and US jobs, Nordic often competes with Kalesnikoff, SmartLam NA, Vaagen Timbers, and global suppliers like Stora Enso, KLH, and HASSLACHER. Several of these have current product‑specific EPDs for CLT and glulam visible in public registries, for example Kalesnikoff and Vaagen Timbers for both product families, and SmartLam NA for CLT. European groups such as Stora Enso and HASSLACHER also maintain current EPD lines across multiple engineered wood types. If a buyer’s shortlist requires EPD coverage to clear procurement, those alternatives can appear interchangeable at first glance.
Why EPDs matter commercially here
Mass timber is often competing with concrete and steel. On projects targeting carbon accounting or LEED v5‑ready specs, a product without a current EPD can be assigned a conservative default that inflates its footprint. That penalty pushes teams toward suppliers with verified declarations, even when performance and price are comparable. One missing EPD can stall a package review in precon, which nobody enjoys.
Fast wins for broader coverage
If the goal is to make Nordic “EPD‑complete” across everything a GC or engineer touches, prioritize in this order:
- Keep CLT and glulam renewals on a predictable cycle to avoid near‑term expiry cliffs.
- Add product‑specific EPDs for any high‑volume engineered components sold alongside panels and beams, especially I‑joists if they are in scope.
- Consider an assembly‑level declaration for a common floor build‑up if it is marketed as a standard system. When competitors bid the whole system, this helps apples‑to‑apples comparisons.
Pick the same PCR families competitors use so submittal reviewers see a familiar rulebook. A great LCA partner will validate PCR fit, shoulder the data collection from mills and finance, and publish with the program operator your team prefers. Done well, the heavy lifting stays off the plant and engineering teams, which is kind of the point.
Sustainability signals
Nordic has long positioned black spruce and northern forestry as part of its brand narrative. Teams that want more context can review the company’s sustainability content on its site, then align EPD messaging with those themes so the story reads as one thread. See their sustainability overview on nordic.ca.
The takeaway for specifiers and sellers
For core mass timber packages, Nordic is ready with CLT and glulam EPDs that stay valid through late 2028. The biggest upside now sits in rounding out declarations for any engineered companions commonly shipped with those packages. That move cuts friction in submittals and keeps Nordic in the room when projects insist on verified data. It is a simple play that can definately pay for itself with a single awarded job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which products from Nordic Structures have current EPDs as of December 20, 2025?
CLT panels under the Nordic X‑Lam line and glulam under the Nordic Lam line. Both are published with CSA Group and list FPInnovations as developer, with validity through November 8, 2028.
Are there likely gaps in Nordic’s EPD coverage today?
Yes. Upstream softwood lumber had an EPD that is now expired, and we did not find current product‑specific EPDs for other engineered components like I‑joists or assembly‑level cassettes if offered. CLT and glulam remain covered.
Who are Nordic’s common competitors in mass timber when EPDs are required?
Kalesnikoff, SmartLam NA, Vaagen Timbers, and global suppliers such as Stora Enso, KLH, and HASSLACHER. Several of these maintain current EPDs for CLT and glulam.
What should be prioritized next to strengthen specability?
Maintain renewals for CLT and glulam, add EPDs for high‑volume engineered companions like I‑joists, and consider an assembly‑level declaration for a standard floor system.
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.
